If you’re craving a cozy, hearty meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, this Italian Sausage Soup with Spinach and Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need. Packed with savory Italian sausage, fresh vegetables, tender pasta, and vibrant spinach, it’s a delightful combination of flavors and textures that come together quickly and effortlessly. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this soup is a comforting go-to that shines on a chilly evening or anytime you want something satisfying and wonderfully delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are all about simplicity and adding layers of flavor, texture, and color to the soup. Each one plays a crucial role, from the meaty sausage to the fresh spinach and the little pasta that makes every spoonful so satisfying.
- 1 lb mild Italian sausage: Provides rich, savory flavor and a satisfying hearty base.
- 1 onion, chopped: Adds a sweet and aromatic foundation when sautéed.
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped: Brings a subtle sweetness and lovely red color.
- 2 celery stalks, chopped: Offers a crisp texture and aromatic depth.
- 2 medium carrots, sliced: Introduces natural sweetness and bright orange hues.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the soup with earthy warmth and aroma.
- 4 cups chicken broth: Creates the flavorful, savory liquid base for the soup.
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes: Adds acidity, sweetness, and a perfect Italian touch.
- 2 cups water: Balances the broth and creates the perfect consistency.
- 1 ½ cups dry ditalini pasta: Small pasta shapes that cook quickly and hold soup beautifully.
- 4 cups fresh spinach, chopped: Adds vibrant green color and a dose of nutrition.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for balancing and enhancing all flavors.
- Italian seasoning (optional): A wonderful blend of herbs that elevates the soup’s profile.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (for serving): Adds a salty, cheesy finish that makes every bite special.
- Fresh herbs (optional, such as parsley or basil): Brightens and freshens the final presentation.
How to Make Italian Sausage Soup with Spinach and Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Sausage
Start by heating a large pot over medium heat and cook your Italian sausage. Break it up into smaller pieces as it cooks. This not only allows the sausage to brown evenly but also ensures that every spoonful of soup is packed with delicious morsels. Once browned, drain any excess grease to keep the soup flavorful but not greasy.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Now toss in the chopped onion, celery, bell pepper, and carrots right into the pot with the sausage. Let these cook together for about three minutes until the veggies soften slightly and start to release their natural sugars. Then add the garlic and Italian seasoning, sautéing for just another minute to awaken their lovely aromas without burning the garlic.
Step 3: Add Broth and Tomatoes
Next, pour in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes with their juices, and water. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any caramelized bits from the bottom of the pot—this adds incredible depth and richness to the soup. Bring everything to a gentle simmer; this is where all the flavors start to meld beautifully.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
Stir in the dry ditalini pasta and cover the pot. Let it cook for about 10 minutes or until the pasta is tender but still has a little bite—perfect al dente texture. The pasta will soak up the savory broth, thickening the soup just right while making each spoonful hearty and satisfying.
Step 5: Add Spinach and Finish
Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the fresh chopped spinach. It will wilt quickly, turning the soup into a vibrant green and adding a fresh, earthy note. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or extra Italian seasoning if you like. This final tweak is key to making the soup truly shine.
Step 6: Serve
Ladle the soup into warm bowls and generously sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. If you have fresh herbs on hand, like parsley or basil, add a few leaves on top for a beautiful, fresh finishing touch. Now your Italian Sausage Soup with Spinach and Pasta Recipe is ready to be enjoyed!
How to Serve Italian Sausage Soup with Spinach and Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
The magic of this soup is in the details when serving. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is an absolute must for that salty, umami burst. Sprinkle with chopped fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want a little extra kick. A drizzle of good olive oil can also add a wonderful finish.
Side Dishes
This hearty soup pairs beautifully with crusty Italian bread or garlic breadsticks for dipping. A simple mixed green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette complements the richness of the soup perfectly. For a heartier meal, consider serving alongside a creamy polenta or roasted vegetables.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming presentation, serve the soup in rustic bowls garnished with Parmesan shards and a sprig of fresh basil. You could also serve it in hollowed-out bread bowls for a fun and cozy dining experience. Another idea is a buffet-style setup where guests can add their own garnishes and extra Parmesan cheese, making the meal interactive and special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Italian Sausage Soup with Spinach and Pasta Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to three days. Just transfer it to an airtight container and make sure it’s completely cooled before refrigerating. The flavors actually develop and deepen overnight, making the leftovers even tastier.
