Description
This cozy Italian Sausage Soup is packed with flavorful Italian sausage, tender vegetables, and small pasta, all simmered in a savory chicken broth. Topped with fresh spinach and Parmesan, it’s perfect for a hearty weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
- 3 large carrots, peeled and diced
- 1 medium onion, peeled and diced
- 2 ribs celery, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt (adjust to taste)
- 7 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 ½ cups Ditali pasta or other small pasta
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the Sausage and Vegetables: In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, add the crumbled Italian sausage (remove casings if present), diced carrots, onion, celery, and bell pepper. Cook and stir for about 5 minutes, or until the sausage is browned and onions are translucent.
2️⃣ Add Seasonings and Garlic: Stir in the Italian seasoning, minced garlic, and salt, and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
3️⃣ Add the Broth: Pour in the chicken broth, making sure to scrape the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits for extra flavor.
4️⃣ Simmer: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to medium, cover, and cook for 10 minutes, or until the vegetables are nearly tender.
5️⃣ Cook the Pasta: Stir in the pasta and cook, stirring often, for about 10 minutes or until the pasta reaches the desired tenderness.
6️⃣ Add Spinach and Serve: Stir in the fresh chopped spinach and cook for another minute, just until the spinach wilts. Ladle into bowls, sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan, and serve warm.
Notes
- Variations: Add a can of diced tomatoes for a slightly tangy flavor.
- Make it creamy: Add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half in the last step for a creamier soup.
- Storage: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. The pasta may absorb some broth, so add extra broth when reheating if needed.