Description of this recipe
This Hearty Italian Sausage Spinach Soup is a comforting and flavorful meal that’s perfect for a chilly evening. It’s packed with Italian sausage, vegetables, pasta, and beans, all simmered in a rich tomato broth. This soup is easy to make, satisfying, and a great way to sneak in some extra greens. Its robust flavor profile, stemming from the savory sausage and hearty vegetables, makes it a family favorite.
Why you will love this recipe
You’ll love this recipe for its simplicity and depth of flavor. It’s a one-pot meal that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum taste. The combination of Italian sausage, spinach, and cannellini beans creates a balanced and nutritious dish. Plus, it’s highly customizable – you can easily adapt it to your liking by adding different vegetables, pasta shapes, or spices. This soup is also freezer-friendly, making it a great option for meal prepping.
Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 4 large carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lb Italian sausage, casing removed (or purchase ground sausage)
- 3 cups tomato sauce
- 4-5 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup whole-grain elbow pasta uncooked (or other preferred pasta)
- Half a box frozen spinach (or about 6 cups fresh)
- 1 can (19 oz) no-salt added cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Preparation:
Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onions and carrots and cook until the onions are fragrant and translucent, about 5 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and adjust the heat if necessary. The key is to soften the vegetables without browning them too much.
Step 2: Add the minced garlic to the saucepan during the last minute of cooking the onions and carrots. Stir constantly to prevent the garlic from burning, as burnt garlic can impart a bitter flavor to the entire dish. The garlic should become fragrant within about 30 seconds to a minute.
Step 3: Add the ground Italian sausage to the saucepan. Cook until the sausage is no longer pink, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. This usually takes about 5 minutes. Ensure the sausage is evenly cooked to avoid any undercooked pieces in the soup. Drain off any excess fat from the saucepan to keep the soup from becoming too greasy.
Step 4: Pour in the tomato sauce and broth. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Turn the heat up to high and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the saucepan, and let the soup simmer for 20 minutes. Simmering allows the flavors to meld together, creating a richer, more complex taste.
Step 5: Add the uncooked pasta, spinach, and cannellini beans to the soup. Stir well to ensure the pasta is submerged in the liquid. Cook for an additional 10 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked al dente. The pasta should be tender but still have a slight bite to it. If using fresh spinach, add it in the last 5 minutes of cooking to prevent it from becoming too wilted.
Step 6: Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Start with a small amount and adjust as needed. Remember that the sausage and broth already contain salt, so it’s best to season gradually. Serve the soup warm, garnished with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese or a dollop of sour cream if desired.
COOKING Rating:
Easy
Serving Suggestions:
Serve this soup with a side of crusty bread for dipping. It also pairs well with a simple green salad or a grilled cheese sandwich. You can garnish it with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, a dollop of sour cream, or a drizzle of olive oil for added flavor and presentation.
Tips:
- For a spicier soup, use hot Italian sausage.
- Add other vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or kale for extra nutrients.
- Use bone broth for a richer flavor and added health benefits.
- If you don’t have cannellini beans, you can substitute them with great northern beans or kidney beans.
- To make this soup vegetarian, omit the sausage and use vegetable broth. You can add a can of diced tomatoes for extra flavor.
Prep Time:
15 minutes
Cook Time:
45 minutes
Total Time:
60 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Approximate values per serving)
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 25g
- Sodium: 800mg
Conclusion
This Hearty Italian Sausage Spinach Soup is a versatile and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s packed with flavor, easy to make, and can be customized to suit your preferences. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a comforting dish to share with friends and family, this soup is sure to please. So gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and enjoy a bowl of this delicious and nutritious soup.
Questions and Answers:
Q1: Can I use different types of sausage in this soup?
A: Absolutely! While Italian sausage is the traditional choice, you can experiment with other types of sausage, such as chorizo, kielbasa, or even chicken sausage. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Q2: Can I freeze this soup for later?
A: Yes, this soup freezes very well. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Q3: Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
A: Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Brown the sausage and sauté the vegetables in a skillet before transferring them to the slow cooker. Add the remaining ingredients and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Add the pasta during the last 30 minutes of cooking time.
Q4: Can I add cheese to this soup?
A: Yes, cheese can be a delicious addition to this soup. Parmesan cheese is a classic choice, but you can also try adding mozzarella, provolone, or even a dollop of ricotta cheese. Add the cheese during the last few minutes of cooking time or sprinkle it on top of the soup before serving.
Q5: Can I make this soup gluten-free?
A: Yes, you can easily make this soup gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta and ensuring that all other ingredients are gluten-free. There are many gluten-free pasta options available in most grocery stores. You may also consider using rice or quinoa instead of pasta.
