Italian Sausage Soup with Spinach and Pasta Recipe
If you’re looking for a soul-warming, flavor-packed meal that feels like a big, comforting hug, this Italian Sausage Soup with Spinach and Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need. It brings together savory Italian sausage, tender pasta, fresh spinach, and vibrant veggies all simmered in a rich broth, creating a dish that’s as hearty as it is delicious. Whether you’re craving something cozy on a chilly evening or simply want an easy weeknight dinner that impresses, this soup hits every mark with its perfect blend of textures and flavors.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, quality ingredients is the secret to making your Italian Sausage Soup with Spinach and Pasta Recipe truly shine. Each component enhances the soup’s character, from the savory punch of Italian sausage to the bright freshness of spinach and the delightful bite of pasta.
- 1 lb mild Italian sausage: Provides a juicy, flavorful base that infuses the soup with rich meaty notes.
- 1 onion, chopped: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the soup’s broth.
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped: Brings vibrant color and a mild, sweet crunch.
- 2 celery stalks, chopped: Delivers an earthy, fresh flavor that balances the richness.
- 2 medium carrots, sliced: Contribute sweetness and a lovely texture contrast.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Packs an aromatic punch that intensifies the savory notes.
- 4 cups chicken broth: Forms the flavorful, comforting liquid base of the soup.
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes: Adds tangy brightness and a hint of acidity to balance the dish.
- 2 cups water: Used to adjust consistency and ensure the pasta cooks perfectly.
- 1 ½ cups dry ditalini pasta: Small pasta that holds onto the broth for a delicious bite every spoonful.
- 4 cups fresh spinach, chopped: Adds freshness, vibrant green color, and a nutrient boost.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning to your personal preference.
- Italian seasoning (optional): Layers in traditional Mediterranean herbs for extra depth.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Serves as a salty, cheesy garnish that rounds out the flavors.
- Fresh herbs such as parsley or basil (optional): Provide a fragrant, garden-fresh finish when sprinkled on top.
How to Make Italian Sausage Soup with Spinach and Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Sausage
Begin by heating a large pot over medium heat. Add the mild Italian sausage and break it apart with a wooden spoon or spatula as it cooks. Your goal here is to brown the sausage, letting its fats render and flavors develop. Once cooked through, drain any excess grease to keep the soup from becoming greasy but retain all that amazing sausage flavor.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Next, toss in the chopped onion, celery, red bell pepper, and carrots right into the pot with the sausage. Cook them together for about 3 minutes until the veggies soften slightly and start releasing their natural sweetness. Then add your minced garlic and sprinkle in some salt, pepper, and optional Italian seasoning. Stir for another minute until the garlic is fragrant but not burned—this step builds the aromatic foundation of the soup.
Step 3: Add Broth and Tomatoes
Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes along with 2 cups of water to thin the mixture slightly. Use your spoon to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot—those little bits are flavor gold. Bring everything to a simmer to meld all the ingredients together, creating a rich and flavorful soup base.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
Once your soup is gently simmering, stir in the dry ditalini pasta. Cover the pot and let it cook for about 10 minutes or until the pasta is tender but still with a little bite. This step is crucial as the pasta soaks up the savory broth, making every spoonful hearty and satisfying.
Step 5: Add Spinach and Finish
Finally, stir in the chopped fresh spinach. It will wilt quickly, adding a burst of green and a fresh texture contrast. Taste your soup to see if it needs any more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning, adjusting as needed to balance all the flavors perfectly. Your Italian Sausage Soup with Spinach and Pasta Recipe is now ready to be enjoyed!
Step 6: Serve
Ladle the soup into warm bowls and sprinkle generously with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and optional fresh herbs like parsley or basil. This finishing touch perfectly complements the rustic flavors and vibrant ingredients in each comforting bowl.
