Name: Italian Sausage Soup with Spinach and Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or hot), casings removed; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 medium onion, diced; 2 carrots, diced; 2 celery ribs, diced; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 6 cups chicken broth; 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes; 1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional); 1 1/2 cups small pasta (such as ditalini or elbow); 4 cups fresh baby spinach; salt and black pepper to taste; grated Parmesan cheese for serving

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There are few things more comforting than a steaming bowl of Italian Sausage Soup with Spinach and Pasta. This soul-warming dish overflows with savory sausage, hearty veggies, tender pasta, and luscious greens, all bubbling together in a tomato-flecked, herb-scented broth. Every spoonful brings a delicious mix of textures and classic Italian flavors that make this soup a favorite for chilly nights, meal prep, or a cozy family dinner around the table.

Italian Sausage Soup with Spinach and Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things simple, yet every ingredient truly counts to build an irresistibly layered flavor profile. The medley of sausage, pasta, vegetables, and fresh spinach comes together easily, creating a vibrant soup you’ll crave again and again.

Italian sausage: Choose mild or hot, depending on your spice preference; the sausage brings bold, savory depth and a touch of richness.
Olive oil: A bit of olive oil helps brown the sausage and rounds out the flavor of the base.
Onion: Diced onion introduces an aromatic sweetness and is essential for any good soup.
Carrots: Carrots add natural sweetness and lovely color to every bite.
Celery: Diced celery delivers subtle crunch and earthy undertones.
Garlic: Fresh garlic brings the iconic Italian aroma and a gentle spice that lingers in the broth.
Chicken broth: Use a good-quality broth for the most flavorful base; it brings all the ingredients together.
Diced tomatoes: Canned tomatoes introduce bright acidity and extra body for a robust broth.
Cannellini beans: Creamy, protein-packed beans add heartiness and soak up the flavors of the soup.
Dried basil: Basil gives the soup a sweet, herby lift that perfectly complements the sausage.
Dried oregano: Oregano’s earthy punch deepens the Italian flavor profile.
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Add these if you love a little gentle heat in your soup.
Small pasta (ditalini or elbow): The pasta brings comfort and texture, making every spoonful filling and fun.
Fresh baby spinach: Stirred in at the end, spinach melts into the soup and delivers freshness and vibrant green color.
Salt and black pepper: Adjust seasoning to taste for a perfectly balanced bite.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Don’t skip this finishing touch—the nutty, salty Parmesan ties everything together beautifully.

How to Make Italian Sausage Soup with Spinach and Pasta

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Sauté until it’s nicely browned and fully cooked, usually about 6 to 8 minutes. If there’s a lot of excess grease, scoop some out to keep your soup from becoming oily.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies

Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the browned sausage in the pot. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant. This step builds a flavor-packed base and adds a gentle sweetness to the soup.

Step 3: Add the Garlic

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for just a minute longer. You’ll know it’s ready when your kitchen starts to smell downright irresistible! Keep an eye on the garlic, as it can burn quickly.

Step 4: Build the Broth

Pour in the chicken broth, then add the diced tomatoes (with juices), cannellini beans, dried basil, oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes (if you like a little kick). Give everything a good stir. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to let it simmer quietly for about 10 minutes. This time lets all those hearty, Italian flavors mingle.

Step 5: Cook the Pasta

Stir in your small pasta of choice—ditalini or elbows are perfect. Let the soup simmer gently as the pasta cooks, about 8 to 10 minutes. Stir every so often so the pasta doesn’t stick to the bottom and to check for doneness. You want it just tender, not mushy.

Step 6: Add Spinach and Finish

Add the fresh baby spinach and stir until it wilts, which usually takes just a minute or two. Taste and add salt and black pepper as needed. Your Italian Sausage Soup with Spinach and Pasta is ready to serve when everything is piping hot and deliciously mingled together.

