Neil'S Hearty Italian Soup
Neil's Hearty Italian Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring savory Italian sausage, tender pasta, and a medley of vegetables in a rich tomato broth. Perfect for cold days, it combines aromatic herbs and a splash of white wine for a satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb. Italian sausage ⓘ
- 3/4 c. frozen chopped onions ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic ⓘ
- 2 cans (14 1/2 oz.) beef broth ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can stewed tomatoes
- 1/2 to 1 c. dry white wine ⓘ
- sugar to taste ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. thyme, crushed ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. oregano ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. basil ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. crushed marjoram ⓘ
- 2 oz. fettuccini, linguine or spaghetti ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) pkg. frozen Italian-style vegetables
- freshly ground pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute sausage, onions, and garlic; drain if necessary.
- Add beef broth, tomatoes, wine, sugar, and herbs.
- Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add pasta; bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 5 to 6 minutes longer or until vegetables and pasta are tender.
- Sprinkle with pepper and chopped parsley.
- Serve with grated Parmesan cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier flavor, consider using spicy Italian sausage. If you're short on time, pre-chopped garlic and onion can save preparation time. You can substitute the pasta with whole wheat options for added nutrition. Alternatively, use vegetable broth for a lighter version. This soup can also be customized with any leftover vegetables you have on hand, similar to Forgotten Minestrone.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty Italian soup with a side of crusty bread or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese enhances its flavor beautifully. For a comforting dinner, pair it with Italian recipes like Oven Stew Italiano or serve alongside a light pasta dish like Italian Macaroni And Cheese.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water if it thickens too much. This soup can also be frozen for up to three months; just be aware that the pasta may become softer upon reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Neil'S Hearty Italian Soup contains roughly 145 calories, with 8g protein, 30g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (63% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (47% of the Daily Value), and calcium (40% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. It also contributes 13g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this soup vegetarian by omitting the Italian sausage and using vegetable broth instead of beef broth. Add extra vegetables such as bell peppers and zucchini to enhance the flavor and texture.
How can I make this soup spicier?
To add some heat to the soup, consider using hot Italian sausage instead of mild. You can also incorporate red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños while sautéing the onions and garlic for an extra kick.
What can I use instead of white wine?
If you prefer not to use white wine, you can substitute with additional beef broth or chicken broth. A splash of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice can provide a similar acidity without the alcohol.
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).