Italian Ground Sausage Soup: A Cozy, Veggie-Packed Family Favorite

There’s nothing like a warm bowl of soup on a chilly evening, and this Italian Ground Sausage Soup is the ultimate comfort food. Packed with protein, vegetables, and hearty flavor, it’s a meal that your whole family will love. Bonus: it’s quick, easy, and kid-friendly, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.

Not only is it delicious, but it’s also nutrient-rich and balanced, with plenty of fresh vegetables, flavorful herbs and spices, and options for lean proteins or whole-grain pasta.

About the Ingredients

I love this recipe for so many reasons. It’s cozy, it has a good spice-heat to it, and the health benefits! This soup is robust in all the best ways.

Protein

The ground sausage provides protein, healthy fats, and flavor that forms the base of this soup. You can also use turkey, chicken, or lean pork sausage for a lighter version.

• 1 lb ground sausage

Dried Herbs and Spices

These pantry staples add depth, warmth, and Italian flavor without adding extra calories. They also have small but notable health benefits like antioxidants and digestion support.

• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp dried parsley
• ¾ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp fennel seeds
• ¼ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• 2 tsp kosher salt (adjust to taste)

Fresh Produce

Vegetables add fiber, natural sweetness, and crunch, making this soup nutrient-dense and colorful.

• ½ red onion (red onions provide a light, slightly sweet flavor)
• 1 large carrot, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 cups fresh spinach and arugula

Canned & Pantry Staples

These ingredients provide acid, umami, and a flavorful soup base while keeping this recipe pantry-friendly. For the broth, I personally love using Gourmend Bone Broths—they’re rich, flavorful, and my top choice for all broth and stock needs. Using high-quality bone broth like Gourmend adds extra depth and nutrition to your soups. (Use Code: JENNSMITH15 for 15% off at Gourmend!)

• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 (15-oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15-oz) can diced tomatoes
• 4 cups bone broth or vegetable broth (I highly recommend Gourmend Broths)

Nutrition & Serving Info

When I say healthy, I mean it. Here are some details on the nutrition of this soup. This soup is officially my husband’s go-to for colds.

Serving Size: 1 ½ cups per person (main course)
Servings: 8
Approximate Calories per Serving: 250–300 kcal (without pasta; with optional pasta, ~350 kcal)

Protein: 

15–18 g per serving (depending on sausage type) – supports muscle repair and keeps you full.

Vegetable Content:

• ½ cup carrots & celery per serving
• ¼ cup fresh spinach & arugula per serving
  Benefits: High in fiber, vitamins A, C, K, and minerals like iron and magnesium.

Spices & Herbs: 

Italian seasoning, parsley, garlic, onion, fennel, paprika, red pepper flakes
Benefits: Antioxidants, anti-inflammatory properties, and digestive support.

Broth: 

Bone broth or vegetable broth (Gourmend Bone Broths recommended)
Benefits: Rich in minerals, collagen, and amino acids to support joint, gut, and skin health. (Use Code: JENNSMITH15 for 15% off at Gourmend!)

Optional Additions:

• Pasta: Adds carbohydrates for energy, making the soup more filling.
• Parmesan cheese: Adds flavor and a small boost of calcium and protein.

Soup Cooking Instructions

1. Heat a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add ground sausage and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Halfway through cooking, add dried herbs and spices. Cook until browned, about 7–8 minutes.
2. Keep the fat in the pot and add onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
3. Stir in tomato paste, cooking until thickened and deep red.
4. Add crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, and broth. Bring to a boil.
5. Stir in spinach and arugula until wilted, about 30 seconds.
6. Cook pasta (optional):
   • Add directly to the soup, simmer, and cook until al dente, stirring occasionally.
   • Or cook separately in salted water, drain, and serve pasta with hot soup poured over.
7. Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Serve with grated Parmesan if desired.

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