How to Serve Italian Sausage Soup with Spinach and Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds a mouthwatering salty richness that melts into the hot soup. Fresh herbs such as basil or parsley brighten the dish with their lively aroma and color, making each bowl look as good as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs beautifully with a crusty Italian bread or garlic breadsticks to soak up every last drop of broth. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is also a great option to keep the meal balanced and fresh without feeling heavy.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving this soup in individual bread bowls for an impressive presentation that doubles as an edible dish. You can also top each bowl with a drizzle of good quality olive oil or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you like a touch of heat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Italian Sausage Soup with Spinach and Pasta Recipe keeps wonderfully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store in an airtight container to preserve freshness and flavor. Because of the pasta, it’s best enjoyed sooner rather than later to avoid it becoming too soft.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freeze the soup before adding the spinach and pasta. Both can be added fresh when reheating to maintain the best texture. Properly stored in freezer-safe containers, it can last up to 3 months for quick and comforting meals any time.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the soup gently on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add fresh spinach and cooked pasta during reheating to keep their vibrant color and texture intact. Avoid microwaving without stirring, as pasta can become unevenly heated and mushy.
FAQs
Can I use spicy Italian sausage instead of mild?
Absolutely! Using spicy Italian sausage adds a delightful kick to the soup, giving it a bit more heat and boldness. Just adjust the amount of other seasonings to balance the spice to your taste.
What kind of pasta works best in this soup?
Small pasta shapes like ditalini, elbow macaroni, or small shells are perfect because they cook quickly and hold onto the broth well. Larger pasta or long noodles might become too soft or not evenly distributed.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute the Italian sausage with a plant-based sausage alternative or use hearty mushrooms seasoned well for a meaty texture. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep it vegetarian.
How do I prevent the pasta from getting mushy?
Cooking the pasta directly in the soup helps it absorb flavor but can lead to mushiness if left too long. To avoid this, cook the pasta separately and add it to individual bowls when serving or add it at the very end and eat promptly.
Is it okay to use frozen spinach?
While fresh spinach provides the best texture and color, frozen spinach can be used in a pinch. Just thaw and squeeze out excess water before adding it to the soup at the end of cooking.
Final Thoughts
This Italian Sausage Soup with Spinach and Pasta Recipe is a genuine crowd-pleaser that marries comfort and wholesome ingredients in one irresistible bowl. It’s simple to make yet packed with layers of flavor that will have you coming back for seconds and thirds. Give this recipe a try soon—you might just find your new go-to soup for any occasion!
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Italian Sausage Soup with Spinach and Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This hearty Italian Sausage Soup with Spinach and Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for a quick weeknight meal. Packed with mild Italian sausage, fresh vegetables, tender ditalini pasta, and vibrant spinach, it’s a balanced soup that combines protein, veggies, and carbs in one pot. The savory broth enriched with diced tomatoes and chicken stock, finished with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs, delivers an authentic Italian taste in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb mild Italian sausage (or spicy for extra heat)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids and Pantry
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (preferably Italian tomatoes)
- 2 cups water
- 1 ½ cups dry ditalini pasta (or any small pasta)
Greens and Seasonings
- 4 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Italian seasoning (optional)
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
- Fresh herbs (optional, such as parsley or basil)
Instructions
- Cook the Sausage: In a large pot over medium heat, crumble and cook the Italian sausage until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess grease to keep the soup from becoming too oily.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion, celery, red bell pepper, and carrots to the pot with the sausage. Cook for about 3 minutes until the vegetables start to soften. Then stir in the minced garlic and Italian seasoning if using, cooking for an additional minute to release the garlic’s aroma.
- Add Broth and Tomatoes: Pour in the chicken broth, canned diced tomatoes with their juices, and water. Scrape the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits, which adds depth of flavor to the soup.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring the soup to a gentle simmer, then stir in the ditalini pasta. Cover the pot and cook for about 10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender but not mushy, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add Spinach and Finish: Stir in the chopped fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or extra Italian seasoning as preferred.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and optional fresh herbs such as parsley or basil for a burst of freshness.
Notes
- Use spicy Italian sausage if you prefer a bit of heat in your soup.
- Substitute ditalini with any small pasta like elbow macaroni or small shells.
- For gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta.
- Fresh herbs complement the Parmesan cheese well and add additional flavor.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; pasta may soak up broth, so add extra broth or water when reheating.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
