There’s just something incredibly satisfying about a steaming bowl of Italian Sausage Soup with Spinach and Pasta—the way the savory sausage mingles with tender pasta, the bright hit of tomatoes, and that glorious swirl of vibrant spinach. This is the kind of soup that feels like a bear hug at dinner time, guaranteed to warm you up on the coldest days or simply fill your kitchen with cozy aromas. Plus, it’s a one-pot wonder, which means less cleanup and more time to relax. Whether you crave a hearty weeknight meal or a dish to impress friends, you really can’t go wrong with Italian Sausage Soup with Spinach and Pasta.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Italian Sausage Soup with Spinach and Pasta is that the ingredients are honest and approachable, but each one delivers its own punch of flavor or color. Simple pantry staples unite for an irresistible and comforting bowl of soup.
- Italian sausage: Go with mild or spicy according to your taste—the sausage is the heart of this dish, adding rich, savory flavor throughout.
- Olive oil: Use a drizzle if your sausage is lean; it helps the onions sauté gently and adds a hint of fruitiness.
- Onion: A small diced onion melts into the background and creates a sweet, aromatic base.
- Garlic: Don’t skip it! Fresh minced garlic deepens the flavor and gives a touch of warmth.
- Dried Italian seasoning: This blend brings classic herbaceous notes, tying everything together authentically.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For those who enjoy a gentle kick of heat, a pinch perks up the whole pot.
- Chicken broth: The backbone of the soup, chicken broth ensures every spoonful is both rich and sippable.
- Canned diced tomatoes: Tomatoes keep things bright and tangy, and their juice melds perfectly into the broth.
- Small pasta (ditalini or elbows): These little pasta shapes soak up flavor and offer the ideal texture—comfort in every bite.
- Fresh baby spinach: A heap of fresh spinach wilts into the soup, adding color and gentle earthiness.
- Salt and black pepper: Season as you go so all the flavors shine through in the end.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: This is your finishing touch—rich, salty, and absolutely irresistible when sprinkled over a hot bowl.
How to Make Italian Sausage Soup with Spinach and Pasta
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Begin by placing your largest pot or Dutch oven on medium heat. Add the sausage (casings removed) and break it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Sauté the crumbles until they’re caramelized and no longer pink. If there’s a lot of grease, you can spoon some off or leave a little for richness—it adds wonderful flavor as a base!
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
If your sausage didn’t release much fat, drizzle in a tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the diced onion, stirring until it turns soft and translucent, about 3–4 minutes. Introduce the minced garlic, dried Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for just a minute—enough for all those amazing aromas to come alive, but not so long that the garlic browns.
Step 3: Build the Soup Base
Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to loosen every flavorful bit. Add the can of diced tomatoes with their juices. Give everything a good stir, then crank up the heat and bring the soup to a lively boil—at this stage, the kitchen will already smell mouthwatering.
Step 4: Add the Pasta
Once you’ve got a rolling boil, sprinkle in your pasta of choice. Reduce the heat slightly and let the pasta cook according to the package directions—usually 8 to 10 minutes. Stir occasionally so nothing sticks and the pasta cooks evenly, absorbing some of that gorgeous broth.
Step 5: Wilt the Spinach and Season
When the pasta is plump and tender, add your fresh baby spinach by the handful. It’ll look like a lot at first, but it wilts quickly and adds that signature fresh flavor. Season your soup with salt and plenty of black pepper—taste as you go to get it just right.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Ladle the Italian Sausage Soup with Spinach and Pasta into deep, cozy bowls. Don’t forget the finishing touch: a velvety shower of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, which melts into the broth and ties every flavor together gorgeously.
How to Serve Italian Sausage Soup with Spinach and Pasta
Garnishes
For the ultimate bowl, offer a bowl of grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano on the table so everyone can sprinkle as much as they like. For an extra herby lift, scatter over some chopped fresh basil or Italian parsley. A drizzle of good olive oil adds richness, and a few extra red pepper flakes can spice things up for those who crave more heat.