Freezing
You can freeze this soup, but because of the pasta, the texture might change slightly upon thawing. For best results, freeze the soup without the pasta and cook fresh pasta when reheating. Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, and label with the date. It will keep well for up to three months.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup seems too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up. For frozen soup, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Add fresh pasta or spinach during reheating to revive the texture and freshness if needed.
FAQs
Can I use spicy Italian sausage instead of mild?
Absolutely! Using spicy Italian sausage will give the soup an extra kick of heat that many people love. If you prefer milder flavors, stick with mild sausage or mix both for balanced spice.
What type of pasta works best in this soup?
Small pasta shapes like ditalini, elbow macaroni, or small shells work best because they cook quickly and blend well with the hearty ingredients. Avoid large pasta shapes that might overwhelm the soup.
Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
You can substitute the Italian sausage for plant-based sausage or hearty mushrooms for a vegetarian version. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and the soup will still be full of flavor and satisfying.
Can I prepare this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can! Brown the sausage and sauté the vegetables first, then add everything to the slow cooker except the pasta and spinach. Cook on low for 4-6 hours. Add pasta and spinach in the last 15 minutes of cooking.
How can I make this soup more filling?
Add extra vegetables like zucchini or potatoes, or increase the pasta amount slightly. Serving with a hearty bread or small side salad also makes the meal more substantial.
Final Thoughts
This Italian Sausage Soup with Spinach and Pasta Recipe is one of those treasured dishes that never fails to satisfy. It’s easy enough for a busy weeknight but flavorful and comforting enough to make any dinner feel special. I hope you give it a try and find it as heartwarming and delicious as I do—your future self will thank you for having this cozy recipe in your repertoire!
Print
Italian Sausage Soup with Spinach and Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 to 8 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Italian Sausage Soup with Spinach and Pasta is a hearty and flavorful one-pot meal perfect for cozy dinners. Packed with mild Italian sausage, fresh vegetables, tender ditalini pasta, and vibrant spinach, it delivers a comforting blend of savory and fresh tastes. Easy to prepare and satisfying, this soup makes a delicious family-friendly meal anytime.
Ingredients
Meat
- 1 lb mild Italian sausage (or spicy for extra heat)
Vegetables
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups fresh spinach, chopped
Liquids & Canned Goods
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (preferably Italian tomatoes)
- 2 cups water
Pantry
- 1 ½ cups dry ditalini pasta (or any small pasta)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Italian seasoning (optional)
For Serving
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh herbs (optional, such as parsley or basil)
Instructions
- Cook the Sausage: In a large pot over medium heat, crumble and cook the Italian sausage until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess grease from the pot to prevent the soup from becoming too oily.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion, celery, red bell pepper, and sliced carrots to the pot with the sausage. Cook for about 3 minutes until the vegetables start to soften. Stir in the minced garlic and Italian seasoning (if using), cooking for an additional minute to release the aromatics.
- Add Broth and Tomatoes: Pour in the chicken broth, canned diced tomatoes (with juices), and water. Stir well, scraping the bottom of the pot to loosen any browned bits, which adds depth of flavor to the soup.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring the soup to a gentle simmer. Stir in the dry ditalini pasta, cover the pot, and cook for approximately 10 minutes or until the pasta is tender to the bite.
- Add Spinach and Finish: Stir the chopped fresh spinach into the soup and cook just until the spinach wilts. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and additional Italian seasoning if desired.
- Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and optional fresh herbs like parsley or basil for a burst of fresh flavor.
Notes
- You can swap mild Italian sausage for spicy if you prefer a bit more heat.
- If ditalini pasta is unavailable, any small pasta shape like elbow macaroni or small shells can be used.
- Fresh spinach can be substituted with baby kale or Swiss chard for a different leafy green option.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta and verify sausage ingredients.
- This soup freezes well; cool completely before freezing in airtight containers.
- Adjust the thickness by adding more broth or water if desired.
