Italian Sausage Soup: Hearty and Comforting

Last Updated on October 29, 2025 by Barbara

Italian Sausage Soup has all the components that I look for in a one pot dish. Soups are my go to meals when I want something easy to make and need to get dinner on the table quickly. This Italian sausage soup recipe is one I have been making for years and it never disappoints. If you’re looking for a simple, reliable and delicious soup that the whole family will love, this is it.

If you love soup like I do try my chicken noodle soup recipe too!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love this Italian Sausage Soup because it is hearty, healthy, and rich with flavor.

• One-pot meal: Everything cooks in one pot, making cleanup a breeze.
• Healthy meal: Protein from sausage and beans, fiber-packed vegetables, and pasta for comfort.
• Perfect for meal prep: This is a great recipe to prepare a day ahead.
• Customizable: Easily change the pasta, add extra veggies, or kick up the spice by using hot Italian sausage.
• Family-friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

Below is a list of what makes this Italian Sausage Soup flavorful and satisfying. Each ingredient adds its own special touch.

• Italian Sausage: Use mild or hot sausage depending on your preference. It infuses the soup with rich, savory depth.
• Ditalini Pasta: Small, tube-shaped pasta that’s classic for Italian soups. It holds the broth beautifully and adds heartiness.
• Spinach: Adds a pop of green and boosts nutrition with vitamins A and C.
• Carrots: Bring natural sweetness and color to balance the savory sausage.
• Zucchini: Tender and mild, zucchini adds texture and a light freshness.
• Onion: The base for flavor, adding subtle sweetness as it cooks with sausage.
• Garlic: Enhances every bite with aromatic, earthy depth.
• Stewed Tomatoes: Bring acidity, sweetness, and body to the broth.
• White Beans: Add creaminess, protein, and a subtle nutty flavor that makes the soup more filling.
• Beef Broth: The foundation that ties everything together, creating a rich, flavorful base.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Simple seasonings that let the other ingredients shine.

Variations to Try

• Creamy Version: Stir in ½ cup of heavy cream or a splash of half-and-half for a richer texture.
• Tomato-forward Version: Add a tablespoon of tomato paste for deeper tomato flavor.
• Herb-infused: Add Italian seasoning or a bay leaf while simmering.
• Low-Carb Option: Replace pasta with cauliflower florets or zucchini noodles.
• Extra Veggies: Add bell peppers, celery, or mushrooms to make it even more nutritious.

Equipment Needed

You won’t need much to make this simple one-pot meal:

• Large Soup Pot or Dutch Oven – Ideal for browning sausage and simmering the soup evenly.
• Large Spoon or Spatula – For stirring and breaking up sausage as it cooks.
• Chef’s Knife & Cutting Board – To prep your vegetables and garlic.
• Measuring Cups & Spoons – To ensure balance between pasta, broth, and veggies.
• Ladle – For serving your finished soup.

Video Tutorial for Hearty Italian Sausage Soup

Instructions (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

In a large pot or Dutch oven, add your Italian sausage along with the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook over medium heat for about 7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sausage is browned and crumbly. The aroma will start to fill your kitchen!

Step 2: Build the Base

Once the sausage is cooked, pour in the beef broth and stewed tomatoes (including their juices). Stir to combine, then add carrots, zucchini, salt, and black pepper.
These vegetables will simmer gently in the flavorful broth, soaking up all that sausage goodness.

Step 3: Simmer the Soup

Bring the soup to a light simmer, then cover the pot and cook for 15 minutes. This allows the vegetables to soften and the flavors to develop beautifully.

Step 4: Add the Final Ingredients

After 15 minutes, add the white beans, ditalini pasta, and spinach. Stir everything together and cook uncovered for another 10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.
The spinach will wilt perfectly, adding color and nutrients.

Step 5: Taste and Adjust

Taste the soup and adjust seasoning if needed. Add a little more salt or pepper to balance the flavors to your liking.

Step 6: Serve Hot

Ladle into bowls and serve hot. You can top it with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil for an extra Italian touch.

Serving Instructions

Serve this Italian Sausage Soup hot with your favorite side or as a stand alone meal. Here are a few serving ideas:

• With Bread or Crackers: Pair with crusty Italian bread, garlic toast or crackers.
• With Salad: A fresh green salad complements the richness of the soup.
• Toppings: Sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan, crushed red pepper, or a drizzle of olive oil for extra flavor.
• Family Style: Serve straight from the pot at the table — it’s cozy and inviting.

What to Do with Leftovers

Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it into airtight containers.

• Storage in the fridge: Keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Reheating: Warm gently over medium heat on the stovetop or in the microwave until hot.
  If the soup thickens while chilling, add a splash of broth or water when reheating.
• Storage in the freezer: Use freezer-safe containers and store in individual portions or a large airtight container. Label with the date and store up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm on the stove over medium heat.

FAQ

Tips for Perfect Italian Sausage Soup

• Brown thoroughly: Letting your sausage brown well adds caramelized flavor that deepens the soup.
• Don’t overcook the pasta: It should be tender but not mushy.
• Use fresh spinach: It wilts beautifully and keeps its bright green color.
• Balance the salt: The sausage and broth already contain sodium — taste before adding more.
• Double the batch: This soup freezes so well that you’ll thank yourself later for making extra.

Nutritional Benefits

This soup is a great example of a balanced comfort food:

• High in protein: From the Italian sausage and beans.
• Rich in fiber: Thanks to vegetables, beans, and pasta.
• Packed with vitamins: Spinach provides iron and vitamin K; carrots offer beta-carotene.
• Low waste: It’s perfect for using leftover veggies in your fridge.

Final Thoughts

This Italian Sausage Soup captures everything I love about homemade comfort food. It is full of rich flavors, healthy ingredients, and heartwarming aromas. It’s a versatile dish that works for a weekend family dinners or meal prep for busy weeks. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or add your own twist to this soup, your family will love it come back for seconds.