This Hearty Italian Sausage Soup is loaded with flavorful Italian sausage, tender baby spinach, and creamy cannellini beans, making it the ultimate comforting meal for any night. With the addition of pasta and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, this quick and easy soup is a family favorite!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound mild Italian sausage (casings removed)
- 1 large Vidalia onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning blend
- 5 cups chicken stock
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (15.5 oz) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
- 1/2 cup small cut pasta (e.g., ditalini)
- 2 cups baby spinach
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
Directions:
1. Brown the Sausage:
- Cook the Sausage: In a large pot, cook 1 pound of mild Italian sausage over medium-high heat, breaking it into small pieces as it browns. Once fully cooked, transfer the sausage to a bowl, leaving about 1 tablespoon of fat in the pot for added flavor.
2. Cook the Aromatics:
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: Add the diced onions to the pot and cook for about 4-5 minutes until they become translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Deglaze the Pan:
- Deglaze with Stock: Stir in 1/4 cup of chicken stock and the Italian seasoning, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. This step adds extra flavor to your soup.
4. Add Broth and Ingredients:
- Add Tomatoes and Beans: Pour in the can of diced tomatoes, the cannellini beans, and the remaining chicken stock. Return the cooked sausage to the pot.
5. Cook the Pasta:
- Add Pasta: Stir in 1/2 cup of small pasta (such as ditalini) and bring the soup to a boil. Let the soup cook for 6-7 minutes or until the pasta is just al dente.
6. Add Spinach and Serve:
- Stir in Spinach: Add the baby spinach and stir until it wilts into the soup.
- Garnish and Serve: Serve the soup hot, garnished with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top.
Serving Suggestions:
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or garlic bread for dipping. You can also add a simple green salad on the side to round out the meal.
Helpful Tips:
- Use Spicy Sausage: For a bit of heat, swap the mild sausage for a spicy Italian sausage.
- Make it Vegetarian: Omit the sausage and use vegetable broth for a hearty vegetarian version of the soup.
- Customize the Pasta: If you don’t have ditalini, use any small pasta like orzo or small shells. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, this soup stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just be aware that the pasta may absorb some of the broth, so you may want to add more stock when reheating.
2. Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, but if you’re planning to freeze the soup, it’s best to cook the pasta separately and add it when serving. Pasta can become mushy after freezing.
3. What other greens can I use instead of spinach?
You can substitute kale or Swiss chard if you prefer a heartier green. Just chop it finely and add it to the soup.
Nutrition Information:
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Calories: 485 kcal per serving
- Servings: 8
This Italian Sausage Soup is the perfect cozy meal that can be whipped up in just 20 minutes! Enjoy the hearty flavors of sausage, spinach, and white beans in every spoonful. 🍲