There’s just something about a big pot of homemade soup that warms the heart and soul, isn’t there? This hearty Italian sausage soup is a personal favorite of mine—it’s packed with vibrant vegetables and the kind of rich, savory flavor that just makes you feel cozy inside. I mean, who doesn’t love a meal that feels like a warm hug? The combination of spicy Italian sausage, tender kale, and aromatic herbs creates a delicious symphony of flavors that’s perfect for any day. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up, making it ideal for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. You can expect a comforting bowl of goodness that’s not just filling, but also nutritious. So, grab your pot, and let’s dive into this delightful recipe together!
Ingredients List
- 1 lb Italian sausage (casings removed)
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups kale, chopped
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare Italian Sausage Soup
Now, let’s get our hands a little messy and dive into making this delicious Italian sausage soup! It’s really quite simple, and I promise the end result is totally worth it. First things first, grab a large pot and place it over medium heat. You’ll want to brown that Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes—just until it’s nice and golden. Oh, the smell of sizzling sausage is heavenly!
Once your sausage is browned, toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté these for about 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic gives off that lovely aroma. Next, add the sliced carrots and celery—these veggies add a beautiful crunch and sweetness to the soup. Cook them together for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Now, it’s time to bring the magic together! Stir in the can of diced tomatoes along with the chicken broth and Italian seasoning. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for 20 minutes. This is when all those flavors meld together beautifully. After that, add in the chopped kale and cook for an additional 5 minutes until it’s tender and vibrant. Finally, season your soup with salt and pepper to taste before serving. And voila! You’ve got a hearty, nourishing bowl of goodness ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Brown the Italian sausage over medium heat.
- Add onion and garlic; sauté until translucent.
- Add carrots and celery; cook for 5 minutes.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and Italian seasoning.
- Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Add kale and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper before serving.
Nutritional Information
When it comes to comfort food, I love knowing that I’m also getting a nutritious meal! Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for a serving size of 1 cup of this hearty Italian sausage soup:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 600mg
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. But hey, knowing you’re filling up on veggies and lean protein makes this soup even more satisfying, right?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick prep time—just 10 minutes to get everything chopped and ready!
- Healthy ingredients packed with colorful vegetables and lean Italian sausage.
- Hearty and filling, perfect for those chilly nights when you need a warm meal.
- Gluten-free, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions.
- Perfect for meal prep—make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week!
- Customizable—feel free to toss in any extra veggies you have on hand, like bell peppers or zucchini.
Tips for Success
Now that you’re all set to make this amazing Italian sausage soup, here are some of my top tips to ensure it turns out perfectly every time! First off, always use fresh ingredients when possible. Fresh veggies not only taste better, but they also add that vibrant color that makes your soup so inviting. Trust me, it makes a difference!
When it comes to seasoning, don’t be shy! I always encourage tasting as you go. If you like a little kick, feel free to add some crushed red pepper flakes for a spicier version. And remember, the flavors will develop even more as the soup simmers, so adjust your seasoning accordingly before serving.
If you’re planning to store leftovers, let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. This helps maintain the texture and flavor, and prevents any unwanted condensation! Also, don’t forget that this soup is super versatile; if you have other veggies hanging out in your fridge, toss them in! Just make sure they’re cooked until tender to keep that lovely balance.
Lastly, don’t be afraid to play around with the recipe! Cooking should be fun and creative, so make it your own. Enjoy every spoonful of your delicious creation!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve made this delicious Italian sausage soup, you might find yourself with some tasty leftovers—lucky you! Storing your soup is super easy. Just let it cool down to room temperature first, then transfer it into an airtight container. It can happily hang out in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, so you can enjoy it for lunch or dinner again soon!
If you want to save it for longer, this soup freezes beautifully! Just scoop it into freezer-safe containers or even zip-top bags, leaving a little space for expansion. It’ll keep well for up to 2 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge. Then, reheat it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it’s heated through. You can also pop it in the microwave if you’re in a hurry—just be sure to stir it halfway through to heat evenly!
And don’t forget, if the soup thickens a bit after freezing, you can always add a splash of chicken broth or water while reheating to get that perfect consistency back. Enjoy your cozy bowls of goodness!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Absolutely! While I love the flavor of Italian sausage, you can definitely swap it out for other types, like chicken sausage or even turkey sausage for a lighter option. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile might change a bit, so choose a sausage that complements the spices and veggies!
How can I make this soup vegetarian?
No problem at all! To make this Italian sausage soup vegetarian, you can replace the sausage with your favorite plant-based sausage or even use a hearty mix of beans like cannellini or chickpeas for protein. Also, consider adding more vegetables like mushrooms for that savory depth and flavor.
What other vegetables can I add?
The beauty of this soup is its versatility! You can toss in any vegetables you have on hand. Bell peppers, zucchini, or even green beans work wonderfully. Just make sure to adjust the cooking times slightly for firmer veggies, and you’ll have a colorful, nourishing bowl every time!
Can I make this soup in advance?
Yes, indeed! This soup is perfect for meal prep. You can make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze it for up to 2 months. The flavors only get better as it sits, so it’s a win-win!
Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes! This Italian sausage soup is naturally gluten-free, especially when you use gluten-free broth. Just double-check any additional ingredients you might add to ensure they’re gluten-free as well.
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve got this delicious Italian sausage soup ready to go, let’s talk about what to serve alongside it! Trust me, the right accompaniments can really elevate your meal experience. First off, a nice crusty bread is a must! Whether you go for a warm French baguette or a hearty sourdough, it’s perfect for dipping into that savory broth. Ah, just imagine the satisfying crunch as you tear off a piece and scoop up all those tasty veggies!
If you’re in the mood for something a bit lighter, a fresh side salad pairs beautifully. I love a simple arugula salad tossed with some cherry tomatoes, a drizzle of olive oil, and a squeeze of lemon juice. The bright flavors really complement the richness of the soup! Or how about a classic Caesar salad? The creamy dressing and crunchy croutons are a delightful contrast to the warm soup.
And let’s not forget about garlic bread! Who can resist that buttery, garlicky goodness? Slice up some bread, slather it with garlic butter, and pop it in the oven until golden and toasty. It’s the ultimate sidekick to your soup! You could also serve it with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top for that extra touch of flavor.
Lastly, for a cozy night in, consider pairing your soup with a glass of red wine—something like a Chianti or a Merlot really brings out the Italian vibes. So, go ahead and make your meal a feast with these complementary dishes; you won’t regret it!
For more delicious recipes, check out this creamy sausage soup or this tortellini soup for a delightful twist!
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Italian Sausage Soup: 7 Steps to Cozy Comfort Food
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A hearty Italian sausage soup filled with vegetables and spices.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups kale, chopped
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot, brown the Italian sausage over medium heat.
- Add onion and garlic; sauté until onion is translucent.
- Add carrots and celery; cook for 5 minutes.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and Italian seasoning.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Add kale and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper before serving.
Notes
- This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezes well for up to 2 months.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: italian sausage soup, hearty soup, vegetable soup
