Description
Hearty, flavorful, and packed with comforting ingredients, this Italian Sausage Soup with Spinach and Pasta is perfect for chilly evenings. Savory Italian sausage, tender ditalini pasta, and a rich tomato-based broth come together for a one-pot meal that’s both nourishing and delicious. Quick to prepare and easy to customize, this soup is guaranteed to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
For the Soup Base:
- 1 pound mild Italian sausage
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1 cup sliced carrots
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 (15-ounce) can Italian tomatoes or diced tomatoes
- 32 ounces chicken broth
- 1 cup water
For the Pasta & Greens:
- 1 cup dry ditalini or macaroni noodles
- 1–2 cups chopped spinach
For Garnish:
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley or basil
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage:
- In a large pot, cook Italian sausage over medium heat until browned.
- Drain excess fat but keep some for flavor.
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- Add onion, celery, red bell pepper, and carrots to the pot.
- Cook for 3 minutes, then stir in garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Build the Broth:
- Pour in chicken broth, water, and canned tomatoes.
- Bring to a simmer, scraping up any flavorful bits from the bottom.
- Cook the Pasta:
- Turn heat to medium-high and add dry pasta.
- Cover and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.
- Add the Greens:
- Stir in the chopped spinach and let it wilt.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve & Enjoy:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and top with Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs.
- Serve with crusty bread or garlic toast for a complete meal.
Notes
- Make Ahead: Best when eaten fresh but can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezing Instructions: Freeze without the pasta for up to 2 months. Add fresh-cooked pasta when reheating.
- Gluten-Free Alternative: Use gluten-free pasta.
- Extra Protein: Add drained cannellini beans or shredded chicken.
- Spicy Kick: Use hot Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American