Susie'S Italian Sausage Soup
Susie’s Italian Sausage Soup combines spicy sausage, fresh vegetables, tomatoes, and orzo for a hearty, flavorful meal perfect for cozy family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb. hot or mild Italian sausage ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. chopped celery ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. chopped onion
- 1/2 c. chopped parsley
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 2 c. canned or fresh Italian tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 c. tomato puree ⓘ
- 6 c. chicken broth ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. oregano ⓘ
- 2 bay leaves ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. thyme ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. sugar ⓘ
- 1 c. orzo ⓘ
Instructions
- Cut the sausage into 1-inch pieces, brown, and drain.
- Combine the chopped celery, onion, parsley, minced garlic, and olive oil in a large kettle and sauté until glossy.
- Add the tomatoes, tomato puree, chicken broth, oregano, bay leaves, thyme, sugar, and orzo to the kettle.
- Simmer the soup for 1 hour, or longer if desired, allowing flavors to meld. It tastes even better the next day.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using hot Italian sausage as it adds a nice kick. If you prefer a lighter option, turkey sausage can be substituted. You can also add vegetables like spinach or kale for extra nutrients. If you're short on time, using store-bought broth is acceptable, but homemade adds depth. This soup is similar to other Italian recipes that highlight hearty ingredients.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a simple side salad, making it a complete meal. For a delightful twist, consider serving it alongside Pizza Chicken Or Turkey for a comforting Italian-inspired dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm over medium heat on the stove until heated through. If the soup thickens, add a splash of broth or water to reach your desired consistency. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months; just ensure to leave space in the container for expansion.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Susie'S Italian Sausage Soup contains roughly 1077 calories, with 33g protein, 166g carbohydrates, and 51g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (265% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1139mg per serving (50% 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 vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this soup vegetarian by omitting the Italian sausage and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can add more vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms to enhance the flavor and texture. Just ensure to sauté the vegetables before adding the broth and tomatoes.
How can I make this soup spicier?
To increase the spiciness, choose hot Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes when sautéing the vegetables. You can also finish the soup with a drizzle of hot sauce or a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper before serving. Adjust the spice levels to your taste preference for a perfect kick.
Can I use a different type of pasta instead of orzo?
Absolutely! If you don't have orzo on hand, you can substitute it with other small pasta shapes like ditalini, elbow macaroni, or even rice. Just adjust the cooking time based on the pasta type you choose, ensuring it is cooked al dente before serving in the soup.
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).