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
Scale
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.
