If you’re searching for a cozy, soul-warming meal that’s as inviting as it is satisfying, look no further than Sausage Soup. This hearty classic is brimming with savory Italian sausage, tender beans, nutrient-packed greens, and a medley of fresh veggies, all simmered together in a rich, flavorful broth. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just craving a simple comfort dish on a chilly evening, Sausage Soup is bound to become your new go-to favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Sausage Soup recipe calls for a line-up of simple yet essential ingredients. Each one brings its own special something — from color and crunch to hearty flavor and nutrition — making every spoonful absolutely irresistible.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps develop the base flavors as veggies and sausage sauté together.
- Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed: The star protein, adding bold, aromatic spices and a savory bite.
- Onion, diced: Lends sweetness and depth that infuse into the broth.
- Garlic, minced: Brings bright, pungent flavor that wakes up the entire soup.
- Carrots, sliced: Add vibrant color, subtle sweetness, and a wonderfully soft texture once cooked.
- Celery, sliced: Balances the heartiness with delicate crunch and classic soup flavor.
- Diced tomatoes with juice (14.5 oz can): Provides acidity and a rich tomato base that melds beautifully with sausage.
- Chicken broth: The savory liquid that ties everything together and builds flavor.
- White beans (such as cannellini), drained and rinsed: Offer creamy texture and extra protein, making the soup even more filling.
- Chopped kale or spinach: Adds a pop of green and boosts nutrition with tender, leafy goodness.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that enhance the classic Italian essence throughout your Sausage Soup.
- Salt & black pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the flavors of every ingredient.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For a gentle kick of heat that complements the sausage.
- Grated Parmesan cheese & chopped parsley: Perfect finishing touches for a burst of freshness and savory richness before serving.
How to Make Sausage Soup
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by heating the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. You want the sausage to get nicely browned and thoroughly cooked, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes. This step is key because releasing the fat and seasonings from the sausage forms the delicious foundation of the Sausage Soup. Don’t forget to drain off a little excess grease if there’s too much.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Next, toss in the diced onion, minced garlic, carrots, and celery. Give everything a good stir so that the veggies can soak up all those tasty sausage bits. Sauté for about 5 minutes, letting the vegetables soften and the aromas fill your kitchen — trust me, you’ll want to inhale deeply at this point!
Step 3: Build the Broth
Now it’s time to pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juice), chicken broth, and the drained white beans. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you love a little lingering heat. Bring your pot up to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer. Let all those flavors meld together for about 15 minutes.
Step 4: Add the Greens
When your soup has simmered and the veggies are tender, stir in the chopped kale or spinach. Simmer for another 5 minutes until the greens wilt and become perfectly tender. This step brightens the color and nutritional profile of your Sausage Soup.
Step 5: Taste and Serve
Give your soup a final taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Ladle it into bowls while it’s piping hot, then shower each serving with grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of chopped parsley for a restaurant-worthy finish. Time to dig in and savor every bite!
How to Serve Sausage Soup
Garnishes
No bowl of Sausage Soup is complete without a flurry of grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Both add a burst of flavor and a touch of color — and don’t be shy; these tasty toppers make each spoonful extra special. For a little more flair, you could also drizzle a bit of extra olive oil or add homemade croutons.
Side Dishes
This soup is hearty on its own, but some crusty bread for dunking or a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette will round out your meal beautifully. If you’re planning a bigger spread, consider serving your Sausage Soup with roasted vegetables or a fresh antipasto platter for an Italian-inspired feast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve Sausage Soup in bread bowls for a crowd-pleasing main course. You can also portion it into small mugs for a cozy appetizer at your next gathering. Feeling gourmet? Finish each bowl with a drizzle of herb-infused olive oil or fresh cracked pepper for a restaurant-style touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Sausage Soup stores like a dream. Simply cool it to room temperature, transfer to airtight containers, and refrigerate for up to four days. The flavors actually deepen over time, so leftovers taste just as fabulous (if not better) the next day.
Freezing
This soup is freezer-friendly, making it perfect for meal prep. Once cooled, ladle the Sausage Soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little space for expansion. Freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for a quick, easy meal.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm your desired amount in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot. You can also reheat in the microwave in a covered bowl. If the soup has thickened, just add a splash of broth or water to loosen it to your preferred consistency.
FAQs
Can I use turkey or chicken sausage for this Sausage Soup?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap in your favorite turkey or chicken sausage. Both taste fantastic, and lighter sausages will still deliver all the hearty flavor you love while keeping the dish a bit leaner.
Is this recipe gluten free?
Yes, as long as you’re careful to use a gluten-free sausage and double-check that your broth is also gluten free, this Sausage Soup is perfect for a gluten-free diet. Always read ingredient labels if you have dietary restrictions.
Can I make Sausage Soup vegetarian?
You sure can! Substitute your favorite plant-based sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The white beans and greens will keep it hearty, flavorful, and comforting — no meat required.
What’s the best way to add creaminess?
For a creamy Sausage Soup, stir in about half a cup of heavy cream right before serving. This makes the broth silky and luscious, adding even more comfort to every bowl. You can also try coconut milk or a dairy-free alternative for a different twist.
Can I prep this soup ahead of time for a party?
Definitely! Sausage Soup is a fantastic make-ahead dish. Cook it a day before, chill it overnight, and gently reheat before your guests arrive. Do wait to add the fresh parsley and Parmesan until the very last minute for the best flavor and appearance.
Final Thoughts
If you’re longing for something that’s equal parts nourishing, hearty, and irresistibly flavorful, don’t hesitate to whip up a big pot of Sausage Soup. With its easy prep and crowd-pleasing appeal, this recipe promises plenty of cozy, satisfying moments — one spoonful at a time. Give it a try, and I bet it’ll become a regular staple in your kitchen too!
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Sausage Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A hearty and comforting sausage soup with Italian flavors, packed with veggies, beans, and savory sausage, perfect for a cozy meal on a chilly day.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes with juice
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 (15-ounce) can white beans (such as cannellini), drained and rinsed
- 1 1/2 cups chopped kale or spinach
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add sausage and cook until browned.
- Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery, sauté until softened.
- Stir in tomatoes, broth, and beans. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Bring to a boil, then simmer for 15 minutes.
- Stir in kale or spinach and simmer for another 5 minutes.
- Adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, garnished with Parmesan and parsley.
Notes
- For a creamy version, stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream before serving.
- This soup also works well with turkey sausage or plant-based sausage alternatives.
- Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 840mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
