Description
Italian Sausage Soup
Ingredients
1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion (chopped)
2 carrots (sliced)
2 celery stalks (chopped)
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1 zucchini (diced)
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
6 cups chicken broth
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
2 cups rotini or other pasta
2 cups kale or spinach (chopped)
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil or Parmesan cheese (for garnish)
Directions
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Cook the sausage, breaking it into crumbles, until browned. Remove and set aside.
Add onion, carrots, celery, and garlic to the pot. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened.
Stir in crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a boil.
Add zucchini and browned sausage. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
Add pasta and cook until tender (about 10 minutes).
Stir in kale or spinach and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh basil or Parmesan cheese before serving.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 320 kcal per serving
#ItalianSausageSoup #ComfortFood #SoupSeason #FlavorPacked #HealthyMeals #EasyDinnerIdeas #OnePotMeals #FoodieFavorites
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for a foolproof soup. First, ensure all vegetables are prepped before heating your pot. Brown the sausage thoroughly for maximum flavor, then remove it, leaving about a tablespoon of fat to sauté your aromatic vegetables (onion, carrot, celery, garlic). This builds a flavor base. When adding the broth and tomatoes, scrape the bottom of the pot to incorporate any browned bits. Simmering before adding the pasta allows the vegetable flavors to meld. Add the pasta only for the time specified on its package to avoid mushiness. Finally, stir in the delicate greens just before serving so they wilt but retain texture and color.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty soup is a meal in itself but can be elevated with the right accompaniments. Serve it in deep bowls with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a ribbon of high-quality olive oil. For a complete meal, pair it with a side of crusty garlic bread or a simple arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. It also pairs wonderfully with a medium-bodied red wine like a Chianti.
How-to Summary
In summary, create this soup by: 1) Browning Italian sausage and setting aside. 2) Sautéing onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. 3) Adding tomatoes, broth, and herbs, then bringing to a boil. 4) Returning sausage, adding zucchini, and simmering. 5) Cooking pasta directly in the soup until al dente. 6) Finishing with kale or spinach until wilted. Season and garnish to serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this soup ahead of time? Yes, but omit the pasta. Cook it separately and add it to individual bowls when serving to prevent it from absorbing all the broth and becoming soggy. Store the soup for up to 3 days.
What’s the best substitute for kale? Spinach, Swiss chard, or escarole are excellent, quick-cooking alternatives. For a heartier green, use chopped collard greens and add them with the zucchini to extend their cooking time.
How can I make this soup less spicy? Use mild Italian sausage and omit the optional red pepper flakes. You can also add a teaspoon of sugar with the tomatoes to help balance acidity and any residual heat.
Is there a way to make this soup creamy? For a creamy version, stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk during the last 5 minutes of simmering after the pasta is cooked.
Can I use a different protein? Absolutely. Ground turkey, chicken sausage, or even plant-based crumbles work well. Adjust seasoning as needed, as these alternatives may be less flavorful than Italian sausage.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these pitfalls for the best results: Do not skip browning the sausage; this step is crucial for depth of flavor. Do not overcook the pasta within the soup, as it will continue to absorb liquid and become mushy upon standing. Do not add the delicate greens (spinach/kale) too early; they should be the final addition just before serving to maintain color and texture. Finally, do not forget to season in layers—season the sausage while browning and taste again at the end before serving.
Conclusion
This Italian Sausage Soup is the epitome of a satisfying, one-pot meal that delivers robust flavor with minimal fuss. Its versatility allows for easy customization based on dietary needs or pantry contents. By following the detailed guide and avoiding common mistakes, you can consistently create a restaurant-quality soup that is perfect for a cozy family dinner or for impressing guests. It’s a timeless recipe that proves comfort food can be both delicious and straightforward to prepare.