Name: Italian Sausage Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon Olive Oil; 1 pound Italian Sausage (mild or hot), casings removed if using links; ½ medium Onion, diced (about 1 cup); 2 ribs Celery, diced; 3 cloves Garlic, finely grated; ½ cup Orzo Pasta (uncooked), or 1 cup larger pasta type; 2 (14.5-ounce cans) Tomatoes (diced or crushed), undrained; 4 cups Chicken Broth; 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning; ½ teaspoon Sea Salt, or more to taste; ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper; Water, as needed to adjust consistency; Fresh parsley; Croutons; Parmesan cheese

Jump to Recipe· 4.9 from 8 reviews

If you’re craving a bowl of comfort that feels like a warm hug from Italy, you’re going to absolutely love this Italian Sausage Soup Recipe. It’s hearty, flavorful, and just the right kind of cozy for any day you want something both satisfying and simple. Trust me, this soup has become one of my go-to meals whenever I want to impress friends or just treat myself to something delicious without fuss. Stick around—I’ll walk you through every step so your soup comes out perfect every time.

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Why This Recipe Works

Perfect Balance of Flavors: The Italian sausage brings a rich, savory depth complemented by fresh vegetables and herbs.
Easy One-Pot Meal: This soup simmers all the key ingredients together, making cleanup a breeze.
Customizable and Versatile: You can swap pasta types, spice levels, and even add veggies to suit your taste.
Comfort in Every Spoonful: It’s thick enough to feel substantial but still broth-based enough to be light and soothing.

Italian Sausage Soup Italian Sausage Soup Recipe hearty comforting savory flavorful easy wholesome pasta soup - A white pot filled with a thick tomato soup that has three visible layers: a bright red tomato base with a smooth texture, mixed with small chunks of cooked ground meat in brown color, and short, oval-shaped pieces of light yellow pasta scattered throughout. A black ladle scoops some soup near the center, showing all three layers together with a shiny, moist texture. The pot is on a white marbled surface with a black-and-white striped cloth nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Italian Sausage Soup Recipe plays a role in making the flavor shine while keeping it comforting and hearty. I always start with good quality Italian sausage because it forms the flavor base, and the orzo pasta cooks quickly, adding body without weighing the soup down.

Italian Sausage Soup Italian Sausage Soup Recipe hearty comforting savory flavorful easy wholesome pasta soup - Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil, a pile of fresh Italian sausage meat, half a medium yellow onion diced, two bright green celery ribs chopped, three peeled garlic cloves finely grated, a small white ceramic bowl of uncooked orzo pasta, a simple white ceramic bowl filled with bright red diced tomatoes with juice, a small white ceramic bowl of rich golden chicken broth, a small white ceramic bowl of mixed Italian seasoning herbs, a small white ceramic bowl of coarse sea salt, a small white ceramic bowl of cracked black peppercorns, fresh sprigs of green parsley placed neatly, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps brown the sausage without burning. Use extra virgin for the best flavor.
Italian Sausage: This is the star — it offers a wonderful mix of spices. Mild or hot depends on your heat preference.
Onion: Provides sweetness and depth when sautéed with celery and garlic.
Celery: Adds subtle crunch and earthy balance to the soup.
Garlic: Freshly grated garlic ensures a vibrant, fragrant base.
Orzo Pasta: Cooks quickly and absorbs flavors beautifully, giving the soup a comforting texture.
Canned Tomatoes: Use diced or crushed, undrained; they add acidity and body.
Chicken Broth: Creates a flavorful liquid base that supports all other ingredients.
Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that ties the whole dish together.
Sea Salt & Black Pepper: To season and enhance every flavor in the pot.
Water: To adjust consistency — don’t be afraid to add as you go!

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I like to keep this Italian Sausage Soup Recipe flexible — it’s a fantastic canvas for whatever you love or have on hand. Don’t be afraid to tweak the spice level or toss in extra veggies for a boost of nutrition and texture.

Make it Spicy: Once, I used hot Italian sausage and added a pinch of red pepper flakes; it was the perfect kick for a chilly evening.
Vegetable Boost: Sometimes, I throw in chopped spinach or kale at the end for a green twist that makes it feel lighter but still hearty.
Gluten-Free: Swap orzo for gluten-free pasta or even small rice for a grain-free version.
Cheesy Finish: Stir in shredded mozzarella or sprinkle Parmesan generously to your heart’s content.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Italian Sausage Soup Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Sausage for Flavor

Start by heating the olive oil in your soup pot over medium-high heat until it shimmers — this hot oil will help you get that beautiful golden-brown crust on the Italian sausage. Remove the casings if you’re using links, crumble the meat into the pot, and cook until all those delicious bits brown evenly. Don’t rush this—it’s where a lot of your flavor is going to come from. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the sausage to a plate once done.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Drain most of the grease, leaving about a teaspoon to keep things flavorful. Add diced onion, celery, and grated garlic to the pot. Stir them around until they’re soft and fragrant—about 5 minutes. This trio creates a wonderful base that balances the sausage’s richness when combined later.

