Print

Italian Sausage Soup

Italian Sausage Soup
Print Recipe

Italian Sausage Soup is a rich and hearty dish combining savory Italian sausage, fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, and tender cannellini beans to deliver a comforting bowl full of warmth, spice, and authentic Italian flavors. Perfect for any season, this soup is easy to prepare using simple pantry staples and fresh produce, making it a family-friendly, satisfying meal that adapts to various dietary needs and preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Sausage and Aromatics

  • 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casing removed)
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Vegetables

  • 1 bell pepper, chopped (red, yellow, or green)
  • 2 medium carrots, chopped
  • 2 stalks celery, chopped

Beans and Tomatoes

  • 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes

Liquids and Seasonings

  • 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning (oregano, basil, thyme mix)
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Finishing Touches

  • Fresh parsley or basil, chopped, for garnish
  • Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
  • Olive oil (optional, for drizzling)

Instructions

  1. Brown the Sausage: Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. This step creates the rich base flavor for the soup.
  2. Sauté Vegetables: Add chopped onion, garlic, carrots, celery, and bell peppers to the pot. Sauté the vegetables until softened and the aromatics are released, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Add Liquids and Beans: Pour in the diced tomatoes and broth. Stir in the cannellini beans, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Bring the mixture to a simmer to combine all the flavors.
  4. Simmer to Develop Flavor: Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer gently for 20-30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the vegetables to become tender.
  5. Finish with Fresh Herbs: Just before serving, stir in freshly chopped parsley or basil to add brightness and fresh herbal notes to the soup.

Notes

  • Use quality Italian sausage with good seasoning and fat content for best flavor.
  • Don’t skip the browning step to maximize richness in the soup.
  • Cook vegetables until tender but not mushy to maintain good texture.
  • Season the soup in layers, tasting and adjusting salt, pepper, or herbs as needed.
  • Add fresh herbs only at the end to keep their flavor vibrant and fresh.

Nutrition

Keywords: Italian Sausage Soup, Hearty Soup, Comfort Food, Gluten-Free Soup, Sausage and Bean Soup

Find it online: https://ninagourmet.com/italian-sausage-soup/