Hearty Spicy Italian Sausage Soup Recipe

Hearty Spicy Italian Sausage Soup Recipe for Chilly Nights

Steaming bowls of comfort await with this hearty spicy Italian sausage soup that promises to warm you from the inside out.

Bold flavors dance across your palate with each spoonful of robust ingredients.

Savory sausage brings a fiery kick to this classic Italian-inspired dish.

Tender vegetables and rich broth create a symphony of taste that feels like a culinary embrace.

Packed with protein and bold seasonings, this soup delivers a satisfying meal in minutes.

The aroma alone will have everyone gathering around the table, eager to dive into this delectable creation.

One taste, and you’ll understand why this soup becomes an instant favorite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 50 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Calories: 425 kcal

Servings: 7

Ingredients Inside Italian Sausage Soup

For Protein and Flavor Base:
  • Spicy Italian Sausage: Delivers robust, zesty punch with authentic Italian character; choose fresh, high-quality sausage with visible herb specks for maximum flavor depth.
  • Chicken Base: Intensifies savory background notes; opt for low-sodium varieties to control salt content.
For Aromatic Foundation:
  • Onion, Garlic: Creates flavor-building base with sweet and pungent undertones; select firm, crisp onions and fresh garlic for vibrant taste.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces subtle heat and complexity; choose bright red flakes for maximum spice impact.
For Liquid and Texture Components:
  • Chicken Broth: Provides liquid foundation and additional depth; select organic or homemade broth for superior taste.
  • Heavy Cream: Adds luxurious richness and silky mouthfeel; use fresh, high-fat content cream for best results.
  • Potatoes: Contributes hearty texture and subtle earthiness; pick waxy varieties like Yukon Gold for ideal consistency.
For Finishing Touches:
  • Baby Kale, Arugula, Spinach: Introduces fresh, peppery brightness and nutritional boost; choose vibrant, crisp greens.
  • Kosher Salt, Black Pepper, White Pepper: Layers seasoning complexity; freshly ground pepper enhances overall flavor profile.

Kitchen Tools for Hearty Sausage Soup

  • Large pot: Essential for cooking and simmering the entire soup.
  • Cutting board: Needed for chopping onions and slicing potatoes.
  • Chef's knife: Perfect for precise vegetable and ingredient preparation.
  • Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and breaking apart sausage.
  • Measuring spoons: Helps add precise amounts of spices and seasonings.
  • Ladle: Required for serving soup into individual bowls.

Step-by-Step for Spicy Italian Soup—Simplified

  • Sausage Kickoff

Brown spicy Italian sausage in a large pot, breaking meat into delicious crumbles. Let those meaty bits sizzle until they develop a rich golden color.

  • Flavor Foundation

Toss in diced onions and minced garlic, creating an aromatic base that will make your kitchen smell incredible. Sprinkle in some fiery red pepper flakes for extra excitement.

  • Liquid Magic

Pour chicken broth into the pot and add sliced potatoes. Let everything bubble and dance together, simmering gently until potatoes become tender and soft.

  • Creamy Transformation

Swirl in rich heavy cream, letting the soup transform into a luxurious blend of flavors. Allow everything to mingle and get acquainted over low heat.

  • Green Surprise

Create a fresh bed of baby greens in serving bowls. Ladle the steaming hot soup over the greens, watching them gently wilt and add a pop of color to your meal.

Soup Tweaks That Bring Bold Italian Flavor

  • Adjust red pepper flakes to match your heat tolerance, from mild to fiery hot.
  • Experiment with different Italian sausage varieties like sweet, mild, or spicy to change the soup's flavor profile.
  • Toss in extra vegetables like diced carrots, celery, or zucchini for added nutrition and texture.
  • Replace heavy cream with half-and-half, whole milk, or coconut milk for lighter or dairy-free options.

Presenting Italian Sausage Soup with Charm

  • Warm Bread Pairing: Serve this hearty soup with crusty Italian bread or garlic toast to soak up the delicious broth and add a satisfying crunch.
  • Cheese Topping Delight: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan or pecorino romano cheese on top for an extra layer of rich, salty flavor that complements the spicy sausage.
  • Fresh Herb Finish: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or basil right before serving to brighten the soup's depth and add a pop of fresh green color.
  • Wine Companion: Pair with a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese to enhance the robust flavors of the Italian sausage and create a restaurant-worthy meal experience.

