Italian Sausage Soup Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy, hearty meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, then this Italian Sausage Soup Recipe is absolutely for you. I’ve fallen in love with how the rich sausage flavors mingle perfectly with creamy broth and tender pasta, making it a go-to comfort food that’s surprisingly easy to whip up. Stick around, and I’ll walk you through everything to make this soup your new family favorite.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This Italian Sausage Soup Recipe brings together simple pantry staples and fresh ingredients that complement each other beautifully. Don’t overthink the sausage choice—it’s the star, so pick your favorite type (mild or spicy)! And if you want to make this truly your own, the pasta is super flexible.

• Italian sausage: I prefer the sweet or mild version for a great balance, but spicy works if you want a kick.
• Olive oil: Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for richer flavor.
• White onion: Diced finely for a subtle sweetness that softens as it cooks.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic makes a major difference—trust me.
• Crushed red pepper: You can adjust this up or down to control the heat.)
• Salt and black pepper: Keep these basic seasonings on hand to enhance all the flavors.
• Low-sodium chicken broth: The base of your soup—low sodium lets you control saltiness.
• Diced tomatoes: Canned is perfect here, adding depth and a hint of acidity.
• Short pasta: Casarecce is my favorite, but penne, ditalini, or shells work well too.
• Heavy cream: Brought to room temperature so it blends in smoothly without curdling.
• Fresh basil and parmesan cheese: For garnishing—these elevate the soup from good to wow.

Variations

One of the things I adore about this Italian Sausage Soup Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. Whether you want to lighten it up, kick up the heat, or sneak in extra veggies, this soup is super adaptable.

• Meat swap: I’ve made this with turkey sausage for a leaner version, and it still packs plenty of flavors.
• Vegetable boost: Toss in chopped kale, spinach, or even zucchini during the simmer stage—I love getting a little extra green in there!
• Dairy-free variation: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk for a creamy texture without dairy. It adds a subtle sweetness that pairs nicely with the sausage.
• Spice adjust: If you want it milder, reduce or omit crushed red pepper; love heat? Add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne at the end.

How to Make Italian Sausage Soup Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Sausage and Set It Aside

This is where the deep, meaty flavor really starts to build. Crumble your Italian sausage into a large soup pot over medium heat and cook it until it’s nicely browned and fully cooked through. I like to cook it just enough to get those caramelized bits, then I drain off the fat so the soup isn’t too greasy and scoop the sausage out with a slotted spoon. It’s important to keep that pot handy because we’ll build the rest of the soup in it!

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same pot (no extra washing needed!), add olive oil and toss in your diced onions. Cook them gently for about 3 minutes until they get translucent and soft, releasing their sweet fragrance. Then stir in your minced garlic, crushed red pepper, salt, and fresh black pepper. Give it about 30 seconds until you can really smell all those wonderful scents developing — this is where your soup starts coming alive.

Step 3: Add Broth and Tomatoes, Then Boil

Turn the heat up to high and pour in your chicken broth and canned diced tomatoes with their juices. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil to marry those flavors. I like to give it a quick taste here to check the seasoning—sometimes it needs a tiny pinch more salt.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Once boiling, add your pasta of choice directly to the pot. I love using casarecce, but any short pasta will work. Cook it just until al dente, according to package directions, usually 7 to 15 minutes. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t get mushy—perfectly cooked pasta makes a huge difference in texture.

Step 5: Stir in Sausage and Cream, Then Simmer

Lower the heat to low and add your cooked sausage back into the pot along with the room temperature heavy cream. Give everything a gentle stir and let it simmer for a couple of minutes—that’s when the soup turns luxuriously creamy and comforting. If the soup feels too thick at this point, I usually add a splash more broth to loosen it up just right.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Spoon the soup into bowls and brighten it up with fresh basil leaves and a generous sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan cheese. You’ll find that these final touches elevate the soup from everyday comfort to something really special and inviting.

How to Serve Italian Sausage Soup Recipe

Garnishes

I never skip fresh basil and a generous grating of parmesan cheese here—it adds vibrant color and a lovely, fresh, nutty flavor that contrasts perfectly with the creamy broth and spicy sausage. Sometimes I also add a drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a sprinkle of cracked black pepper to finish.

Side Dishes

This soup is such a comforting meal on its own, but I love pairing it with crusty garlic bread or a simple green salad dressed lightly in lemon vinaigrette. It adds freshness and a crunchy texture to complement the creamy, tender soup.

Creative Ways to Present

For entertaining, I like to present the soup in pretty soup crocks and set out bowls of parmesan, fresh basil, and chili flakes for guests to customize their own bowls. It turns a simple meal into a fun, interactive experience without extra fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge, and it usually lasts up to four days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making the soup even tastier the next day, which is always a bonus for busy weeknights.

Freezing

Freezing this soup works well, but I recommend undercooking the pasta slightly before freezing so it doesn’t become mushy when reheated. I freeze the soup in meal-sized portions, and it reheats beautifully without losing its creamy texture.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers gently over low heat on the stove, stirring frequently and adding a splash of broth or water if it thickens too much. This preserves the texture and prevents the cream from separating.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Italian Sausage Soup Recipe has a special spot in my heart and my kitchen because it brings out all those cozy, bold flavors with such ease. Every time I make it, I’m reminded why simple ingredients combined thoughtfully can create magic. I hope you give it a try and enjoy it as much as my family and I do—trust me, once you taste it, it’ll be on your regular meal rotation too!

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