Step 3: Bring It All Together

Return the browned sausage to the pot. Pour in the orzo pasta, canned tomatoes with their juice, and chicken broth. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good stir and crank the heat until it boils. Once bubbling, reduce to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 10–15 minutes until the orzo is tender but not mushy. Keep an eye on it and stir every few minutes to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Adjust and Serve

If the soup feels too thick, don’t hesitate to stir in a splash of water or extra broth to reach your perfect consistency. Ladle it warm, topped with fresh parsley, a handful of crunchy croutons, and a shower of Parmesan cheese. That final step really brings everything together—trust me, don’t skip it!

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Tips from My Kitchen

Brown Thoroughly: Take your time browning the sausage — the caramelization adds incredible flavor.
Don’t Skip Stirring: Stir the soup periodically while simmering so the orzo cooks evenly and doesn’t clump up.
Tailor Your Heat: Mix mild and hot sausage if you want a layered spicy profile that’s just right.
Reheat with Care: Orzo absorbs liquid, so always add broth or water when warming leftovers to keep it soupy.

How to Serve Italian Sausage Soup Recipe

Italian Sausage Soup Italian Sausage Soup Recipe hearty comforting savory flavorful easy wholesome pasta soup - A white bowl filled with a reddish-orange broth containing small, light brown meatballs and elongated pale pasta pieces. There are crisp golden brown croutons scattered on top, along with chopped green herbs and white grated cheese sprinkled across the surface. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Whenever I serve this soup, I love sprinkling it with fresh parsley for a pop of color and brightness. A handful of crunchy croutons adds a lovely texture contrast, and Parmesan cheese melts just slightly on top creating an irresistible savory finish. These little touches take this humble soup from good to restaurant-quality without any extra work.

Side Dishes

Pair this soup with rustic garlic bread or cheesy focaccia to soak up every drop of broth. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette is also a refreshing companion that balances the richness. On cold days, I make extra bread and dip it right into the soup—pure comfort!

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I’ve ladled this soup into mini bread bowls—yes, little round loaves hollowed out to hold the hot soup inside. Guests love the novelty and the bread soaks up all the wonderful juices. You can even garnish creatively with basil leaves or a drizzle of pesto to jazz it up.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I always let this soup cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers—otherwise, condensation can make it watery or soggy. Stored properly, it keeps well in the fridge for up to 5 days, making it perfect for lunches or quick dinners throughout the week.

Freezing

This Italian Sausage Soup Recipe freezes beautifully. I portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags, leaving a bit of space for expansion. When I thaw it, I always stir it occasionally while reheating to bring back its original texture.

Reheating

Reheating is easy but a key tip is to add a splash of broth or water before warming it up on the stovetop or microwave. Since the orzo soaks up liquid as it cools, this helps restore that lovely soupy consistency. Gentle reheating with frequent stirring keeps it from drying out or sticking to your pot.

FAQs

Can I use turkey or chicken sausage instead of Italian sausage?

Absolutely! Turkey or chicken sausage can be a leaner alternative. Just make sure it’s Italian-seasoned to keep that familiar flavor profile. You might need to cook it a little differently since leaner sausages release less fat, so consider adding a bit more olive oil during the sauté step.
What if I don’t have orzo? Can I use other pasta?

Orzo is great because it cooks quickly and blends well, but you can swap in small pasta shapes like ditalini or small shells. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly so the pasta is tender but not mushy.
How spicy is this Italian Sausage Soup Recipe?

It depends on your sausage choice! Mild Italian sausage will create a gentle warmth, while hot Italian sausage brings more heat. You can always mix the two or add red pepper flakes for more spice if you want to dial it up.
Can I make this soup in a pressure cooker?

Yes! Use the sauté function to brown the sausage and veggies, then add the rest of the ingredients, seal, and pressure cook on high for zero to one minute depending on your pasta choice, followed by a natural release. It’s a quick method that still delivers full flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Italian Sausage Soup Recipe is truly a kitchen favorite of mine because it’s reliable, flavorful, and easy enough to whip up any night of the week. It’s one of those recipes that welcomes a bit of creativity but also shines as-is, comforting you with every spoonful. If you try it, I’d love to hear how you customize it or what toppings you add—just like sharing cooking stories with a friend over coffee. So go ahead, dive in, and enjoy making this soup your own little bowl of happiness!