Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Hearty and Filling: With sausage, veggies, and pasta, this soup is a complete meal in a bowl.
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One-Pot Wonder: Simple to prepare with minimal cleanup.
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Customizable: You can adjust the spiciness, swap spinach for other greens, or add more vegetables.
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Perfect for Any Season: Ideal for colder months or anytime you crave a comforting, flavorful soup.
Ingredients
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1 lb mild Italian sausage (or spicy if you prefer heat)
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1 onion, chopped
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1 red bell pepper, chopped
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2 celery stalks, chopped
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2 medium carrots, sliced
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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4 cups chicken broth
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1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (preferably Italian tomatoes)
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2 cups water
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1 ½ cups dry ditalini pasta (or any small pasta)
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4 cups fresh spinach, chopped
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Italian seasoning (optional)
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Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
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Fresh herbs (optional, such as parsley or basil)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
1. Cook the Sausage:
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In a large pot, cook the sausage over medium heat, breaking it up into smaller pieces. Drain any excess grease.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
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Add the chopped onion, celery, bell pepper, and carrots to the pot with the sausage. Cook for 3 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
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Add the garlic and seasoning, and cook for an additional minute.
3. Add Broth and Tomatoes:
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Stir in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and water. Scrape up any bits from the bottom of the pot to incorporate all the flavors.
4. Cook the Pasta:
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Bring the soup to a simmer and stir in the pasta. Cover with a lid and cook for 10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.
5. Add Spinach and Finish:
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Stir in the chopped spinach and cook until wilted. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning as needed.
6. Serve:
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Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs.
Servings and Timing
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Total Time: 30 minutes
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Preparation Time: 10 minutes
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Cooking Time: 20 minutes
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Servings: 6-8 servings
Variations
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Add Beans: For extra fiber, add a can of drained cannellini beans.
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Make it Spicy: Use spicy Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes to increase the heat.
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Swap Greens: Use kale or swiss chard instead of spinach for a different flavor and texture.
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Slow Cooker Option: Cook the sausage first, then add all ingredients except spinach to the slow cooker. Cook on high for 3-4 hours, adding spinach during the last 15 minutes.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
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Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop and add extra broth if the soup thickens too much in the fridge.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of pork sausage?
Yes, ground turkey works well as a leaner alternative.
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes, any small pasta such as elbow macaroni or shells will work in this soup.
Can I freeze this soup?
It’s best to freeze the soup before adding the pasta. Add the pasta when reheating.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, fresh tomatoes can be used if you prefer, but they might need to be cooked down a bit longer.
How can I make this soup spicier?
Add more red pepper flakes or use spicy sausage for an extra kick.
Conclusion
Italian Sausage Soup with Spinach and Pasta is a comforting, flavorful dish that combines all the heartiness of Italian sausage, vegetables, and pasta in a rich, savory broth. Whether you enjoy it on a cold evening or need a simple meal in under 30 minutes, this soup is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
Print
Italian Sausage Soup with Spinach and Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
Description
Italian Sausage Soup with Spinach and Pasta is a hearty, flavorful meal made with Italian sausage, vegetables, pasta, and fresh spinach. Ready in just 30 minutes, this one-pot soup is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. Enjoy it with crusty bread and Parmesan for a complete, comforting meal.
Ingredients
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
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)
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, cook the sausage over medium heat, breaking it up into smaller pieces. Drain any excess grease.
Sauté the Vegetables:
Add the chopped onion, celery, bell pepper, and carrots to the pot with the sausage. Cook for 3 minutes, until the vegetables begin to soften. Add the garlic and seasoning, cooking for another minute.
Add Broth and Tomatoes:
Stir in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and water. Scrape any bits off the bottom of the pot to incorporate the flavors.
Cook the Pasta:
Bring the soup to a simmer and stir in the pasta. Cover and cook for about 10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.
Add Spinach and Finish:
Stir in the chopped spinach and cook until it wilts. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning.
Serve:
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs.
Notes
Add Beans: For extra fiber, add a can of drained cannellini beans.
Make it Spicy: Use spicy Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes for more heat.
Swap Greens: Try using kale or swiss chard instead of spinach for a different flavor and texture.
Slow Cooker Option: Brown the sausage first, then add all ingredients except spinach to the slow cooker. Cook on high for 3-4 hours, adding spinach during the last 15 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup, Comfort Food
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
