Hearty Italian Sausage Soup
A hearty Italian sausage soup packed with flavorful sausage, vegetables, and pasta, perfect for comforting family dinners or cold weather cravings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the Italian sausage, chopped green pepper, and chopped onion in a skillet.
- In a soup pot, combine the stewed tomatoes, tomato sauce, water, chicken bouillon cubes or granular, and garlic salt.
- Add the browned sausage, pepper, and onion mixture into the soup pot.
- Bring to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes.
- Add the uncooked shell macaroni and simmer until tender, about 10 minutes.
- Before serving, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using spicy Italian sausage or adding red pepper flakes for some heat. You can replace shell macaroni with any pasta shape you prefer, such as ditalini or even gluten-free pasta. To enhance the soup, add a handful of chopped spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking. This dish is great for meal prep and can easily be customized with your favorite vegetables.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the hearty soup with a side of crusty bread or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal. A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley on top adds a nice touch. This soup is flavorful enough to stand on its own but pairs beautifully with Garlic Chicken With Pasta for a delightful Italian dinner experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm the soup on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through, adding a splash of water if it thickens too much. This soup can also be frozen for up to 3 months; just thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hearty Italian Sausage Soup contains roughly 488 calories, with 28g protein, 29g carbohydrates, and 29g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (58% of the Daily Value), protein (57% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (49% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1990mg per serving (87% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Yes, you can substitute the Italian sausage with turkey sausage or chicken sausage for a lighter option. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile may change slightly, so adjust your seasonings accordingly.
Is there a vegetarian version of this soup?
Absolutely! Replace the Italian sausage with plant-based sausage or skip the meat entirely. You can add more vegetables like zucchini, carrots, or mushrooms to enhance the flavor and texture of the soup.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can prepare this soup in a slow cooker. Brown the sausage, pepper, and onion first, then add all ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the flavors meld and the pasta is tender.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).