Imagine a chilly evening, the kind where the wind howls like a restless spirit and the warmth of home is a comforting embrace. That’s when this Easy Creamy Italian Sausage Soup steps in, like an old friend with a hearty laugh, ready to envelop you in its rich, savory goodness. It’s the kind of dish that doesn’t just fill your stomach but wraps your soul in a cozy blanket—perfect for those nights when the world feels just a bit too brisk.
Steps
- Warm a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Remove the casings from the sausages and cook them in the pot, stirring regularly. Break the sausage into pieces with a wooden spoon until it is browned and crumbly.
- Take out the cooked sausage and set it aside, keeping about a tablespoon of grease in the pot. If there isn’t any grease left, add a bit of olive oil.
- Add diced onions, carrots, and celery to the pot and sauté until the onions turn translucent. Add minced garlic and stir until it becomes fragrant.
- Pour canned diced tomatoes with juice, broth, Italian seasoning, and the cooked sausage back into the pot. Stir everything together to mix well.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then add shell pasta. Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover the pot, and stir occasionally until the pasta is cooked al dente.
- Mix in the baby spinach and stir until it wilts, which should take about 30 seconds. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve the soup hot, and if desired, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese. Pair with crusty garlic bread for added flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes, including juice
- 5 cups bone broth or chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1½ cups dried shell pasta (or gluten-free pasta)
- 2 cups baby spinach
- Parmesan cheese for serving
Nutritional Values
Calories: 2406 | Fat: 144g | Saturated Fat: 54g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 18g | Monounsaturated Fat: 66g | Cholesterol: 342mg | Sodium: 3888mg | Potassium: 2688mg | Carbohydrates: 150g | Fiber: 18g | Sugar: 18g | Protein: 126g | Vitamin A: 26454IU | Vitamin C: 48mg | Calcium: 372mg | Iron: 12mg
FAQ
- Can I use a different type of sausage in the soup?
- Yes, you can substitute the Italian sausage with other ground meats like pork, chicken, or beef. You can also try breakfast sausage or turkey sausage for a different flavor profile.
- How can I make this soup gluten-free or paleo?
- To make the soup gluten-free, simply use gluten-free pasta. For a paleo version, opt for grain-free pasta instead.
- What are some variations I can try with this soup recipe?
- You can add cheese tortellini instead of shell pasta, include a can of cannellini beans for extra heartiness, or finish the soup with a little cream for a creamy texture.
- How should I store leftovers, and can I freeze the soup?
- Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. While it’s not recommended to freeze soup with pasta due to texture changes, you can freeze the soup without pasta and cook the pasta fresh when ready to eat.
- What can I use as a substitute for spinach?
- If you prefer, you can replace spinach with kale or another leafy green of your choice for a similar nutritional boost.
Tips
- For a gluten-free or paleo version of this soup, use gluten-free pasta or grain-free pasta alternatives to suit your dietary needs.
- If you plan to freeze the soup, it’s best to omit the pasta from the portion you intend to freeze. Add freshly cooked pasta when you’re ready to serve to maintain the best texture.
- To change up the protein, you can substitute Italian sausage with ground pork, chicken, turkey sausage, or even breakfast sausage, depending on your preference.
- Enhance the soup’s creaminess by finishing it with a splash of cream or incorporating cheese tortellini instead of regular pasta for a richer variation.
Equipment
- Dutch Oven or Large Soup Pot – Essential for cooking the soup.
- Wooden Spoon – Useful for breaking up and stirring the sausage.
- Airtight Containers – For storing leftover soup.
