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. Perfect for cozy nights or gatherings, this dish brings warmth and flavor to any occasion, making it a standout choice in your recipe collection.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hearty and Filling: This soup is packed with protein from the sausage and plenty of vegetables, making it a satisfying meal.
• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps, you can whip up a delicious pot of Italian Sausage Soup in just over an hour.
• Versatile Ingredients: Use whatever vegetables you have on hand or adjust the spices to your taste for a personalized dish.
• Great for Meal Prep: This soup stores well in the fridge or freezer, making it perfect for planned meals throughout the week.
• Family-Friendly: The rich flavors appeal to both kids and adults, ensuring everyone will enjoy this comforting bowl of goodness.

Tools and Preparation

To create this delicious Italian Sausage Soup, having the right tools will make your cooking experience smoother. Here are some essential tools to gather before you start.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Dutch oven or heavy soup pot
• Chopping board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Dutch oven or heavy soup pot: Provides even heating and is perfect for browning sausage and simmering soups.
• Chopping board: Keeps your workspace organized while preparing fresh vegetables safely.
• Sharp knife: Ensures precise cuts on vegetables, making preparation easier and quicker.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements lead to perfectly balanced flavors in your soup.

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)

Seasonings

• 2 tablespoons dried Italian seasoning
• 1-2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes (or to heat tolerance)

For Serving

• 1 1/2 cups dried small pasta (such as shells, ditalini, mini penne, elbow or orzo, regular or whole-grain)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese

How to Make Italian Sausage Soup

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Brown the sausage in a Dutch oven over medium heat until browned and no longer pink. Break it apart as it cooks. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

Heat the olive oil in the Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the onion and reduce heat to medium. Cook for 3-4 minutes until it begins to soften.

Step 3: Add More Veggies

Add the chopped carrots and celery. Continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes until they become tender. Then add the red and green peppers; cook for an additional 2-3 minutes before adding zucchini. Cook until all vegetables are very tender.

Step 4: Incorporate Flavors

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

Step 5: Create the Broth

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

Step 6: Combine Everything

Transfer the cooked sausage back into the pot. Bring back to a boil then reduce heat to low. Let it cook uncovered for about 10 minutes.

Step 7: Add Pasta

Add dried pasta to the soup and cook for another 10 minutes or until pasta is fully cooked through.

Step 8: Finish with Freshness

Stir in chopped parsley and season with salt and black pepper according to taste.

Step 9: Serve Hot

Ladle into bowls topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese before serving.

Now you have a warm bowl of Italian Sausage Soup ready to enjoy! Perfect for sharing with family or savoring on your own during chilly days.

How to Serve Italian Sausage Soup

Italian Sausage Soup is a comforting dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you want it as a main course or part of a larger meal, there are several serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Parsley: Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and flavor.
• Basil Leaves: Add fresh basil for an aromatic touch.

Pair with Bread

• Crusty Baguette: Serve slices of crusty baguette to soak up the delicious broth.
• Garlic Bread: Offer warm garlic bread for a flavorful side that complements the soup.

Add a Splash of Cream

• Heavy Cream Drizzle: For a richer texture, drizzle heavy cream over the soup before serving.
• Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream can add creaminess and tanginess to each bowl.

Serve with Cheese

• Grated Parmesan: Top each serving with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for added umami flavor.
• Mozzarella Slices: Melt mozzarella on top for a gooey finish that kids will love.

Include Salad

• Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad can add crunch and freshness alongside the soup.
• Garden Salad: A simple garden salad provides lightness and balance to the hearty soup.

How to Perfect Italian Sausage Soup

To make your Italian Sausage Soup even better, consider these tips. They will help elevate the flavors and overall experience of this delicious dish.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs significantly enhance the taste of your soup.
• Brown the Sausage Well: Ensure the sausage is well-browned for deeper flavors in your broth.
• Adjust Seasoning Wisely: Taste as you go and adjust salt, pepper, and spices to suit your preference.
• Let It Simmer Longer: Allowing the soup to simmer for an extra 10-15 minutes enhances the flavor development.
• Choose Quality Broth: Use high-quality chicken broth; it serves as the base for your soup’s flavor profile.

Best Side Dishes for Italian Sausage Soup

Serving Italian Sausage Soup with complementary side dishes can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options:

1. Garlic Knots: Soft and buttery garlic knots are perfect for dipping in the soup.
2. Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze provide a refreshing contrast.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables offer additional nutrients and pair beautifully with the soup.
4. Stuffed Peppers: Stuffed bell peppers filled with rice and herbs make for a hearty side option.
5. Polenta Cakes: Crispy polenta cakes add texture and complement the rich flavors of the soup.
6. Antipasto Platter: A colorful platter of olives, cheeses, and cured meats (substituting non-pork options) creates an appealing appetizer before the main course.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing Italian Sausage Soup, it’s easy to make a few common errors. Here are some tips to help you avoid them.

• Using the wrong type of sausage: Selecting a low-quality or overly fatty sausage can affect the flavor and texture of your soup. Choose high-quality beef, turkey, or chicken sausage for the best results.
• Overcooking the vegetables: Cooking vegetables for too long can lead to mushiness. Aim to keep them tender yet crisp by following the timing in the recipe closely.
• Neglecting seasoning adjustments: Different brands of broth and tomatoes can vary in saltiness. Always taste your soup before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed.
• Not letting it simmer long enough: Rushing the simmering process can prevent flavors from fully developing. Allow the soup to simmer for at least 10 minutes after adding all ingredients to enhance its taste.
• Skipping fresh herbs: Fresh parsley adds brightness and flavor to your dish. Don’t skip this step; add it just before serving for the best flavor impact.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Italian Sausage Soup

• You can freeze Italian Sausage Soup for longer storage.
• Use freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top for expansion.
• The soup should be consumed within 3 months for optimal taste.

Reheating Italian Sausage Soup

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the soup to an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Heat for about 20-30 minutes or until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place soup in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover loosely and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Pour soup into a saucepan and heat over medium-low, stirring occasionally until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making Italian Sausage Soup.

What is Italian Sausage Soup?

Italian Sausage Soup is a hearty dish featuring flavorful sausage, vegetables, pasta, and a rich tomato-based broth.

Can I use different types of pasta?

You can absolutely customize your pasta choice! Small pasta shapes like shells or ditalini work best, but feel free to use what you have on hand.

How do I make this soup spicier?

To add more heat, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add diced jalapeños during cooking.

Can I make Italian Sausage Soup ahead of time?

Yes! This soup actually tastes better when made ahead as flavors meld together. Just store it properly in the fridge or freezer.

Final Thoughts

Italian Sausage Soup is a versatile dish that embodies everything you love about Italian cuisine. It’s packed with vegetables and hearty sausage, making it perfect for any meal. Feel free to customize it with your favorite veggies or pasta choices! Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a family favorite.