Italian Turkey Sausage Soup

Imagine a bowl of pure comfort, brimming with vibrant flavors, hearty textures, and the inviting aroma of Italian herbs. This incredible Italian Turkey Sausage Soup brings together lean turkey sausage, tender vegetables, and savory broth for a meal that’s both nourishing and incredibly satisfying.

It’s a dish designed to warm you from the inside out, making it perfect for any day of the week. Get ready to transform simple ingredients into a truly memorable culinary experience with this delicious Italian Turkey Sausage Soup recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Italian Turkey Sausage Soup Recipe

This Italian Turkey Sausage Soup isn’t just a recipe; it’s an invitation to savor simple, wholesome goodness. Here are just a few reasons why it will quickly become a cherished favorite in your kitchen:

• It offers a rich, aromatic flavor profile, combining savory turkey sausage with bright herbs and tender vegetables for a truly comforting experience.
• Preparing this soup is wonderfully straightforward, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights when you crave something homemade without the fuss.
• Packed with lean protein and an abundance of fresh vegetables, this Italian Turkey Sausage Soup provides a nutritious and wholesome meal option for the entire family.
• It’s incredibly versatile, allowing for easy substitutions and adaptations to suit your taste preferences or whatever seasonal produce you have on hand, embracing an anti-gaspillage approach.
• Each spoonful delivers a delightful blend of textures, from the chewiness of the sausage and pasta to the tenderness of the tomatoes and spinach.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Crafting a truly exceptional Italian Turkey Sausage Soup begins with selecting the freshest, most vibrant ingredients. Opt for organic and local produce whenever possible to elevate the flavors and ensure the highest quality. Here’s what you’ll gather for this delightful soup:

• 1 tablespoon Olive Oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil forms the base, lending a smooth, rich undertone to the soup.
• 1 pound Italian Turkey Sausage: Choose mild or hot, depending on your preference. I often opt for a lean, high-quality variety to keep things light and flavorful in this Italian Turkey Sausage Soup.
• 1 large Yellow Onion: Finely chopped, it provides a sweet aromatic foundation when sautéed.
• 2 cloves Garlic: Minced, infusing the soup with its pungent, irresistible aroma.
• 2 Carrots: Peeled and diced, adding a touch of sweetness and vibrant color.
• 2 Celery Stalks: Diced, contributing a subtle savory note and essential texture to your Italian Turkey Sausage Soup.
• 1 (28 ounce) can Crushed Tomatoes: These bring a robust, sweet, and tangy tomato base to the soup.
• 1 (15 ounce) can Diced Tomatoes: Undrained, for added texture and a burst of fresh tomato flavor.
• 6 cups Chicken Broth or Vegetable Broth: Low-sodium is preferred, allowing you to control the seasoning precisely. This forms the soulful liquid base of the Italian Turkey Sausage Soup.
• 1 teaspoon Dried Italian Seasoning: A classic blend that ties all the Italian flavors together beautifully.
• 1/2 teaspoon Dried Basil: Enhances the herbaceous notes, adding depth and warmth.
• 1/4 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For a gentle warmth and a subtle kick, if you enjoy a bit of spice in your Italian Turkey Sausage Soup.
• 1/2 cup Small Pasta (e.g., ditalini, small shells, or orzo): Adds a delightful heartiness and makes the soup more substantial.
• 4 cups Fresh Spinach: Roughly chopped, added at the very end for a pop of color and a boost of nutrients.
• Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper: To taste, essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
• Fresh Parsley or Basil (for garnish): Chopped, for a fresh finish and a beautiful presentation.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese (for serving): An optional but highly recommended addition for a rich, savory topping.

Substitutions & Variations

One of the joys of cooking, especially with a recipe like Italian Turkey Sausage Soup, is the freedom to get creative and adapt it to your taste, dietary needs, or what’s available in your fridge! Embracing a mindful, anti-gaspillage approach, here are some healthy and delicious swaps:

• Vegetables: Feel free to swap out or add other vibrant vegetables. Bell peppers, zucchini, green beans, or even diced sweet potatoes would be wonderful additions. Leeks can replace onions for a milder, sweeter base.
• Greens: If spinach isn’t your favorite, kale or Swiss chard work beautifully. Just remember to add them earlier in the cooking process than spinach, as they require a bit more time to tenderize in the Italian Turkey Sausage Soup.
• Pasta Alternatives: For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta or a grain like quinoa or farro. Lentils or cannellini beans are excellent choices if you prefer to skip the pasta altogether, adding protein and fiber.
• Sausage Swap: While it’s Italian Turkey Sausage Soup, you could use chicken sausage or even a plant-based Italian sausage for a vegetarian or vegan version. For a leaner option, use ground turkey and season it yourself with fennel, garlic, and Italian herbs.
• Broth: Homemade vegetable broth is always a fantastic, eco-friendly choice, using up those vegetable scraps! Chicken broth or beef broth can also be used, depending on your preference.
• Spicy Kick: If you love heat, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the finished Italian Turkey Sausage Soup.
• Creamy Touch: For a richer, creamier soup, stir in a splash of unsweetened plant-based milk (like cashew or oat milk) or a dollop of dairy-free cream cheese at the very end.

