Spicy Italian Sausage Soup

Is Soup Your Jam in Winter?

There’s nothing like a warm, hearty bowl of soup to chase away the winter chill. For many of us, making a big pot of soup is a comforting tradition and a practical way to enjoy easy, flavorful meals throughout the week.

Today’s recipe for Spicy Italian Sausage and Kale Soup is sure to become a favorite in your rotation. Pair it with a slice of crusty bread, and you’ve got a satisfying meal to warm your heart and home.

Italian Sausage and Kale Soup 

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Serve Up Spicy Italian Sausage Soup

This soup is a flavorful and hearty Italian-inspired dish that combines the rich flavors of sweet and hot Italian sausages with fresh vegetables like red pepper, celery, onion, potatoes, and kale. It's simmered in a savory chicken stock and seasoned with Italian herbs for a deliciously satisfying meal.

Why You'll Love This Italian Sausage Soup

Quick and Easy: This Spicy Italian Sausage Soup is made quickly on the stovetop.  

Versatile: Potatoes are yummy in this recipe but sometimes you can substitute pasta for the potatoes.  Any pasta you are in the mood for will work, even gnocchi or cheese tortellini.  That means you can change this recipe each time you make it and it will seem like a different soup.

Make Ahead: This soup will freeze well.  I like to use quart deli containers that I buy online for soup.  They are a perfect size.  Soup in the freezer is a good thing.

Flavorful:  You can control the spiciness by adjusting the ratio of sweet Italian sausage to hot Italian sausage.  I use half hot Italian sausage and half sweet Italian sausage and the soup has just the right amount of spice for my family. This soup packs a lot of flavor into one bowl.  That will keep your family coming back for more. 

How to Make Spicy Italian Sausage Soup

Watch the Italian Sausage Soup Video

Tips for Sausage Soup Success

1. Go Loose: Buy loose Italian sausage to skip the hassle of removing casings. Many grocery stores carry it in the meat department.

2. Adjust the Heat: Start with equal parts sweet and hot sausage, then tweak the ratio based on your family’s spice tolerance.

3. Perfect Garlic: Grating the garlic ensures it melds seamlessly into the broth, adding depth of flavor without overwhelming it.

4. Prep the Kale: Remove tough stems and chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces. Let the soup simmer until the kale is tender and to your liking.

5. Mind the Pasta: If you opt for pasta instead of potatoes, cook it separately and add it to the soup just before serving. This prevents the pasta from soaking up too much broth.

6. Soup Presentation: Elevate your soup night with colorful single-serving soup bowls or classic crocks for an extra special touch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this soup with just one type of Italian sausage?

Absolutely! If you prefer a milder or spicier version, you can use only sweet or hot Italian sausage. Adjust the spice level to your liking.

Can I substitute any of the ingredients if I don't have them on hand?

While I recommend sticking to the listed ingredients for the best flavor, you can make some substitutions if necessary. You can use spinach instead of kale or even different types of potatoes. Feel free to adapt based on your preferences and what's in your pantry.

How spicy is this soup?

The level of spiciness depends on the hot Italian sausage you use. If you want it milder, opt for sweet Italian sausage or reduce the amount of hot Italian sausage. 

Can I freeze this soup for later use?

Yes, this Spicy Italian Sausage and Kale Soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then store it in airtight containers or freezer bags. It can be kept in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and warm it up on the stove or in the microwave.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned diced tomatoes?

Certainly! You can substitute fresh diced tomatoes for canned diced tomatoes. Use about 1 1/2 cups of fresh diced tomatoes for the best results.

What should I serve with this soup?

Spicy Italian Sausage and Kale Soup pairs well with crusty bread, garlic bread, or a simple salad. It's a complete meal on its own, but you can also serve it as an appetizer or starter for a larger Italian-themed dinner. You may want to try this Foccacia bread recipe or this honey oat bread recipe with your soup or try these parmesan garlic rolls.

The Spicy Italian Sausage Soup Recipe

winter soup, soup with kale, sausage soup

lunch, dinner, soup

American

Yield: 8 servings

Author: Donna Urso

Spicy Italian Sausage Soup

A hearty sausage and kale soup made with both sweet and hot Italian sausage.

Prep time: 15 MinCook time: 30 MinTotal time: 45 Min

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 pound sweet Italian sausage
• 1/2 pound hot Italian sausage
• 1/2 large red pepper, chopped
• 1 stalk celery, chopped
• 1/2 large onion, chopped
• 1 large clove garlic, grated
• 2 large potatoes, cubed
• 1/2 bunch of kale, trimmed of stems and chopped
• 6 cups chicken stock
• 1-14.5 ounce can diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. If using sausage links, split the casings and remove the sausage. Break the sausage into pieces and place them into the pot. Throw out the sausage casings. Cook the sausage until browned. Remove from the pan and set aside.
3. Remove excess oil from the pan. You want about one tablespoon in the pot to cook the vegetables. Add the red pepper, celery, and onion to the pot and cook until soft, about five minutes.
4. Grate the garlic into the pot and cook for one minute. Return the sausage to the pot. Add the tomatoes and chicken stock to the pot. Bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook for ten minutes.
5. Add the potatoes and kale to the pot. Bring to a boil. Reduce to simmer, and cook for ten more minutes, or until the potatoes are soft and the kale is tender.
6. Taste for seasoning and add salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot.

Recommended Products

Soup Crocks

7-inch Santoku Knife

6 Quart Dutch Oven

Nutrition Facts

Calories

304.40

Fat (grams)

14.25 g

Sat. Fat (grams)

4.68 g

Carbs (grams)

27.36 g

Fiber (grams)

2.79 g

Net carbs

24.56 g

Sugar (grams)

5.93 g

Protein (grams)

17.12 g

Sodium (milligrams)

713.42 mg

Cholesterol (grams)

30.06 mg

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