Sausage Soup Recipe
If you’re looking for a comforting bowl full of rich flavors and hearty ingredients, this Sausage Soup Recipe is an absolute winner. Packed with savory Italian sausage, tender vegetables, and creamy cannellini beans, every spoonful delivers a cozy warmth that’s perfect for any day you want something nourishing yet straightforward. This soup perfectly balances bold seasoning and fresh greens, making it your go-to recipe when craving a satisfying, soul-warming meal that feels like a big, delicious hug.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Sausage Soup Recipe lies in its simplicity and the way each ingredient brings something special to the pot, creating layers of taste, texture, and color. From the spicy or mild Italian sausage that forms the flavor backbone to the fresh greens that add brightness at the end, every element has a purpose.
- Italian sausage (1 pound, casings removed): Choose mild or spicy depending on your heat preference; this sausage adds a rich, meaty flavor base.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): A splash for sautéing that adds smoothness and helps caramelize ingredients beautifully.
- Small onion, diced: Brings sweetness and depth when cooked down with garlic.
- Garlic cloves (2, minced): Essential for that aromatic boost that wakes up the senses instantly.
- Carrots (3, peeled and sliced): Adds a subtle sweetness and vibrant color to the soup.
- Celery stalks (2, sliced): Offers a mild, crisp flavor that balances the richness of the sausage.
- Diced tomatoes (1 can, 14.5 oz with juices): Provides acidity and a hearty tomato base for the broth.
- Chicken broth (4 cups): Creates a savory, comforting liquid that pulls all flavors together.
- Cannellini beans (1 can, 15 oz, drained and rinsed): Adds creaminess and fiber, making the soup filling and nutritious.
- Dried oregano (1 teaspoon): Infuses subtle Mediterranean herbal notes.
- Dried basil (1/2 teaspoon): Complements oregano with its sweet, aromatic flavor.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Vital for enhancing and balancing all the flavors.
- Chopped fresh spinach or kale (2 cups): Adds freshness, color, and a boost of nutrients at the end.
- Optional grated Parmesan for serving: Provides a salty, nutty finish that elevates each spoonful.
How to Make Sausage Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Begin by heating olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sausage, breaking it up with your spoon, and cook until it is nicely browned and fully cooked through. This step is crucial because it builds the rich, meaty foundation that the rest of the soup leans on for flavor.
Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic
Once the sausage is browned, stir in the diced onion and minced garlic. Let them cook together for about 2-3 minutes until you smell that wonderful, fragrant aroma filling your kitchen. These aromatics add a fragrant layer that makes the soup inviting and comforting.
Step 3: Add Carrots and Celery
Next, toss in the sliced carrots and celery. Let them cook with the sausage and aromatics for approximately 3-4 minutes. This step softens the vegetables slightly while maintaining some bite, contributing a pleasing texture contrast.
Step 4: Pour in Tomatoes, Broth, and Beans
Stir in the diced tomatoes with their juices, chicken broth, and rinsed cannellini beans. Add oregano, basil, salt, and pepper to season the soup. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to let it simmer uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes. This simmering melds the flavors and tenderizes the vegetables perfectly.
Step 5: Wilt the Greens
In the final few minutes of cooking, stir in the fresh spinach or kale. Let the greens wilt gently into the hot soup, brightening the flavor and adding a nutritious punch. Give the soup a taste and adjust seasoning if needed before serving.
How to Serve Sausage Soup Recipe
Garnishes
This soup truly shines with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan on top. It adds a salty, umami-rich layer that complements the spicy sausage beautifully. For a dash of freshness, a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil is also fantastic.
Side Dishes
Pair your bowl of sausage soup with crusty bread or warm garlic bread for dipping, which perfectly soaks up every last bit of the luscious broth. A crisp green salad on the side can add some lightness and balance to this hearty meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, serve the Sausage Soup Recipe in individual bread bowls that you hollow out, making the entire dish edible and extra fun. Alternatively, garnish each serving with a drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a dollop of sour cream for a creamy twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This soup keeps beautifully for up to four days in the refrigerator. Transfer leftovers to an airtight container to preserve freshness and let the flavors continue to meld. It’s a perfect make-ahead meal to enjoy for quick lunches or dinners during the week.
Freezing
If you want to save the soup for longer, it freezes well for up to three months. Be sure to cool it completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags. Keep in mind that fresh greens freeze less well, so consider adding spinach or kale fresh when reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If the soup thickens too much after storage, add a splash of broth or water to reach your desired consistency. Be sure to add fresh greens if you omitted them before freezing for that bright pop of flavor.
FAQs
Can I use turkey sausage instead of Italian sausage?
Absolutely! Turkey sausage is a great leaner alternative that still delivers plenty of flavor. Just be mindful that the taste will be a bit milder, so you might want to adjust your herbs or seasoning accordingly.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, this Sausage Soup Recipe is gluten-free as long as you check your chicken broth and sausage labels to ensure they don’t contain any hidden gluten ingredients. It’s a wonderful option for those with gluten sensitivities.
Can I make this soup spicy?
Definitely! Using spicy Italian sausage will give you that warm kick, and you can even add a pinch of red chili flakes or cayenne pepper to amp up the heat to your liking.
What’s the best way to thicken the soup?
If you prefer a thicker texture, gently mash some of the cannellini beans with a fork or potato masher before adding them. This adds creaminess without any extra ingredients.
Can I substitute other greens for spinach or kale?
Yes, you can swap in other hearty greens like Swiss chard or collard greens if desired. Just add them near the end of cooking so they don’t overcook and lose their vibrant color and nutrients.
Final Thoughts
This Sausage Soup Recipe has quickly become one of my favorite go-to dishes whenever I want something both wholesome and bursting with flavor. It’s easy to make, adaptable to your tastes, and so comforting on a chilly day or anytime you crave a little warmth in a bowl. I absolutely encourage you to give it a try—you’ll love how it fills your home with inviting aromas and your belly with delicious satisfaction.
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Sausage Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This hearty Sausage Soup combines flavorful Italian sausage with wholesome vegetables, cannellini beans, and fresh greens simmered in a savory broth. Perfect for a comforting meal, this soup is easy to prepare on the stovetop and can be customized with spicy or leaner sausage options.
Ingredients
Sausage and Aromatics
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Vegetables
- 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 2 cups chopped fresh spinach or kale
Liquids and Canned Goods
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juices
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Brown the sausage: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and fully cooked.
- Sauté aromatics: Add diced onion and minced garlic to the pot with the sausage. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until fragrant and softened.
- Add vegetables: Stir in the sliced carrots and celery, cooking for 3-4 minutes to start softening them.
- Combine liquids and seasonings: Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices, chicken broth, and cannellini beans. Sprinkle in dried oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
- Simmer the soup: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
- Add greens: Stir in the chopped spinach or kale during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, allowing them to wilt gently.
- Final seasoning and serve: Taste the soup and adjust salt and pepper as desired. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan if using.
Notes
- For a thicker soup, mash some of the cannellini beans before adding them.
- Use spicy Italian sausage for extra heat or substitute turkey sausage for a leaner alternative.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Ensure chicken broth and sausage are gluten-free if you have dietary restrictions.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Italian
