Hearty Spinach and Italian Sausage Soup
This Hearty Spinach and Italian Sausage Soup is a warm, comforting dish perfect for a cozy night in or a gathering with friends. Featuring tender pieces of Italian sausage, vibrant spinach, and a medley of vegetables, this soup is both nutritious and delicious. The robust flavors meld beautifully, delivering a satisfying meal that is easy to prepare and perfect for sharing. Serve it with crusty bread for a complete dinner that everyone will love!
12
Servings
100
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
broth
96 (fluid ounces, preferably homemade or low-sodium)
pasta
8 (ounces, orzo or your choice of small pasta)
carrot
1 (cup, diced)
red pepper
0.5 (cup, diced)
hot Italian sausage
6 (links, casings removed)
mild sausage
6 (links, casings removed)
spinach
8 (ounces, fresh, chopped)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, heat your homemade or low-sodium broth over medium-high heat.
2
Add the diced carrots and red pepper to the broth and bring to a gentle simmer.
3
While the vegetables are cooking, remove the casings from the Italian sausage links. Tear the sausage into small pieces and form them into small meatballs.
4
Once the vegetables are tender, add the sausage meatballs to the pot. Allow them to cook in the broth for about 30 minutes to infuse their flavors.
5
Stir in the orzo pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes.
6
Finally, add the chopped spinach to the pot, stirring just until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
7
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, though remember the sausages add a lot of flavor.
8
Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
5
Fat
6.7
Carbs
7.5
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Spinach and Italian Sausage Soup?
It is a warm, comforting dish featuring tender Italian sausage, vibrant spinach, and a medley of vegetables in a flavorful broth.
How many servings does this soup recipe make?
This recipe is designed to yield 12 servings.
What are the main ingredients in this soup?
The primary ingredients include broth, orzo pasta, carrots, red peppers, hot and mild Italian sausage, and fresh spinach.
How much broth is needed for the recipe?
You will need 96 fluid ounces of broth, preferably homemade or low-sodium.
What kind of pasta should I use?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of orzo, but you can use any small pasta of your choice.
How do I prepare the Italian sausage?
Remove the casings from the sausage links, tear the meat into small pieces, and form them into small meatballs.
Do I need to brown the sausage before adding it to the soup?
No, the instructions specify adding the sausage meatballs directly to the simmering broth to cook for 30 minutes.
When do I add the vegetables to the pot?
Diced carrots and red peppers are added to the broth at the beginning and brought to a gentle simmer.
How long does it take to cook the sausage in the broth?
The sausage meatballs should cook in the broth for about 30 minutes to fully infuse their flavors.
When should the orzo pasta be added?
Add the orzo after the sausage has cooked for 30 minutes, then cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
How long does it take to cook the spinach?
Spinach should be added at the very end and stirred just until wilted, which takes about 2-3 minutes.
How many calories are in a serving of this soup?
Each serving contains approximately 100 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 5 grams of fat per serving.
How much protein is in each serving?
Each serving provides about 7.5 grams of protein.
What is the carbohydrate count for this recipe?
There are 6.7 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Can I use both hot and mild sausage?
Yes, the recipe suggests using 6 links of hot Italian sausage and 6 links of mild sausage for a balanced flavor.
What type of spinach is best for this soup?
The recipe recommends 8 ounces of fresh, chopped spinach.
How should I adjust the seasoning?
Taste the soup after the sausage has cooked and adjust as necessary, keeping in mind that the sausages provide significant flavor.
Is this a good recipe for a gathering?
Yes, it is described as perfect for a gathering with friends or a cozy night in.
What should I serve with this soup?
It is recommended to serve the soup with crusty bread for a complete meal.
How much carrot is required?
You will need 1 cup of diced carrots.
How much red pepper is used?
The recipe calls for 0.5 cup of diced red pepper.
Is this recipe considered a one-pot meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a one-pot meal because everything is prepared in a single large pot.
Is this soup healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as healthy and includes nutritious ingredients like spinach and vegetables.
How long does the orzo typically take to cook?
Orzo usually takes about 8-10 minutes to reach an al dente texture.
Can I use homemade broth?
Yes, homemade broth is highly recommended for the best flavor.
What is the heat level of this soup?
The heat level is moderate as it uses a mix of hot and mild Italian sausages.
Can I substitute the spinach?
While the recipe specifies spinach, other leafy greens could be used, though it will change the character of the soup.
Is this soup easy to prepare?
Yes, it is described as easy to prepare and a quick meal option.
Does the recipe contain fiber?
While the exact fiber count is not provided, the inclusion of carrots, peppers, and spinach adds natural fiber to the dish.