If you’re looking for more soup inspiration, check out these delicious options in Minestrone Soup Made Easy: Quick and Delicious Recipes that allows you to get creative with your ingredients.

Equipment You’ll Need

To prepare this delightful Italian Turkey Sausage Soup, you won’t need any specialized gadgets, just a few kitchen essentials that you likely already have on hand. Having these tools ready ensures a smooth and enjoyable cooking process:

• Large Dutch Oven or Stockpot: Essential for sautéing and simmering the soup evenly.
• Cutting Board: For safely chopping your vegetables and preparing the sausage.
• Sharp Knife: A good knife makes prepping ingredients much quicker and safer.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient quantities.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: For stirring and scraping the bottom of the pot without scratching.
• Ladle: For serving your delicious Italian Turkey Sausage Soup.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Creating this nourishing Italian Turkey Sausage Soup is a simple and rewarding process. Follow these clear steps to achieve a perfectly balanced and flavorful bowl of goodness:

1. Brown the Sausage: Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or stockpot over medium-high heat. Add the Italian turkey sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Brown the sausage thoroughly, about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, drain any excess fat and set the sausage aside.
2. Sauté Aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.
3. Add Garlic and Seasonings: Stir in the minced garlic, dried Italian seasoning, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic. This step truly builds the aromatic base for your Italian Turkey Sausage Soup.
4. Introduce Tomatoes and Broth: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes (undrained), and chicken or vegetable broth. Return the cooked turkey sausage to the pot. Stir everything together well.
5. Simmer and Develop Flavors: Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the Italian Turkey Sausage Soup simmer for at least 20-25 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld and deepen.
6. Cook the Pasta: Increase the heat to medium. Add the small pasta to the simmering soup. Cook for 8-10 minutes, or according to package directions, until the pasta is al dente. Keep an eye on it to prevent overcooking.
7. Stir in Spinach: Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the fresh spinach until it wilts, which should only take a couple of minutes from the residual heat.
8. Season and Serve: Taste the Italian Turkey Sausage Soup and adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. Ladle hot soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

To enhance your culinary journey, you might also try The Best Chicken Marsala Recipe You’ll Ever Try, offering another Italian classic to delight your taste buds.

Pro Tips for Success

To elevate your Italian Turkey Sausage Soup from simply good to absolutely extraordinary, consider these expert tips. They focus on technique and flavor enhancement, ensuring every spoonful is perfect:

• Don’t Rush Browning: Fully browning the turkey sausage is crucial. This step creates a rich flavor base through the Maillard reaction, contributing depth that you cannot achieve by just simmering.
• Layer Flavors: Sauté your aromatics (onion, carrot, celery, garlic) until they are truly softened and fragrant before adding liquids. This develops a foundational flavor layer that will shine through in your Italian Turkey Sausage Soup.
• Control Salt: If using canned broth, opt for low-sodium. This allows you to control the final seasoning precisely. Taste the soup before adding salt, especially after the broth and tomatoes have reduced slightly.
• Prevent Mushy Pasta: Add pasta only towards the end of the simmering process. If you plan to have leftovers, you might even consider cooking the pasta separately and adding it to individual bowls before serving. This prevents the pasta from absorbing too much liquid and becoming mushy, especially for future servings of Italian Turkey Sausage Soup.
• Fresh Herbs Finish: While dried herbs are great for simmering, a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil at the very end brightens the flavor and adds a beautiful aroma and vibrant color.
• Embrace Anti-Gaspillage: If you have any leftover vegetable scraps (carrot peels, celery ends), save them in a bag in the freezer. Once you have enough, you can use them to make your own delicious, anti-gaspillage vegetable broth, enhancing your next batch of Italian Turkey Sausage Soup.

Storage & Reheating Tips

Proper storage ensures your delicious Italian Turkey Sausage Soup remains fresh and flavorful, ready to be enjoyed again. These tips help you maximize its lifespan and savor every last bit:

• Cool Completely: Before storing, allow the soup to cool to room temperature. This prevents condensation and helps maintain quality.
• Refrigeration: Transfer the cooled Italian Turkey Sausage Soup to airtight containers. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: This soup freezes wonderfully! For best results, consider freezing it before adding the pasta. If pasta is included, it might become a bit softer upon reheating, but still perfectly edible. Freeze in single-serving portions or larger containers for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating on the Stovetop: Gently reheat the soup in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it is hot through. If the soup is too thick, add a splash of broth or water to reach your desired consistency. This method works best for preserving the integrity of your Italian Turkey Sausage Soup.
• Reheating in the Microwave: For individual servings, microwave on medium power, stirring every minute, until thoroughly heated.

