Sausage Zuppa (Sausage Soup)
Sausage Zuppa is a hearty Italian-inspired sausage soup with tomatoes, herbs, and vegetables, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings. Rich and flavorful.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb. mild Italian sausage
- 2 cloves garlic ⓘ
- 2 large onions ⓘ
- 1 large (28 oz.) can Italian style plum tomatoes ⓘ
- 3 cans regular strength beef broth ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. dry red wine ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. crumbled basil leaves ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. chopped parsley
- 1 medium red, yellow or green pepper ⓘ
- 2 medium zucchini
- 2 c. cooked bow tie pasta ⓘ
Instructions
- Make the soup a day before serving.
- In a 5-quart large pot, cook sausage over medium heat until lightly browned.
- Drain off fat.
- Add garlic and onions; cook until limp.
- Stir in tomatoes and juice, breaking into pieces.
- Add broth, wine, and basil.
- Simmer, uncovered, for 30 minutes.
- Cool, then chill.
- The next day, skim off any fat. Reheat soup; add parsley, pepper, and zucchini.
- Simmer 25 minutes.
- Add hot bow tie pasta to soup bowls and ladle soup over.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, substitute turkey sausage instead of mild Italian sausage. If you prefer a vegetarian option, use a meatless sausage or omit the sausage altogether, adding more vegetables like spinach or kale. Fresh herbs can enhance the flavor; consider using fresh basil instead of crumbled basil leaves. This recipe can also be adapted with different pasta shapes, or try it with any leftover pasta you have on hand.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Sausage Zuppa with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top for added flavor. This hearty soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a fresh green salad. For a complete Italian meal, consider serving it alongside Hearty Lasagne Soup or Italian Stuffed Shells for a comforting feast.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze, place cooled soup in freezer-safe containers, leaving space for expansion, and store for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water to return the soup to its original consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sausage Zuppa (Sausage Soup) contains roughly 653 calories, with 26g protein, 86g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (151% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (89% of the Daily Value), and potassium (71% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 894mg per serving (39% 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 different types of sausage?
Absolutely! You can use spicy Italian sausage for a kick or even chicken sausage for a lighter option. Just adjust the seasoning accordingly, as different sausages have varying flavor profiles.
Is there a way to make this soup vegetarian?
Yes! Simply replace the sausage with a plant-based sausage or omit it entirely. Add more vegetables like carrots, spinach, or mushrooms to maintain heartiness and flavor.
How can I thicken the soup?
If you prefer a thicker soup, consider adding a slurry made of cornstarch and water or pureeing a portion of the soup and mixing it back in. You can also add mashed potatoes or a bit of rice to achieve a thicker consistency.
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).