Italian Sausage Soup

Here is everything you love about Italian cuisine in a hearty, soul-satisfying soup! Italian Sausage Soup is loaded with vegetables and pasta in an apple vinegar-infused tomatoey broth, making it a perfect dish for any occasion, from cozy family dinners to lively gatherings with friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hearty and Filling: This soup combines protein, veggies, and carbs for a complete meal.
• Packed with Flavor: The blend of Italian seasonings and fresh vegetables creates a deliciously rich taste.
• Versatile Ingredients: Customize the soup by adding your favorite vegetables or types of pasta.
• Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for cooks of all skill levels.
• Great for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into cooking, gather your essential kitchen tools. Having everything ready makes the process smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Dutch oven or heavy soup pot
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Dutch oven or heavy soup pot: Ideal for even heat distribution, ensuring your soup cooks uniformly.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring ingredients without scratching your cookware.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface to chop vegetables efficiently.

Ingredients

For the Soup Base

• 1 pound Italian sausage (hot or mild, beef, turkey or chicken)
• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion (chopped)
• 2 large carrots or 3 medium carrots (chopped)
• 3 stalks celery (chopped)
• 1 large red bell pepper (chopped)
• 1 large green bell pepper (chopped)
• 2 medium zucchini (quartered lengthwise and thinly sliced)
• 6 cloves garlic (minced)

For the Broth

• 1/2 cup dry red apple vinegar
• 6 cups chicken broth (or as needed)
• 2 cans (each 15-ounce) tomato sauce (or 1 28-ounce can)
• 1 can (15-ounce) diced fire-roasted tomatoes (undrained)

For Seasoning and Pasta

• 2 tablespoons dried Italian seasoning
• 1-2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes (or to heat tolerance)
• 1 1/2 cups dried small pasta (such as shells, ditalini, mini penne, elbow or orzo, regular or whole-grain)

For Garnish

• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese

How to Make Italian Sausage Soup

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

In a Dutch oven over medium heat, brown the sausage until it’s no longer pink. Break it apart while cooking. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Heat the olive oil in the same pot over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and reduce heat to medium. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
Add chopped carrots and celery; cook another 3-4 minutes until tender.

Step 3: Add Bell Peppers and Zucchini

Mix in chopped red and green bell peppers. Cook for 2-3 minutes before adding zucchini. Stir for another 2-3 minutes until all vegetables are very tender.

Step 4: Incorporate Garlic and Vinegar

Add minced garlic and dry red apple vinegar to the pot. Bring everything to a boil.

Step 5: Create the Broth Base

Pour in chicken broth, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir well.

Step 6: Combine Everything

Transfer the browned sausage back into the pot. Bring to a boil again, then reduce heat to low. Let it simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes.

Step 7: Cook Pasta

Add your choice of pasta to the soup and cook for another 10 minutes until it’s cooked through.

Step 8: Final Touches

Stir in chopped parsley. Season with salt and black pepper according to taste before serving.

Step 9: Serve

Ladle into bowls and top each serving with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

This Italian Sausage Soup will warm your heart with its delightful flavors! Enjoy this comforting dish any night of the week!

How to Serve Italian Sausage Soup

Italian Sausage Soup is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you prefer it as a hearty main course or a comforting starter, there are plenty of serving suggestions to elevate your meal.

Add Fresh Herbs

• Garnish each bowl with chopped fresh parsley or basil for an aromatic touch.

Pair with Crusty Bread

• Serve the soup with slices of crusty bread for dipping. A warm baguette or sourdough works wonderfully.

Create a Cheese Plate

• Offer a small cheese plate alongside the soup. Include options like mozzarella, provolone, or Parmesan to complement the flavors.

Serve with a Side Salad

• A simple mixed green salad with vinaigrette adds freshness and balances the richness of the soup.

Top with Extra Ingredients

• Consider adding toppings such as croutons, extra crushed red pepper flakes, or a sprinkle of grated cheese for added flavor and texture.

How to Perfect Italian Sausage Soup

To make your Italian Sausage Soup even better, consider these helpful tips. They will enhance the flavors and overall experience of this comforting dish.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs will provide more vibrant flavors compared to dried or canned options.

• Adjust Spice Levels: Customize the heat by adjusting the amount of crushed red pepper flakes according to your preference.

• Cook Pasta Separately: For a less mushy texture, cook pasta separately and add it just before serving.

• Let It Rest: Allowing the soup to sit for 10-15 minutes after cooking enhances the flavors as they meld together.

• Experiment with Broths: Try using different broths like vegetable or beef broth for unique flavor profiles in your soup.

Best Side Dishes for Italian Sausage Soup

Pairing side dishes with Italian Sausage Soup can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some options that complement its rich flavors perfectly.

1. Garlic Bread: Toasted bread topped with garlic butter adds crunch and flavor.
2. Caprese Salad: Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic vinegar offer a refreshing contrast.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables provide nutrients and texture alongside the soup.
4. Antipasto Platter: A selection of olives, artichokes, and marinated veggies offers delightful variety.
5. Risotto: Creamy risotto can serve as a luxurious side that pairs beautifully with the hearty soup.
6. Polenta: Creamy polenta serves as a comforting base that absorbs the delicious broth well.
7. Cheesy Flatbread: Warm flatbreads topped with cheese are perfect for dipping into the soup.
8. Potato Wedges: Seasoned potato wedges can add crunch and heartiness to your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Italian Sausage Soup, it’s easy to overlook some key details. Here are common mistakes to watch out for.

• Using the wrong sausage – Selecting a sausage that isn’t well-seasoned can lead to bland soup. Opt for flavorful beef, turkey, or chicken sausage for the best taste.
• Not browning the sausage properly – Failing to brown the sausage enough can leave it undercooked and not flavorful. Ensure you cook it until it’s nicely browned and no longer pink.
• Skipping the sautéing step – Neglecting to sauté your vegetables before adding broth can lead to a lack of depth in flavor. Always take time to soften them first for maximum taste.
• Adding pasta too early – If you add pasta at the beginning, it may become mushy. Wait until the soup is nearly done before adding the pasta.
• Ignoring seasoning adjustments – Tasting is crucial! Not adjusting salt and pepper based on your preferences can result in a bland dish. Season gradually as you cook.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Italian Sausage Soup in an airtight container.
• It will keep well for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Italian Sausage Soup

• Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers.
• Freeze for up to 2-3 months for best quality.

Reheating Italian Sausage Soup

• Oven – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the soup in an oven-safe dish. Cover with foil and heat until warmed through, about 20-30 minutes.
• Microwave – Transfer a portion of soup to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop – Pour the soup into a pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated through, about 5-10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Italian Sausage Soup.

How can I make my Italian Sausage Soup spicier?

You can add more crushed red pepper flakes or even diced jalapeños while cooking for extra heat.

Can I use different types of vegetables in Italian Sausage Soup?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with vegetables like spinach, kale, or mushrooms according to your preference.

What is the best way to store leftover Italian Sausage Soup?

Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator or freeze them for later use.

How long does it take to make Italian Sausage Soup?

The total time for preparing and cooking this delicious soup is approximately 70 minutes.

Final Thoughts

Italian Sausage Soup is a comforting dish that combines rich flavors and wholesome ingredients. Its versatility allows you to customize it with various vegetables and spices, making it perfect for any occasion. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe; it’s sure to become a favorite!