Ensure your Italian Turkey Sausage Soup remains delightful by following some proper storage tips found in Edamame Miso Soup, which provides insight on keeping your meals fresh for longer.

What to Serve With This Recipe

While a bowl of Italian Turkey Sausage Soup is wonderfully satisfying on its own, pairing it with the right accompaniments can elevate your meal into a truly complete and delightful experience. Here are some healthy and complementary suggestions:

• Crusty Artisan Bread: A warm, crusty loaf of sourdough or a baguette is perfect for soaking up every last drop of the savory broth.
• Simple Green Salad: A light, crisp green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the hearty soup. Think mixed greens, a few cherry tomatoes, and a light lemon-herb dressing.
• Garlic Bread or Crostini: For an extra touch of indulgence, serve toasted garlic bread or homemade crostini on the side.
• Roasted Vegetables: A platter of roasted asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts would add more nutrients and a lovely caramelized flavor that pairs beautifully with the robust Italian Turkey Sausage Soup.
• Quinoa or Brown Rice: For those seeking extra heartiness, a small side of perfectly cooked quinoa or brown rice can be a wholesome addition.
• White Bean Salad: A chilled white bean salad with fresh herbs, lemon, and a drizzle of olive oil offers a protein-packed and refreshing side dish.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make this Italian Turkey Sausage Soup vegetarian or vegan?

Absolutely! To make this soup vegetarian, simply substitute the Italian turkey sausage with a plant-based Italian sausage alternative, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. For a vegan option, ensure your plant-based sausage is vegan-friendly and avoid any Parmesan cheese when serving. You can also add cannellini beans or lentils for extra plant-based protein, creating a wonderfully hearty and flavorful version of this Italian Turkey Sausage Soup.

What kind of pasta works best in this soup?

Small, short pasta shapes work wonderfully in Italian Turkey Sausage Soup because they cook quickly and are easy to eat with a spoon. Ditalini, orzo, small shells, or elbow macaroni are all excellent choices. Avoid longer pasta shapes that can become cumbersome in a soup. If you prefer to keep the soup gluten-free, opt for a small gluten-free pasta or consider using quinoa instead.

Can I freeze this Italian Turkey Sausage Soup for later?

Yes, this Italian Turkey Sausage Soup freezes very well! For the best results, I recommend freezing the soup before adding the pasta. Pasta tends to get a bit soft and can absorb too much liquid when frozen and reheated.

If you do freeze it with pasta, be aware of this texture change. Store the cooled soup in airtight containers for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if needed to thin it out.

Italian Turkey Sausage Soup is a culinary delight that features a savory combination of lean turkey sausage, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs, making it a wholesome choice for any meal. Explore more about the benefits and variations of this hearty soup in the rich world of soup preparations.

Final Thoughts

This Italian Turkey Sausage Soup is more than just a recipe; it’s a vibrant, comforting embrace in a bowl. It effortlessly brings together wholesome ingredients, rich flavors, and a touch of Italian zest, making it a truly nourishing and soul-satisfying meal for any occasion. Enjoy the warmth!

Nutrition Information (per serving)

(Estimated values based on typical ingredients for one serving of Italian Turkey Sausage Soup)

Italian Turkey Sausage Soup

This Italian Turkey Sausage Soup brings together lean turkey sausage, tender vegetables, and savory broth for a meal that’s both nourishing and incredibly satisfying.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 375

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
• 1 pound Italian Turkey Sausage
• 1 large Yellow Onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 2 Carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 Celery Stalks, diced
• 1 (28 ounce) can Crushed Tomatoes
• 1 (15 ounce) can Diced Tomatoes, undrained
• 6 cups Chicken Broth or Vegetable Broth, low-sodium
• 1 teaspoon Dried Italian Seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon Dried Basil
• 1/4 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
• 1/2 cup Small Pasta (e.g., ditalini)
• 4 cups Fresh Spinach, roughly chopped
• Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper, to taste
• Fresh Parsley or Basil, chopped for garnish
• Grated Parmesan Cheese, for serving

Method

 

1. Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the turkey sausage, breaking it up as it cooks. Brown for 5-7 minutes and set aside, draining excess fat.
2. Reduce heat to medium, add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened.
3. Stir in garlic, Italian seasoning, basil, and red pepper flakes. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Add crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth. Return the sausage to the pot and stir well.
5. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 20-25 minutes.
6. Add small pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente.
7. Stir in spinach until wilted, adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
8. Serve in bowls, garnished with parsley or basil and Parmesan cheese.

Notes

For a vegetarian version, substitute sausage with plant-based alternative and use vegetable broth. Cool and store in airtight containers for up to 3-4 days in the fridge, or freeze for 2-3 months.