Saving That Soup for Later Made Easy

  • Store Smartly: Transfer leftover soup to airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Refrigerate Right: Keep the soup in sealed containers in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Cool completely before storing to preserve texture and flavor.
  • Freeze for Future: Pack soup in freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space at the top for expansion. Frozen soup stays delicious for up to 3 months. Tip: Separate cream-based portions before freezing to prevent separation.
  • Reheat with Care: Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight. Warm gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth if the soup seems too thick. Avoid microwave reheating to maintain the soup's creamy consistency and prevent potential texture changes.
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Hearty Spicy Italian Sausage Soup Recipe

Hearty Spicy Italian Sausage Soup Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 9 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 7 1x

Description

Hearty Italian sausage soup delivers robust flavors from Tuscany’s countryside. Simmering peppers, herbs, and rich broth create a satisfying meal you’ll savor with each comforting spoonful.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb/453 g hot Italian sausage
  • 2 lbs/907 g red potatoes, washed and sliced thin
  • 8 cups/1.9 L chicken broth
  • 4 cups/60 g baby kale, arugula, or spinach
  • 1 large yellow onion, chopped
  • 6 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 1 tbsp crushed red pepper flakes
  • ½ tsp ground white pepper
  • 2 tsp Better than Bouillon chicken base
  • 1 cup/240 ml heavy cream
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Sausage Searing: Position a large pot over medium-high heat and crumble Italian sausage, allowing it to caramelize and develop rich, golden edges. Drain excess fat if needed for a cleaner flavor profile.
  2. Aromatic Foundation: Introduce finely diced onions and minced garlic into the seared sausage. Sprinkle red pepper flakes, kosher salt, black pepper, and white pepper to amplify the soup’s depth and complexity. Sauté until vegetables become translucent and fragrant.
  3. Liquid Integration: Pour chicken broth and chicken base into the pot, creating a robust foundation. Add thinly sliced potatoes, ensuring they are completely submerged. If liquid seems insufficient, supplement with additional broth or water mixed with chicken base.
  4. Simmering Process: Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to medium. Allow the soup to simmer gently for 35-40 minutes, concentrating flavors and tenderizing potatoes until they reach a perfect, yielding consistency.
  5. Creamy Refinement: Gently fold heavy cream into the soup, reducing heat to low. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to balance the flavor profile. Let the soup rest for 5 minutes, allowing ingredients to meld harmoniously.
  6. Serving Presentation: Layer fresh greens – baby kale, arugula, or spinach – in serving bowls. Ladle the steaming soup over the greens, creating a delicate wilting effect that adds visual appeal and fresh, herbaceous notes to the dish.

Notes

  • Meat Browning Technique: Properly caramelize sausage to develop rich, deep flavor by breaking it into small pieces during cooking and draining excess fat for optimal texture.
  • Spice Balance: Carefully layer red pepper flakes, kosher salt, and both black and white pepper to create a complex, multilayered aromatic profile that enhances the soup’s overall taste.
  • Liquid Adjustment: Monitor broth levels during cooking, adding extra liquid if needed to ensure potatoes are fully submerged and the soup maintains ideal consistency.
  • Greens Wilting Trick: Add fresh greens directly to serving bowls and pour hot soup over them to create a delicate wilting effect that preserves nutrients and adds visual appeal.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 7
  • Calories: 425
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 1060 mg
  • Fat: 33 g
  • Saturated Fat: 18 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 12 g
  • Cholesterol: 100 mg
Michael Rivera

Michael Rivera

Co-Founder & Culinary Instructor

Expertise

  • Classic French Cuisine
  • Artisanal Bread Baking
  • Plant-Based Culinary Innovation
  • Recipe & Menu Development
  • Interactive Online Instruction

Education

The French Culinary Institute (now part of the International Culinary Center)

  • Program: Classic Culinary Arts
  • Focus: An intensive curriculum rooted in classical French techniques, artisanal bread production, and contemporary culinary methods.

Michael Rivera is a seasoned chef and culinary instructor based in San Francisco, CA. Trained in Classic Culinary Arts at The French Culinary Institute, he refined his skills in Michelin-starred kitchens, mastering classic French techniques and artisanal bread baking. 

Passionate about making gourmet methods accessible, Michael co-founded thatsmyhome.com to share his expertise through interactive online lessons and innovative, plant-based recipes. He loves blending traditional techniques with modern ideas, encouraging home cooks to enjoy the art of cooking in a relaxed, fun environment.

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