Name: The Easy Italian Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 small onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 carrots, sliced; 2 celery stalks, sliced; 1 can diced tomatoes; 1 can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed; 1 liter vegetable broth; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried basil; Salt and black pepper to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped

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Table of Contents: The Easy Italian Soup

The Easy Italian Soup

THE EASY ITALIAN SOUP: A Heartwarming Classic for Any Table

Remember those cozy Sunday dinners with family, filled with laughter and the aroma of something delicious simmering on the stove? This Easy Italian Soup brings that feeling right back. It’s a recipe passed down through generations, simplified for today’s busy lives, but retaining all the comforting flavor you crave.

If you’re looking for quick soup recipes that don’t skimp on taste, look no further. This isn’t just soup; it’s a hug in a bowl.

This recipe delivers the authentic taste of Italy without hours of prep work. We’re using readily available ingredients and streamlining the process to create a flavorful, satisfying soup that’s perfect for a chilly evening, a light lunch, or even as a starter for a festive holiday meal.

Many people recognize this style of soup as easy Italian wedding soup, though this version is wonderfully versatile and doesn’t require the tiny meatballs traditionally associated with the wedding version. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy the essence of Italian cuisine with minimal effort.

Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or simply seeking a comforting weeknight meal, this soup is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s a beautiful balance of savory sausage, tender greens, and delicate pasta, all swimming in a rich, flavorful broth. And the best part? It comes together in under an hour!

Alternate Names & Variations

This delightful soup goes by many names, often depending on regional variations and family traditions. You might hear it called Minestra Italiana, or simply Italian Soup. It’s closely related to, and often confused with, Italian wedding soup (Zuppa di Nozze), which traditionally includes tiny meatballs and sometimes other additions like grated Parmesan rind in the simmering broth.

For a heartier version, consider adding cannellini beans or diced potatoes. If you prefer a different green, kale or Swiss chard work beautifully in place of the spinach or escarole. And for those who like a little spice, a pinch of red pepper flakes adds a lovely warmth.

Ingredients: THE EASY ITALIAN SOUP

Here’s what you’ll need to create this comforting bowl of goodness:

* 1 pound ground mild Italian sausage
* 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for drizzling
* 1 medium yellow onion, diced
* 4 cloves garlic, minced
* 2 quarts (8 cups) chicken stock – low sodium is preferred

* 1 cup small pasta, such as ditalini, acini de pepe, or orzo
* 4 packed cups (4 to 5 ounces) spinach or escarole, stems removed and roughly torn
* 2 teaspoons kosher salt, or as needed
* 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or as needed

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Brown the Sausage: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain off any excess grease. Chef’s Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pot! Work in batches if necessary to ensure the sausage browns properly.

2. Sauté Aromatics: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the pot. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Shortcut: Use pre-diced onions and minced garlic to save time!

3. Build the Broth: Pour in the chicken stock and bring to a boil.

4. Cook the Pasta: Once boiling, add the pasta and cook according to package directions. Typically, this will be around 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente. Chef’s Tip: Keep an eye on the pasta! It will continue to absorb liquid as it sits, so you want to avoid overcooking it.

5. Wilt the Greens: Stir in the spinach or escarole and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.

6. Season to Perfection: Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Start with the recommended amounts and adjust as needed. Substitution: If you don’t have kosher salt, sea salt or table salt will work, but adjust the amount accordingly.

7. Simmer and Serve: Reduce the heat to low and simmer for another 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Drizzle with a little extra olive oil before serving.

Recipe Card Block (Quick Reference)

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Approximate Calories: 350 per serving (estimated)

Why This Recipe Works & Expert Tips

This Easy Italian Soup is a winner because it focuses on building layers of flavor with simple techniques. Browning the sausage properly is crucial – it creates a delicious foundation for the entire soup. Sautéing the onions and garlic until softened and fragrant releases their natural sweetness and aroma, adding depth to the broth.

Using good quality chicken stock is also key. Homemade is best, of course, but a good store-bought stock will do the trick. The small pasta shape is traditional, as it distributes evenly throughout the soup and provides a satisfying texture. This recipe is truly easy comfort food for family dinners – it’s warm, inviting, and guaranteed to bring everyone together

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of Italian sausage (hot, sweet, or a combination) to customize the flavor to your liking.

Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Tips

Storage: Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing: This soup freezes beautifully! Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Note: The pasta may become slightly softer after freezing and thawing. For best results, consider freezing the soup before adding the pasta, and then cook the pasta separately when reheating. This is a great way to make quick soup recipes even quicker in the future!

Reheating: To reheat, simply thaw the soup (if frozen) and bring it to a simmer in a pot on the stovetop. If the pasta has absorbed too much liquid, add a splash of chicken stock or water to thin it out.

Conclusion: THE EASY ITALIAN SOUP

So there you have it – a truly Easy Italian Soup that’s packed with flavor and perfect for any occasion. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and experience the comforting warmth of Italian cooking for yourself. Don’t hesitate to adjust the seasonings and ingredients to suit your preferences.

I’d love to hear how it turns out! Please share your photos and comments below. Happy cooking!