Make it super cozy and pair it with homemade breadsticks!
Flavorful Sausage Soup
Who knows how many soup recipes are already here on Cooking Classy but that list will never end. Soups just warm the soul. Especially as it gets colder and colder out and as the days seem to grow shorter with a lack of the glowing suns rays, even by dinnertime (anyone else already wanting to be in bed by 7 these days?). This soup is a combination of a few of my favorites, while the leading ingredient is Italian sausage. It brings so much flavor to this simple soup and doesn’t require hours of simmering to build up flavor. It’s an easy soup that’s perfect for a busy day. And there are a lot of ways to adapt the recipe and use up what you’ve got on hand. I’ll share all plenty of ideas below. Or of course make it exactly as is and you’ll have a perfectly enjoyable and simply satisfying sausage soup!
Italian Sausage Soup Recipe Ingredients and Substitutes
Olive oil: Another neutral flavored oil like avocado oil or even vegetable oil will work. Italian sausage: Plain pork sausage could be substituted then just up the Italian seasoning to 2 1/2 tsp and add 3/4 tsp fennel seeds if you have them. Yellow onion: A red onion will work if that’s what you have. Carrots: Preferably don’t omit the carrots. If you are up for experimenting you can try parsnips. Celery: Another ingredient not to omit. It really builds up the overall background flavor of the soup. Bell pepper: I use red bell pepper (it’s the ripest and sweetest) but any color will work. Garlic: If you don’t have fresh garlic you could use 1 1/2 tsp dried granulated, just keep in mind it never tastes as fresh (of course). Chicken broth: I recommend using low-sodium so you have more control over the salt. Vegetable broth or beef broth could be substituted Tomato sauce: In some countries also known as passata. Crushed tomatoes would also work here too. Canned diced tomatoes: If needed fresh tomatoes could work here as well if that’s what you have. Use 3 diced Roma tomatoes. Italian seasoning: You could also just use 1/2 tsp dried basil 1/2 tsp dried oregano and 1/2 tsp dried rosemary or marjarom. Dry orzo pasta: See variation notes below on substitutes. Fresh basil and parsley: Preferably stick with fresh herbs if possible. You don’t absolutely have to use both, you could use one or the other. Salt and pepper: Season to taste.
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How to Make Italian Sausage Soup
Can this soup be frozen?
Yes this soup will freeze well. If you don’t like soggy pasta then cook and freeze separately (toss with olive oil). Freeze up to 3 months.
Can I use another type of meat?
Yes you could use another type of ground meat in place of sausage. You could use plain pork sausage as noted above, Italian turkey sausage or ground beef.
Variatons
Add other vegetables such as zucchini, kale or spinach. Try it with another pasta such as ditalini, elbow, or acini de pepe. Or replace pasta with cheese tortellini. Substitute diced cauliflower in place of the orzo to cut some of the carbs. Season with other fresh herbs in place of dried Italian seasoning. Rosemary and oregano are other great options, add to taste. Make it spicy by using hot Italian sausage or adding red pepper flakes to taste. If you want it a little more stew-like use 1 cup orzo.
Tips
Break sausage into pieces in pot giving space between so they have a chance to brown on bottom rather than steam, and only toss occasionally. Careful not to over-cook pasta. I even cook shy of al dente because it will continue to cook off heat since the soup is so hot. If you plan on leftovers you can cook pasta separately and store separately (toss with a little olive oil) so pasta doesn’t get mushy. For extra flavor try it with homemade chicken stock.
More Tasty Similar Soups to Try
Italian Sausage Kale Tortellini Soup Pasta e Fagioli Stuffed Pepper Soup Tortellini Soup Zuppa Toscana
