Italian Sausage Soup

Here is everything you love about Italian cuisine in a hearty, soul-satisfying soup! Italian Sausage Soup is loaded with vegetables and pasta in an apple vinegar-infused tomatoey broth. This dish is perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or cozy nights in.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hearty and Filling: Packed with protein and vegetables, this soup will keep you satisfied.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps and accessible ingredients, even beginners can whip up this delicious dish.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can easily substitute ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand.
• Great for Meal Prep: This soup stores well in the fridge or freezer, making it a perfect option for busy weeknights.
• Flavorful Broth: The combination of apple vinegar and spices creates a rich and savory base that enhances every bite.

Tools and Preparation

To make Italian Sausage Soup, having the right tools can streamline your cooking process. Here are some essential items you’ll need.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Dutch oven or heavy soup pot
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Chopping board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Dutch oven or heavy soup pot: Ideal for even heat distribution, perfect for browning sausage and simmering the soup.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring without scratching your cookware, ensuring all ingredients blend well.
• Sharp knife: Makes chopping vegetables quick and easy, saving you prep time.

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Ingredients

Protein

• 1 pound Italian sausage (hot or mild, beef, turkey, or chicken)

Vegetables

• 1 large onion (chopped)
• 2 large carrots or 3 medium carrots (chopped)
• 3 stalks celery (chopped)
• 1 large red bell pepper (chopped)
• 1 large green bell pepper (chopped)
• 2 medium zucchini (quartered lengthwise and thinly sliced)
• 6 cloves garlic (minced)

Liquids & Sauces

• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup dry red apple vinegar
• 6 cups chicken broth (or as needed)
• 2 cans (each 15-ounce) tomato sauce (or 1 28-ounce can)
• 1 can (15-ounce) diced fire-roasted tomatoes (undrained)

Seasonings

• 2 tablespoons dried Italian seasoning
• 1-2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes (or to heat tolerance)

Pasta & Garnish

• 1 1/2 cups dried small pasta (such as shells, ditalini, mini penne, elbow or orzo, regular or whole-grain)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese

How to Make Italian Sausage Soup

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Brown the sausage in a Dutch oven over medium heat until it is no longer pink. Break it apart as it cooks. Once browned, drain on a paper towel-lined plate and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Heat olive oil in the Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the onion; reduce heat to medium and cook until it begins to soften for about 3-4 minutes.

Step 3: Add More Vegetables

Add chopped carrots and celery. Continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes until they are tender. Then add both bell peppers and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes before adding zucchini. Cook until all vegetables are very tender.

Step 4: Incorporate Garlic and Vinegar

Add minced garlic along with red apple vinegar. Bring to a boil while stirring occasionally.

Step 5: Combine Broth and Tomatoes

Pour in chicken broth, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir well.

Step 6: Reintroduce Sausage

Transfer the cooked sausage back into the pot. Bring everything to a boil before reducing heat to low. Simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes.

Step 7: Cook the Pasta

Add dried pasta to the pot and cook for another 10 minutes or until pasta is cooked through.

Step 8: Final Touches

Stir in chopped parsley and season with salt and black pepper according to taste before serving hot topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

How to Serve Italian Sausage Soup

Italian Sausage Soup is a delightful dish that warms the heart and satisfies cravings. It’s versatile and can be served in various ways to enhance your dining experience.

With Crusty Bread

• Serve with a side of freshly baked crusty bread for dipping into the flavorful broth.

Over Rice

• For a hearty meal, serve the soup over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice.

Topped with Fresh Herbs

• Garnish each bowl with fresh parsley or basil to add a burst of color and flavor.

With Cheese

• Offer freshly grated Parmesan cheese on the side for guests to sprinkle on top according to their taste.

Accompanied by Salad

• Pair with a light salad made from mixed greens, tomatoes, and vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.

How to Perfect Italian Sausage Soup

Creating the perfect Italian Sausage Soup involves attention to detail and some culinary tips to elevate your dish.

• Use quality broth: A rich chicken broth enhances the overall flavor profile of the soup.
• Adjust seasoning: Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and spices during cooking for optimal flavor balance.
• Cook pasta separately: If you prefer firmer pasta, consider cooking it separately and adding it just before serving.
• Experiment with vegetables: Feel free to add seasonal vegetables like spinach or kale for added nutrition.
• Allow flavors to meld: Letting the soup sit for 15-30 minutes after cooking allows flavors to deepen.

Best Side Dishes for Italian Sausage Soup

Pairing Italian Sausage Soup with complementary side dishes can enhance your meal. Here are some great options:

1. Garlic Bread
   Toasted bread brushed with garlic butter adds a crunchy texture that pairs well with soup.

2. Caesar Salad
   A classic Caesar salad with romaine lettuce, croutons, and creamy dressing balances the richness of the soup.

3. Caprese Skewers
   Cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and fresh basil drizzled with balsamic glaze provide a fresh appetizer option.

4. Roasted Vegetables
   Seasonal roasted vegetables bring additional flavors and textures that complement the soup beautifully.

5. Antipasto Platter
   An assortment of olives, marinated artichokes, and cheeses makes an inviting start to your meal.

6. Polenta Cakes
   Creamy polenta cakes can be served alongside or under the soup for extra heartiness.

7. Stuffed Peppers
   Sweet bell peppers stuffed with quinoa or rice offer an excellent vegetarian alternative that pairs nicely with soup.

8. Herbed Couscous
   Light and fluffy couscous seasoned with herbs provides a delightful contrast in texture and flavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Italian Sausage Soup, it’s easy to overlook certain details that can impact the flavor and texture. Here are some common mistakes to avoid.

• Bold seasoning choices: Not adding enough seasoning can lead to bland soup. Taste as you go and adjust with salt, pepper, or herbs.
• Bold overcooking pasta: Cooking the pasta too long can make it mushy. Add it towards the end of cooking for the best texture.
• Bold neglecting vegetable prep: Cutting vegetables unevenly can result in inconsistent cooking. Ensure all pieces are similar in size for even tenderness.
• Bold skipping the browning step: Browning the sausage adds depth of flavor. Don’t rush this step; allow it to caramelize properly.
• Bold ignoring broth quality: Using low-quality broth can affect the overall taste. Opt for a good-quality chicken broth for rich flavor.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in airtight containers.
• Keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing Italian Sausage Soup

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Italian Sausage Soup

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe pot until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in intervals, stirring occasionally until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat on low-medium heat in a saucepan, stirring frequently until warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Italian Sausage Soup.

What can I substitute for Italian sausage?

You can use turkey or chicken sausage as healthier alternatives without sacrificing flavor.

How do I make Italian Sausage Soup vegetarian?

To create a vegetarian version, replace sausage with plant-based meat alternatives and use vegetable broth.

Can I add more vegetables to Italian Sausage Soup?

Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like spinach, kale, or green beans for extra nutrition.

How long does Italian Sausage Soup last?

Italian Sausage Soup lasts about 3-4 days in the refrigerator and up to 3 months if frozen.

Is Italian Sausage Soup gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, substitute regular pasta with gluten-free pasta options available at most grocery stores.

Final Thoughts

Italian Sausage Soup is a deliciously comforting dish that brings together vibrant flavors and hearty ingredients. It’s versatile too; customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting spices to suit your taste. Give this recipe a try—your future self will thank you!