Italian Soupa
A hearty Italian sausage soup with bold flavors from green peppers, tomatoes, and herbs, perfect for cozy gatherings and satisfying your craving for comfort food.
Ingredients
- 3/4 to 1 lb. hot sausage, sliced in 1/2-inch pieces ⓘ
- 3/4 to 1 lb. mild sausage, sliced in 1/2-inch pieces ⓘ
- 2 green peppers, chopped ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 3/4 cups cooking wine ⓘ
- 4 cups beef broth ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon basil ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons parsley ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon oregano ⓘ
- 1 quart jar tomatoes ⓘ
- 8 oz. bow tie noodles ⓘ
- Parmesan cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute the sliced hot and mild sausage until browned.
- Remove excess drippings and set the sausage aside.
- Fry the chopped green peppers and onion in the same skillet until tender.
- Add the cooked sausage, cooking wine, and beef broth to the skillet.
- Bring to a boil and cook for about 15 minutes, until the wine smell is gone.
- Add the seasonings, canned tomatoes, and dry bow tie noodles.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using homemade beef broth or a combination of beef and chicken broth. If you prefer a lighter dish, you can substitute the hot sausage with turkey sausage. Fresh herbs can elevate the taste, so feel free to replace dried basil and oregano with fresh versions. Adding some crushed red pepper can also spice things up!
Serving Suggestions
This Italian Soupa pairs beautifully with a side of crusty bread or a fresh green salad. You can also serve it with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan on top for added flavor. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside Stuffaronis for a delightful Italian-themed dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a splash of broth or water to restore consistency, and heat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Italian Soupa contains roughly 556 calories, with 44g protein, 87g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (268% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (156% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1445mg per serving (63% 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 make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. You can prepare it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just be sure to reheat it thoroughly before serving.
What can I use instead of bow tie noodles?
If you don’t have bow tie noodles on hand, you can substitute with any pasta shape you prefer, such as fusilli or penne. Just adjust the cooking time according to the type of pasta you choose, ensuring it’s cooked al dente.
Is there a vegetarian version of this soup?
Yes, you can easily make a vegetarian version by omitting the sausage and using plant-based sausage alternatives or sautéed mushrooms for added texture. Replace the beef broth with vegetable broth, and add more vegetables like zucchini or spinach for a hearty dish.
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).