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 family dinners, cozy gatherings, or meal prep for the week, this dish offers a wonderful blend of flavors that will warm your heart.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavorful and Hearty: The combination of sausage, fresh vegetables, and seasonings creates a rich and satisfying taste.
• Easily Customizable: Feel free to swap out or add your favorite vegetables or pasta shapes to make it your own.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This soup stores well and tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for lunches or quick dinners.
• Simple Ingredients: With easy-to-find ingredients, you can whip up this comforting soup without any hassle.
• Family-Friendly: Kids will love the tasty flavors and fun pasta shapes, making it a hit at the dinner table!

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable, having the right tools on hand is essential. Here’s what you’ll need to prepare this delicious Italian Sausage Soup.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Dutch oven or heavy soup pot: Ideal for slow-cooking soups, allowing flavors to meld beautifully while preventing burning.
• Sharp knife: Ensures precise chopping of vegetables, making prep work quick and efficient.

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)

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)

Garnish

• 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 softened.

Step 3: Add Carrots and Celery

Add the chopped carrots and celery. Continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes until they are tender.

Step 4: Incorporate Bell Peppers and Zucchini

Add the red and green peppers. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes before adding zucchini. Cook until all vegetables are very tender.

Step 5: Add Garlic and Vinegar

Stir in minced garlic along with dry red apple vinegar. Bring the mixture to a boil.

Step 6: Combine Broth and Tomatoes

Add chicken broth, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes to the pot.

Step 7: Bring Back Sausage

Transfer cooked sausage back into the pot. Bring everything to a boil again before reducing heat to low; cook uncovered for about 10 minutes.

Step 8: Cook Pasta

Add the dried pasta to the soup. Cook another 10 minutes until pasta is cooked through.

Step 9: Final Touches

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

Step 10: Serve

Ladle into bowls topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy your hearty Italian Sausage Soup!

How to Serve Italian Sausage Soup

Italian Sausage Soup is a hearty meal that warms the soul. It’s perfect for sharing with family and friends, and it can be easily complemented with various sides and garnishes.

Garnishes

• Fresh Parsley: Sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adding freshly grated Parmesan cheese enhances the soup’s richness.

Accompaniments

• Crusty Bread: Serve with a loaf of crusty bread for dipping and soaking up the delicious broth.
• Garlic Bread: Pair with garlic bread for an extra flavor punch that complements the soup.

Salad Options

• Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad adds a crunchy texture and a tangy dressing to balance the soup’s warmth.
• Mixed Greens: A simple mixed greens salad with a light vinaigrette offers freshness alongside the hearty soup.

How to Perfect Italian Sausage Soup

To elevate your Italian Sausage Soup, consider these helpful tips for optimal flavor and texture.

• Use High-Quality Sausage: Choose fresh, high-quality beef, turkey, or chicken sausage for the best flavor.
• Sauté Veggies Thoroughly: Cook vegetables until tender to ensure they blend well into the soup’s texture.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste as you go; adjust salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to match your heat preference.
• Cook Pasta Separately: For perfect al dente pasta, consider cooking it separately and adding it just before serving to avoid overcooking.
• Let It Rest: Allow the soup to sit for 10-15 minutes after cooking; this helps develop deeper flavors.

Best Side Dishes for Italian Sausage Soup

Pairing side dishes with your Italian Sausage Soup can enhance your meal experience. Here are some delicious options:

1. Garlic Bread: Toasted bread brushed with garlic butter is great for dipping in the soup.
2. Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil create a refreshing contrast to the warm soup.
3. Bruschetta: Topped with diced tomatoes and basil, bruschetta adds a light, zesty touch.
4. Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned roasted veggies provide a nutritious complement to the hearty soup.
5. Focaccia Bread: This soft bread is excellent for soaking up the savory broth.
6. Antipasto Platter: A selection of olives, artichokes, and cheeses offers variety alongside your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing Italian Sausage Soup, it’s easy to make some common mistakes that can affect the flavor and texture of your dish. Here are a few to watch out for:

• Skipping the browning step: Failing to brown the sausage properly can lead to a less flavorful broth. Make sure to cook it until it’s well-browned.

• Overcooking vegetables: Cooking vegetables for too long can result in mushy textures. Aim for tender yet firm vegetables by monitoring cooking times closely.

• Not seasoning enough: Under-seasoning can leave your soup bland. Taste as you go and adjust with salt, pepper, and other spices according to your preference.

• Using low-quality broth: The broth is the base of your soup, so using low-quality or overly salty broth can ruin the dish. Opt for a good-quality chicken broth for the best results.

• Adding pasta too early: If you add pasta too soon, it may become overly soft. Add it towards the end of cooking to maintain its texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezing Italian Sausage Soup

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. Leave space at the top of containers as liquid expands when frozen.

Reheating Italian Sausage Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes.
• Microwave: Place soup in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in intervals of 1 minute, stirring between until hot.
• Stovetop: Pour soup into a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through, about 10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Italian Sausage Soup that might help you get started:

What can I substitute for Italian sausage in this soup?

You can use ground turkey or chicken as a leaner option. Alternatively, consider plant-based sausage for a vegetarian version.

How can I make this Italian Sausage Soup spicier?

To increase the heat, add more crushed red pepper flakes or diced fresh chili peppers during cooking.

Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried Italian seasoning?

Yes! Fresh basil, oregano, or thyme can enhance flavor. Use about three times more fresh herbs than dried.

How long does it take to prepare Italian Sausage Soup?

The total time is about 70 minutes, including prep and cooking time.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! This soup tastes even better after resting for a day as flavors meld together.

Final Thoughts

Italian Sausage Soup is not only comforting but also versatile. You can customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or using different types of pasta. Whether enjoyed on its own or paired with bread, this hearty soup is sure to satisfy your cravings. Give it a try!