Italian Sausage Soup w/ Spinach
🧾 Ingredients
1 lb Italian sausage (mild or hot, casings removed)
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
4 cups chicken broth
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
½ cup small pasta (like ditalini, shells, or elbow macaroni)
½ cup shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese
👩🍳 Instructions
Brown the sausage:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the Italian sausage over medium heat until browned. Drain excess grease.
Sauté the aromatics:
Add diced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Cook 3–4 minutes, until onions are soft and fragrant.
Add liquids and tomatoes:
Stir in the diced tomatoes (with juices) and chicken broth. Add Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Simmer:
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes.
Add pasta:
Stir in the pasta and cook until al dente, about 8–10 minutes.
Finish with spinach:
Stir in chopped spinach and cook for 2–3 minutes, just until wilted.
Serve:
Ladle into bowls and top with shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese.
This Italian sausage soup with spinach is a perfect blend of rich flavors and wholesome ingredients, ideal for those chilly days when comfort food is a must. The recipe uses either mild or hot Italian sausage, allowing you to tailor the spice level to your preference. Browning the sausage first not only develops a deep, savory base but also lets you drain excess grease, making the soup lighter without sacrificing taste. The addition of aromatics—diced onion and minced garlic—infuses the broth with fragrant, mellow notes that complement the robust sausage. By simmering the combination of chicken broth, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, the soup achieves a balanced and hearty flavor profile. Adding small pasta types like ditalini, shells, or elbow macaroni provides a pleasant texture, creating a more filling meal. Fresh spinach is stirred in last, cooked just until wilted, preserving its vibrant color and nutrients. Spinach not only adds a subtle earthiness but also boosts the soup's vitamin and mineral content. Topping each bowl with shredded mozzarella or Parmesan enhances the creamy, savory experience, offering delightful melted cheese textures. For additional versatility, consider swapping chicken broth with vegetable broth to suit vegetarian diet needs or using turkey Italian sausage for a leaner option. This soup freezes well, making it convenient to prepare in advance for busy weekdays. Paired with rustic bread or a crisp salad, this Italian sausage soup with spinach makes a complete and satisfying meal that's easy to prepare and enjoy any time of the year.
I have a question? Have you ever used sweet peppers in your soup? Thanks!