Name: Rustic Italian Soup That Tastes Homemade
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 small onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 rib celery, diced; 1 medium carrot, diced; ½ pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casing removed; 1 can (15 oz) cannellini or Great Northern beans, drained and rinsed; 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes; 3½ cups chicken or vegetable broth; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional); Salt and black pepper to taste; 2 cups chopped spinach or kale; Grated Parmesan and fresh basil for topping

This Rustic Italian Soup is the kind of meal that feels like it came straight from a nonna’s kitchen. With savory sausage, tender vegetables, hearty beans, and herbs simmered together in a rich tomato broth, it’s the ultimate comfort food—warm, filling, and ready in under 40 minutes.

Ingredients List

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 rib celery, diced
1 medium carrot, diced
½ pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casing removed
1 can (15 oz) cannellini or Great Northern beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
3½ cups chicken or vegetable broth
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 cups chopped spinach or kale
Grated Parmesan and fresh basil for topping

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add onion, celery, and carrot. Cook for 4–5 minutes until softened.
Step 2: Add garlic and Italian sausage. Cook until sausage is browned and crumbled, about 5–7 minutes.
Step 3: Stir in diced tomatoes, beans, broth, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using. Bring to a boil.
Step 4: Reduce heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Step 5: Add spinach or kale and simmer another 2–3 minutes until wilted.
Step 6: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper.
Step 7: Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan and fresh basil if desired.

Cooking Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: 35–40 minutes

Servings

Makes 4–5 servings

Nutritional Information (approx. per serving)

Calories: 360
Carbs: 24g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 20g

Storage Instructions

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days
Reheat on the stove or in the microwave
Freezes well for up to 2 months (cool fully before freezing)

Pairings/Suggestions

Serve with crusty bread or garlic toast
Add a side Caesar or arugula salad
Sprinkle extra Parmesan or red pepper flakes for more flavor

Seasonal Relevance

Great for fall and winter or anytime you need a hearty, homemade-style dinner
Perfect for Sunday meals, meal prep, or comforting family dinners

Conclusion

This Rustic Italian Soup is rich, wholesome, and layered with homemade flavor. It’s one of those easy, soul-warming recipes you’ll come back to whenever you need a big bowl of comfort.