This Italian Sausage Soup is made in just one pot and takes 10 minutes to prep! It’s an easy dinner that’s loaded with flavorful Italian sausage, tons of veggies, perfectly cooked noodles, and parmesan cheese!
Love Italian sausage in soups? Try my Sausage Orzo Soup, The BEST Sausage Tortellini Soup, or this easy Zuppa Toscana recipe next!
Table of Contents
As many of you know, soup is one of my favorite things. Whether it’s chicken noodle soup, roasted tomato soup, potato soup, taco soup, or cheeseburger soup, you can bet I’m going back for seconds…okay, probably thirds.
Well, this Italian Sausage Soup is no exception to my love for soups. It’s packed with veggies, Italian sausage, spinach, Ditalini pasta, parmesan cheese, and so much flavor.
This is definitely a dinner you will want to add to your meal rotation!
See What People Are Saying
“I absolute loved this soup!!! So tasty and healthy!
Tasty for the whole family. I love a one pot dinner ❤️🙌” Tracy
“Easy and DELICIOUS! I followed the recipe exactly as written and it was a perfect meal for a cold night. The hardest (or rather the most time consuming part) was cutting the vegetables! This is definitely going into my soup rotation.” Jessica
Italian Sausage Soup ingredients:
This recipe is a flavor bomb that’s made up of super simple ingredients!
- Italian Sausage: you can use either mild or spicy depending on your heat preferences.
- Carrot, Onion, Celery, and Bell Pepper: a colorful blend of veggies that gives the soup an extra nutrition boost and adds so much texture.
- Minced Garlic: I keep a jar of pre-minced garlic in the fridge so it’s available whenever I need it, but you can also mince or finely chop your own garlic.
- Italian Seasoning and Salt: the Italian sausage and chicken broth already contribute so much flavor to the soup, but I like to add more Italian seasonings and a touch of salt to take it up a notch.
- Chicken Broth: I recommend using low sodium chicken broth so you can control the saltiness of your soup. If you’re using regular broth, you may want to adjust the amount of salt you add yourself.
- Ditalini Pasta: I think the size of ditalini pasta incorporates perfectly with the other ingredients but really any bite-sized pasta shape will work. (Got extra? Try this Ditalini Pasta with Bacon and Peas next!)
- Spinach: I use fresh spinach to add at the end. If you’re using frozen spinach, you’ll want to add it sooner so that it has time to cook.
- Grated Parmesan: to top it off! I recommend freshly grating the cheese for the best texture.
How to make Italian Sausage Soup
This hearty Italian sausage soup is made in just one pot which makes for super easy prep and even easier cleanup! Scroll down to the recipe card for complete instructions.
- Cook the sausage and veggies: in a large pot, add Italian sausage, carrots, onion, celery, and peppers. Cook, stirring frequently, for 5 minutes or until the sausage is browned and the onions are translucent.
- Simmer with seasonings and broth: stir in Italian seasoning, garlic, and salt, cook for one minute, then stir in chicken broth, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Reduce the heat to medium, and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover and cook for 10 minutes.
- Add pasta: add in your uncooked noodles and simmer, stirring often, until the pasta is cooked to desired doneness. I recommend cooking it al dente according to box directions since it will continue to cook as it sits in the soup.
- Finish and serve: mix in fresh spinach, sprinkle with parmesan, then serve and enjoy!
Can I use another type of meat?
Yes! You can easily swap the Italian pork sausage out for Italian turkey sausage, plain pork or turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or ground beef.
Keep in mind, Italian sausage is pretty heavily seasoned, so if you use something else you may want to add more seasonings to the soup!
Variations/substitutions for Italian Sausage Soup
- Add more veggies. This soup is already pretty packed with veggies but you can boost the nutrition even more by adding mushrooms zucchini, kale, broccoli, peas, you name it.
- Make it creamy. If you prefer a creamier texture, mix in a splash of half-and-half or heavy cream.
- Use another pasta. You can use any smaller pasta shape. Try it with orzo, macaroni, rotini, pasta shells, or even cheese tortellini!
- Spice it up. Give the soup a kick of heat by using spicy Italian sausage, adding diced jalapeño, a sprinkling in a touch of red pepper flakes.
- Make it meatless. You can easily swap the Italian sausage for a meatless variety or use beans instead. Keep in mind, this may require you to add more seasonings.
- Make Italian sausage tomato soup. You can easily make this Italian sausage soup into tomato soup by mixing in tomato sauce, tomato paste, and diced tomatoes.
Serving suggestions
With protein, veggies, and carbs, this Italian sausage soup can very easily be a complete meal all on its own!
However, if you do want to fill out your meal a bit, you can serve it next to a simple side salad with Italian dressing, homemade breadsticks, some of my Mom’s Homemade Buns, or Cheesy Garlic Bread!
How to store
I recommend serving this Italian sausage soup right away for the best pasta texture. However, leftovers will last in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Can I freeze this soup?
You can, but I recommend doing so before you add the pasta. To freeze, assemble the soup as directed up until you add the pasta. Let it cool completely, then place it in an airtight container and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw the broth and veggie mixture in the fridge, bring to a simmer on the stove, then add in the pasta and finish out the recipe as directed.
More soup recipes to try
- Vegetable Soup — easily vegetarian and loaded with nutritious veggies!
- Beef and Tomato Macaroni Soup — comforting and nostalgic.
- Sausage Tortellini Soup — Italian sausage in a flavorful tomato broth with tortellini.
