As the weather turns colder, my kitchen transforms into a soup sanctuary. From my cherished Lebanese Lentil Soup and classic Homemade Minestrone Soup to a spicy Red Lentil Soup, I always have a rotation of warming recipes on hand. And today’s Italian Sausage Soup quickly earned its spot among the favorites. There’s so much to appreciate about a good soup – they’re nourishing, surprisingly simple to prepare, and often provide delightful leftovers. As a busy home cook, I’m always looking for recipes that can feed my family more than once, making meal prep a breeze.

I must admit, this particular Italian Sausage Soup was such a hit that leftovers were scarce! If you’re hoping to enjoy it throughout the week or freeze some for later, I highly recommend doubling the batch. Other soups that freeze wonderfully and are ideal for batch cooking include this Instant Pot Turkey Chili and the comforting Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup.

The star of this soup, the Italian sausage, is what truly elevates its flavor profile. I typically opt for a mild Italian sausage to ensure it’s palatable for my children, but if you enjoy a kick, feel free to use a spicy variety for an extra layer of heat. The richness of the sausage infuses the entire broth, creating a deeply satisfying taste that makes this soup stand out.

Why You’ll Love This Italian Sausage Soup

• Incredibly Quick: Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights.
• Hearty & Filling: Packed with protein from the sausage and fiber from vegetables, it’s a truly satisfying meal.
• Flavorful: The combination of savory sausage, tangy tomatoes, and aromatic Italian spices creates a rich and inviting taste.
• Family-Friendly: Easily customizable to suit different spice preferences (mild vs. spicy sausage).
• Versatile: Adaptable with various vegetables, greens, and even different types of pasta.
• Great for Meal Prep: While it goes fast, it’s excellent for making in larger batches and enjoying throughout the week.
• Comfort Food: A warm bowl is the ultimate comfort, especially during colder months.

Essential Ingredients for Your Italian Sausage Soup

This Italian Sausage Soup relies on a straightforward list of ingredients, most of which you likely have on hand. Here’s a closer look at what we’ll be using and some easy substitutions:

• Sausage: Ground Italian sausage is the star here, offering incredible flavor. You can choose mild, sweet, or spicy varieties based on your preference. If you don’t have Italian sausage, other ground proteins like pork, chicken, turkey, or beef will also work beautifully, though you might want to add a pinch more Italian seasoning for flavor.
• Aromatics & Vegetables: The base of our soup starts with a classic mirepoix of carrots, onion, and celery, sautéed with plenty of fresh garlic. This combination builds a deep flavor foundation. Beyond these, feel free to boost the veggie content with additions like zucchini, bell peppers, green beans, or peas.
• Greens: I love the way fresh kale wilts down into warm soups, adding a wonderful nutritional boost and a pop of color. Spinach or Swiss chard are excellent alternatives if you prefer a different green or what you have on hand. Don’t like greens in your soup? You can easily omit them!
• Tomatoes: A can of diced tomatoes adds a lovely tang and body to the broth. For an extra layer of smoky flavor, try using fire-roasted diced tomatoes – they make a delightful difference.
• Spices: A simple blend of dried oregano, basil, and parsley creates that quintessential Italian flavor. If you prefer, you can easily substitute these individual spices with a pre-mixed Italian seasoning blend; just use about 2 teaspoons of the blend.
• Pasta: Orzo pasta is my go-to for this soup due to its small size and quick cooking time, making it perfect for a 30-minute meal. For a healthier twist, look for whole wheat orzo. Other small pasta shapes like ditalini, small shells, or even broken spaghetti can be used as substitutes.
• Broth: Chicken broth provides a rich base for this soup. Vegetable broth is a fantastic vegetarian alternative if you’re adapting the recipe. If you’re lucky enough to have homemade stock, it will take the flavor to the next level! Opt for low-sodium broth to better control the seasoning.
• Optional Cream & Cheese: A touch of Parmesan cheese stirred in at the end adds a creamy, salty finish. For an even creamier soup, a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half can be added.

How to Make This Easy Italian Sausage Soup

This soup is incredibly straightforward, perfect for even beginner cooks. Here’s a detailed guide to creating this delicious meal:

1. Step 1: Sauté Aromatics and Sausage: Begin by heating the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add your minced garlic, chopped carrots, celery, and onion. Sauté these vegetables, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent and soft, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Next, add the ground Italian sausage to the pot, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Continue to sauté until the sausage is fully browned and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes. Drain any excess grease if necessary, leaving just enough to coat the vegetables.
2. Step 2: Simmer with Spices and Tomatoes: Stir in the can of diced tomatoes (undrained), the chicken broth, dried basil, dried oregano, and chopped fresh parsley. Bring the soup to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add the orzo pasta, cover the pot, and reduce the heat slightly to maintain a gentle boil or strong simmer. Cook for another 10 to 11 minutes, or until the orzo is just al dente (cooked but still firm to the bite). Remember that pasta can absorb a lot of liquid, so keep an eye on the consistency.
3. Step 3: Add Greens and Finish: Finally, stir in the roughly chopped kale. Continue to simmer for about 2 minutes, or until the kale has softened and brightened in color. Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and, if you desire a creamier soup, add the cream or half-and-half at this stage. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Serve your steaming hot Italian Sausage Soup immediately, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, extra Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for those who enjoy a little extra warmth.