Cozy Italian Sausage Soup for Busy Lives

This Italian Sausage Soup blends savory sausage, tender ravioli, and bright greens for a bowl that’s hearty but simple. The broth is tomato-forward with garlic and Italian herbs, the ravioli gives pillow-like bites, and the greens add a fresh finish. It’s comforting, slightly spicy if you like, and cooks up in about 30–40 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Top reasons to make this: it’s fast, family-friendly, and uses pantry staples most people keep on hand.

• Ready in about 30–40 minutes for weeknights.
• Uses simple ingredients you likely have or can grab quickly.
• Great for feeding a family or stretching into lunches.
• Easy to adapt for picky eaters or dietary needs.

Ingredients For the Soup

• 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or hot), casings removed
• 1 package (about 9–12 oz) fresh ravioli pasta (cheese or spinach)
• 1 large carrot, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 tsp black pepper (adjust to taste)
• 2 cups fresh spinach or kale, roughly chopped
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, optional for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions of Italian Sausage Soup

1. Brown the sausage: Heat a large pot over medium heat, add the sausage, and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat if needed.
2. Sauté the aromatics: Add the chopped onion, carrot, and celery to the pot. Cook 5–7 minutes until softened.
3. Add garlic and spices: Stir in the minced garlic and Italian seasoning; cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Pour in liquids: Add the diced tomatoes (with juices) and chicken broth. Stir, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
5. Simmer the soup: Bring to a gentle simmer and cook 8–10 minutes so flavors meld.
6. Cook the ravioli: Add the fresh ravioli to the simmering soup and cook according to package directions (usually 3–5 minutes) until tender.
7. Stir in greens: Add the spinach or kale and cook 1–2 minutes until wilted and bright.
8. Season and serve: Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Ladle into bowls and sprinkle with Parmesan if using.

Tips for Success

• Use fresh ravioli for the best texture frozen or dried will change cook time.
• Don’t overcook the ravioli; add them near the end so they stay tender.
• If you like a creamier soup, stir in a splash of half-and-half or a spoonful of cream at the end.

Substitutions & Variations of Italian Sausage Soup

To Make It Vegan/Gluten-Free: Use plant-based sausage and a gluten-free ravioli or swap ravioli for gluten-free pasta; replace chicken broth with vegetable broth, and skip the Parmesan or use a vegan alternative.

Variations:

• Add white beans (cannellini) for extra protein and texture.
• Swap ravioli for tortellini, small shells, or orzo.
• For a creamier twist, try the creamy version linked here: creamy Italian sausage gnocchi soup.
• Turn up the heat with red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage.

Storage Instructions of Italian Sausage Soup

Refrigerator: Cool to room temperature, then store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently on the stove.

Freezer: This soup with ravioli may change texture if frozen. For best results, freeze the soup base (without ravioli) in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat, then cook fresh ravioli before serving.

Make-Ahead: Cook the soup base a day ahead and refrigerate. Reheat and add ravioli and greens just before serving to keep pasta and greens fresh.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) of Italian Sausage Soup

Can I use ground pork instead of Italian sausage?

Yes season ground pork with 1–2 tsp Italian seasoning and a pinch of fennel or red pepper to mimic the flavor of sausage.

How do I keep the ravioli from falling apart?

Use fresh ravioli and add them at the end of cooking. Cook just long enough for them to float and become tender.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes. Brown the sausage and sauté the veggies first, then add everything (except ravioli and greens) to the slow cooker for 3–4 hours on low. Add ravioli and greens in the last 15–30 minutes.

Final Thoughts

This Italian Sausage Soup is an easy, comforting meal that fits busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner. It’s flexible, forgiving, and best of all satisfying. Give it a try, then come back to tell how it went: leave a comment and a star rating to share your tweaks or how the family liked it.

Cozy Italian Sausage Soup

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A warm, hearty Italian sausage soup with tender ravioli and fresh greens, ready in under 40 minutes.

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or hot), casings removed
• 1 package (about 9–12 oz) fresh ravioli pasta (cheese or spinach)
• 1 large carrot, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 tsp black pepper (adjust to taste)
• 2 cups fresh spinach or kale, roughly chopped
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, optional for serving

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Instructions

1. Heat a large pot over medium heat, add the sausage, and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat if needed.
2. Add the chopped onion, carrot, and celery to the pot. Cook for 5–7 minutes until softened.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and Italian seasoning; cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add the diced tomatoes (with juices) and chicken broth. Stir, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
5. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 8–10 minutes so flavors meld.
6. Add the fresh ravioli to the simmering soup and cook according to package directions (usually 3–5 minutes) until tender.
7. Add the spinach or kale and cook for 1–2 minutes until wilted and bright.
8. Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Ladle into bowls and sprinkle with Parmesan if using.

Notes

Use fresh ravioli for the best texture; avoid overcooking. For a creamier soup, stir in a splash of half-and-half or cream.

• Author: soukaina
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Soup
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Non-Vegetarian