- Smoked Sausage Minestrone — made with just 6 main ingredients!
- Beef and Barley Soup — a classic for good reason!
Easy Italian Sausage Soup
written by Ashley Fehr
Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy) casings removed
- 3 large carrots (peeled and diced)
- 1 medium onion (peeled and diced)
- 2 ribs celery (sliced)
- 1 red bell pepper (finely chopped)
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 7 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 1 ½ cups Ditali or another small pasta (dry)
- 1 cup fresh, chopped spinach
- freshly grated Parmesan to serve
Instructions
- In a large pot or dutch oven, add crumbled Italian sausage (remove casings if it has them), carrots, onion, celery and pepper. Cook and stir for 5 minutes or until sausage is browned and onions are translucent.
- Stir in Italian seasoning, garlic and salt and cook 1 minute.
- Add chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot well to remove any stuck on bits.
- Bring to a simmer, reduce heat to medium, cover and cook for 10 minutes or until vegetables are nearly tender.
- Stir in pasta and cook, stirring often, until pasta is cooked to desired doneness, about 10 minutes.
- Stir in fresh spinach. Sprinkle with Parmesan if desired and serve.
Notes
Nutrition Information
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Jina says
Could you make this in a crockpot or slow cooker?
The Recipe Rebel says
Hi Jina! With the type of pasta noodle in this soup, you would not be able to make it in the slow cooker, but you should be able to do it in an instant pot.
Karen Bradich says
This was quick and easy to make. We loved it! I did add just short of a tbp of fennel. We will be making this again soon!
Bonnie says
My husband said this recipe rocks!! Had such a great flavor and fast and easy for a cold SF night. Followed close but used mushrooms instead of spinach add some Pinot noir, did the cream and used sausage with casing which worked fine! Also used elbow pasta for kid friendly!! So please and will be uploaded to our family Google recipes!!!
The Recipe Rebel says
Hi Bonnie! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
Danielle says
I love this soup and so does everyone I’ve made it for! I substitute Delallo gf orzo, and per the reviews, I add chopped zucchini and stewed tomatoes. I highly recommend whisking 1 egg with 1/4-1/2 cup Parmesan and pouring it over top as it’s boiling. My family does this with Italian wedding soup. Thanks so much for this awesome recipe!!
The Recipe Rebel says
Hi Danielle! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
Sandy says
Made this recipe tonight and it’s delicious! I didn’t have spinach so didn’t use that but did add pepper to taste (personal preference). Will definitely make this again. Thank you!
The Recipe Rebel says
Hi Sandy! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
Maureen says
Great recipe. I followed it mostly…I added a can of tomatoes and a little red wine and din’t have peppers but had mushrooms. I liked your recipe because it was one of a few that said to cook the carrots and onion and celery with the sausage instead of cooking the sausage alone, taking out of the pot then cooking the veggies..uneccessary. Yours was perfect, they all cooked perfectly. Thanks so much for this, great job!
The Recipe Rebel says
Hi Maureen! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
Rosemary stefanko says
Hi iam going to make tomorrow. I have a question. You said we can make creamer with a plash of heavy cream. How much is a splash?
The Recipe Rebel says
A tablespoon or two.
Lynn Lewis says
I made this for my cafe. It was perfect, we all loved it. Definitely will add this to the daily specials. Thanks so much for the recipe, Lynn
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Lynn! I’m goad you liked it!
Lauren says
Yum, super easy and made with things we usually have on hand. I added white beans.
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Lauren!
Tiffany says
Delicious! We added more veggies and the Costco parmesan croutons on top and it was amazing! Thanks for another great recipe!
The Recipe Rebel says
Hi Tiffany! Thank you for your review and feedback! So glad you enjoyed it!
Sara Y says
Made this tonight for me and my fiancé. We used hot Italian sausage and served with crusty bread. Perfect winter dinner!
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Sara!
Marline Willis says
Wow! This soup was awesome! Will definitely become a go-to for chilly nights. Added a can of petite diced tomatoes and one small chopped zucchini. Yum!
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Marline!
Bob and Gayle says
We made this tonight for dinner. Loved it!!
Kim says
I’ve made this twice now and both times it was a hit! The second time I added a can of San Marzano tomatoes in addition to a box of broth – turned out amazing! Would highly recommend adding the tomatoes. This recipe is a keeper!
Ashley Fehr says
I love that idea! Thanks Kim!
Nita says
Made this looking for a soup with sausage that was a little lighter then some of the others I make. I added a little more seasoning but otherwise followed the recipe pretty closely. It was wonderful and you could easily make this veggie (veggie broth and white beans). Next time will split the batch with the veggie of the house but this first batch is all mine with no regrets. Great, easy meal.
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Nita! I’m glad you liked it!
Suzann says
This soup was excellent. My husband and I enjoyed it so much. Quite tasty. Will definitely make again.
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Suzann!
Allison says
My family loved it. Easy and flavorful!
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Allison!
alisha says
I love this so much, especially this pasta style! I like to load mine up with a bunch of vegetables!
Ashley Fehr says
We love it that way too!
barbara Cokes says
My family loved this! I used turkey sausage because it’s what I had in the house. I am definitely making this again!
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Barbara!
Kristyn says
What amazing flavors!! The pasta makes it hearty & it couldn’t be any easier! It’s a delicious way to get in your veggies!
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Kristyn!
Jill Baird says
This is so delicious. It was seasoned perfectly. We added a little parmesan cheese before serving and it was fantastic!
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Jill! We love it with a little cheese 🙂