Side Dishes
This soup practically begs for thick slices of crusty bread or a warm baguette—perfect for soaking up the flavorful broth. If you want a little something green, a crisp side salad dressed simply with olive oil and vinegar is beautiful alongside. Or, serve it with garlic bread for the ultimate Italian-American comfort dinner.
Creative Ways to Present
Invite friends for a soup night and serve Italian Sausage Soup with Spinach and Pasta in big, rustic bowls with extra fixings on the side so everyone can customize. For a more elegant dinner, portion it into small soup cups as an appetizer. Or try soup shooters in tiny glasses for a fun party starter—guests will love the playful twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Italian Sausage Soup with Spinach and Pasta stores beautifully. Once cooled, transfer any extra soup into airtight containers and refrigerate. It will keep well for up to three days. The flavors deepen overnight, so the soup tastes even better the next day!
Freezing
If you want to freeze leftovers, let the soup cool completely first. It’s best to freeze before adding the pasta or spinach, as they can become mushy—but it will still taste great either way. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to two months. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat Italian Sausage Soup with Spinach and Pasta, pour it into a saucepan and warm gently over medium heat. If the pasta has absorbed a lot of the broth, simply add a splash or two of water or more broth to bring it back to a soupy consistency. Heat until steaming hot, stirring occasionally so nothing sticks to the bottom.
FAQs
Can I use another type Soup
Absolutely! Kale or escarole are wonderful alternatives if you prefer a sturdier green. Just remember that kale may take a minute or two longer to wilt compared to spinach.
What kind of pasta works best in Italian Sausage Soup with Spinach and Pasta?
Short, bite-sized pastas like ditalini, elbows, or small shells work beautifully. Their size is perfect for spoonfuls, and they soak up all the delicious broth without overpowering the soup.
How can I make this soup gluten-free?
It’s easy—just swap the regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free variety. Double-check your chicken broth and sausage to ensure they’re gluten-free too, and follow the same method as in the recipe.
Can I make Italian Sausage Soup with Spinach and Pasta ahead of time?
Yes! This soup actually develops even deeper flavors after a night in the fridge. If making ahead, consider cooking the pasta separately to keep it from getting too soft, then add it in just before serving.
Is there a way to make this soup creamy?
Definitely! For a luscious, creamy finish, stir in about half a cup of heavy cream or even a splash of half-and-half near the end of cooking, just before serving. It’s a lovely touch, especially on chilly nights.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a meal that’s both soul-warming and weeknight-friendly, you truly can’t beat Italian Sausage Soup with Spinach and Pasta. Every spoonful is packed with comforting flavors, and it’s just as perfect for family dinner as it is for sharing with friends. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised when it becomes a repeat favorite in your kitchen!
Print
Italian Sausage Soup with Spinach and Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Warm up with a comforting bowl of Italian Sausage Soup with Spinach and Pasta. This hearty soup is packed with flavorful Italian sausage, nutritious spinach, tender pasta, and a savory broth. It’s a satisfying meal that’s easy to make and perfect for chilly days.
Ingredients
Italian Sausage Soup:
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casing removed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, with juice
- 1 cup small pasta (like ditalini or elbow macaroni)
- 4 cups fresh baby spinach
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Cook the Sausage: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the sausage over medium heat until browned. Remove excess grease if needed.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the diced onion to the pot and sauté until softened. Stir in garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
- Add Broth and Tomatoes: Pour in chicken broth and diced tomatoes. Bring to a boil.
- Cook Pasta: Add the pasta and cook until tender, following package instructions.
- Wilt Spinach: Stir in fresh spinach and cook until wilted.
- Season and Serve: Season with salt and pepper. Ladle into bowls and top with Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- For a creamier version, stir in ½ cup of heavy cream just before serving.
- You can substitute kale or escarole for the spinach if preferred.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