How to Serve Italian Sausage Soup with Spinach and Pasta

Garnishes

The classic garnish for this soup is a generous shower of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. It melts just slightly into the hot soup, adding a salty richness that’s unbeatable. For added color and a little zing, sprinkle on some chopped fresh parsley or a pinch of extra red pepper flakes if you like extra heat.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs perfectly with slices of rustic Italian bread or garlicky breadsticks—just the thing for dunking into the flavorful broth. If you want to round out your meal, a crisp green salad or some roasted vegetables on the side will complement the Italian Sausage Soup with Spinach and Pasta beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions or a cozy dinner party, try serving the soup in individual mini cocottes or stoneware mugs. You can also hollow out small, crusty bread loaves and ladle the soup into these edible bowls for a fun twist. Don’t forget a sprinkle of Parmesan on top for that irresistible finishing touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Italian Sausage Soup with Spinach and Pasta keeps well in the refrigerator for up to four days. Store it in a tightly sealed container. Just be aware that the pasta will soak up more of the broth as it sits, making the soup a bit thicker the next day. To bring it back to its original consistency, add a splash of broth or water when reheating.

Freezing

If you plan to freeze the soup, it’s best to do so before adding the pasta and spinach. Pour the cooled base into freezer-safe containers, leaving some room for expansion. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw the soup, bring it back to a simmer, and add fresh pasta and spinach for the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave. If the soup has thickened, stir in a bit of extra chicken broth. Allow the soup to heat through until steaming, and taste for seasoning before serving. Top with a touch more Parmesan to revive it to its full glory.

FAQs

Can I use turkey sausage instead of pork sausage?

Absolutely! Turkey sausage is a wonderful, lighter alternative for Italian Sausage Soup with Spinach and Pasta. It will still infuse the soup with plenty of flavor and pairs perfectly with all the other ingredients.

What other greens can I use besides spinach?

You can substitute kale, Swiss chard, or even baby arugula in place of spinach. Just keep in mind that heartier greens like kale may need an extra few minutes to fully wilt and soften in the soup.

Which type Soup

Small shapes like ditalini, elbow macaroni, or small shells are ideal for this soup. They’re easy to eat with a spoon and fit right in with the other chunky ingredients in Italian Sausage Soup with Spinach and Pasta.

How do I make the soup creamier?

For a creamier texture, simply stir in about half a cup of heavy cream at the end of cooking. The richness will mellow the spices and bring extra body to every mouthful without overpowering those classic Italian flavors.

Can I make this soup gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just replace the regular pasta with your favorite gluten-free small pasta shape. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making Italian Sausage Soup with Spinach and Pasta an easy dish to adapt for everyone.

Final Thoughts

If you’re seeking an easy, comforting meal that’s positively bursting with flavor, you’ve got to try Italian Sausage Soup with Spinach and Pasta. It’s a true crowd-pleaser, perfect for weeknights or weekend gatherings, and it always hits the spot. Give it a try—you’ll want to make this heartwarming classic part of your regular recipe rotation!

Italian Sausage Soup with Spinach and Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 30 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Warm up with a comforting bowl of Italian Sausage Soup with Spinach and Pasta. This hearty soup is packed with flavorful Italian sausage, nutritious vegetables, tender pasta, and fresh spinach, all simmered together in a savory broth. It’s a satisfying meal that’s perfect for chilly days.

Ingredients

Scale

Italian Sausage Soup:

1 pound Italian sausage (mild or hot), casings removed
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
2 carrots, diced
2 celery ribs, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced

Soup Base:

6 cups chicken broth
1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
1 1/2 cups small pasta (such as ditalini or elbow)
4 cups fresh baby spinach
salt and black pepper to taste
grated Parmesan cheese for serving

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Instructions

Cook the Sausage: In a large pot, brown the Italian sausage in olive oil until fully cooked.
Sauté Vegetables: Add onion, carrots, and celery, cooking until softened. Stir in garlic.
Add Ingredients: Pour in broth, tomatoes, beans, herbs, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 10 minutes.
Cook Pasta: Stir in pasta and cook until tender.
Finish Soup: Add spinach, season with salt and pepper. Serve hot with Parmesan.