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. This dish is perfect for family dinners, cozy gatherings, or meal prep for the week. Its rich flavors and nourishing ingredients will warm your heart and fill your belly.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavorful and Hearty: Packed with vibrant vegetables and savory sausage, this soup offers a comforting experience with every spoonful.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, anyone can whip up this delicious dish in no time.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can easily customize the vegetables or pasta to suit your preferences or what you have on hand.
• Meal Prep Friendly: This soup stores well, making it great for leftovers or freezing for later use.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Serve it at gatherings, and watch everyone go back for seconds!

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools to ensure a smooth cooking experience.

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: This pot retains heat well, helping to develop deep flavors while allowing ample space for all the ingredients.
• Sharp knife: Ensures efficient chopping of vegetables, making preparation quicker and safer.

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Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients to create your Italian Sausage Soup:

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 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

In a Dutch oven over medium heat, brown the sausage until it is no longer pink. Break it apart as it cooks. Once done, drain on a paper towel-lined plate and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

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

Step 3: Add More Vegetables

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

Step 4: Incorporate Peppers and Zucchini

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

Step 5: Add Garlic and Vinegar

Mix in minced garlic along with dry red apple vinegar. Bring this mixture to a boil.

Step 6: Combine Broth and Sauces

Pour in chicken broth along with tomato sauce, diced fire-roasted tomatoes, dried Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes.

Step 7: Bring Back the Sausage

Return the browned sausage to the pot. Bring everything back to a boil before reducing heat to low. Let simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes.

Step 8: Cook Pasta

Add dried small pasta into the soup. Cook for another 10 minutes until pasta is fully cooked through.

Step 9: Final Touches

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

Step 10: Serve

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

Enjoy your delicious Italian Sausage Soup!

How to Serve Italian Sausage Soup

Italian Sausage Soup is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you want a simple meal or something a bit more special, here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience.

With Crusty Bread

• A warm, crusty bread is perfect for dipping into the soup. Try a baguette or ciabatta for added texture.

Accompanied by a Salad

• A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the heartiness of the soup. Consider using mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers.

Topped with Fresh Herbs

• Adding freshly chopped herbs like basil or parsley enhances the flavor and adds a pop of color to each bowl.

Garnished with Cheese

• A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top adds richness and depth. It melts slightly into the hot soup for extra creaminess.

Served with Pasta

• For an extra filling meal, serve the soup alongside a small portion of cooked pasta, such as spaghetti or fettuccine.

With Grilled Vegetables

• Grilled vegetables can be a delicious side that complements the flavors of the soup, adding extra nutrients and flavors.

How to Perfect Italian Sausage Soup

To achieve the best results when making Italian Sausage Soup, consider these helpful tips.

• Use quality ingredients: Opt for fresh vegetables and high-quality sausage for deeper flavors.
• Adjust seasoning: Taste as you go; adjust salt and pepper based on preference to enhance overall taste.
• Let it simmer: Allowing the soup to simmer longer helps meld the flavors together beautifully.
• Cook pasta separately: For a thicker broth, consider cooking pasta separately and adding it just before serving.
• Store properly: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
• Freeze for later: This soup freezes well! Divide into portions and freeze for easy meals later.

Best Side Dishes for Italian Sausage Soup

Pairing side dishes with Italian Sausage Soup can enhance your meal. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Garlic Bread
   Perfect for soaking up that delicious broth; simply spread butter and minced garlic on slices before toasting.

2. Caprese Salad
   A light salad made with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar complements the soup nicely.

3. Roasted Asparagus
   Lightly seasoned asparagus roasted until tender adds a crisp contrast to the warm soup.

4. Bruschetta
   Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes, garlic, basil, and olive oil offers a bright flavor that pairs well with the soup.

5. Stuffed Peppers
   Bell peppers filled with rice and veggies create a hearty side that matches the Italian theme.

6. Antipasto Platter
   A selection of olives, marinated artichokes, and cheeses provides variety and can be enjoyed as an appetizer before the main course.

7. Grilled Polenta
   Slices of grilled polenta topped with herbs can add a unique texture and flavor profile to your meal.

8. Mixed Green Salad
   A simple salad with mixed greens dressed lightly keeps things fresh and balances out the richness of the soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing Italian Sausage Soup, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to ensure your soup turns out perfectly every time.

• Skipping the browning step: Failing to brown the sausage can result in a lack of depth in flavor. Always take the time to brown it well before adding other ingredients.
• Overcooking the vegetables: Cooking veggies for too long can make them mushy. Aim for tender but still slightly crisp vegetables for the best texture.
• Not seasoning properly: Under-seasoning can leave your soup bland. Taste as you go and adjust with salt and pepper to enhance flavors.
• Using low-quality broth: The broth is a key component of Italian Sausage Soup. Use a high-quality chicken broth or homemade stock for optimal taste.
• Not letting it simmer enough: Quick cooking won’t develop full flavors. Allow your soup to simmer so the ingredients meld beautifully.
• Neglecting fresh herbs: Fresh herbs elevate the dish but are often overlooked. Always add fresh parsley or basil right before serving for a burst of freshness.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Italian Sausage Soup

• Allow the soup to cool completely before freezing.
• Use freezer-safe containers or bags, and it can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Italian Sausage Soup

• Oven: Pour into an oven-safe pot, cover, and reheat at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in intervals, stirring in between until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

What is Italian Sausage Soup?

Italian Sausage Soup is a hearty dish made with sausage, vegetables, and pasta in a flavorful broth, perfect for chilly days.

Can I use different types of pasta?

Yes! You can substitute any small pasta like shells or ditalini according to your preference.

How spicy is Italian Sausage Soup?

The spice level depends on the type of sausage used. Hot sausage adds more heat, while mild offers a gentler flavor.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Substitute sausage with plant-based alternatives and use vegetable broth for a delicious vegetarian version.

Final Thoughts

This Italian Sausage Soup is not only comforting but also versatile. You can customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the spice level. Give it a try; it’s sure to become a family favorite!