
There’s something magical about a simmering pot of soup on the stove the aromas of herbs, vegetables, and savory broth filling the kitchen. This Italian Turkey Sausage Soup is the kind of recipe that makes you feel instantly at home. It’s hearty but wholesome, flavorful but not heavy, and quick enough to fit into a busy weeknight schedule.
By swapping pork sausage for lean turkey, you get the same rich, comforting Italian flavors but in a lighter, more nourishing way. Packed with fresh vegetables, pasta, and a cozy broth, this dish lands somewhere between healthy meal prep soups and low fat soups and stews a true win for anyone trying to eat better without giving up comfort.
Why You’ll Love This Italian Turkey Sausage Soup
- 🌱 Healthy & Balanced – Lean protein, fiber-rich veggies, and a broth that feels clean but cozy.
- 🕒 Quick & Easy – Ready in less than 45 minutes.
- 🍲 Family-Friendly – Loved by kids and adults alike.
- 🏈 Game Day Worthy – One of those soups for Super Bowl that’s hearty enough to satisfy.
- 🥗 Versatile – Works for slow cook soup healthy meal prep or a one-pot dinner.
Tools and Preparation
- Large Soup Pot or Dutch Oven – For sautéing and simmering.
- Wooden Spoon – Perfect for breaking up sausage and stirring.
- Sharp Knife & Cutting Board – Lots of fresh veggies need prepping.
- Measuring Cups & Spoons – Keeps seasonings balanced.
- Ladle – For serving generous bowls.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian-style turkey sausage, casings removed
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup small pasta (orzo, shells, ditalini)
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- Optional garnish: grated Parmesan & fresh parsley
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Brown the Sausage – Heat a large soup pot over medium. Add turkey sausage and cook, breaking it into small crumbles. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Sauté the Vegetables – Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Add Broth & Tomatoes – Stir in diced tomatoes (with juices), chicken broth, and Italian seasoning. Bring to a boil.
- Cook the Pasta – Add pasta directly into the simmering soup. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook until pasta is tender (8–10 minutes).
- Add Greens – Stir in spinach and cook until just wilted.
- Season & Serve – Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Ladle into bowls, topping with Parmesan and parsley if desired.
How to Serve Italian Turkey Sausage Soup
- With warm crusty bread for dipping.
- Paired with a side Caesar or Caprese salad.
- As a light starter before roasted chicken or grilled fish.
- In a big batch for healthy meal prep soups for the week.
- With Parmesan crisps for a fun, crunchy topping.
Tips for Perfect Results
- 🍅 Use Fire-Roasted Tomatoes – Adds depth to the broth.
- 🍝 Cook Pasta Separately if Meal Prepping – Prevents soggy noodles.
- 🌿 Don’t Skip Fresh Spinach – Adds nutrients and beautiful color.
- 🥣 Adjust Thickness – Add more broth for a lighter soup or let it simmer longer to thicken.
- 🧄 Build Layers of Flavor – Sauté sausage and veggies well before adding broth.
Best Pairings / Side Dishes
This soup shines alongside:
- Freshly baked garlic bread.
- A crisp Italian Chopped Salad.
- Simple roasted zucchini or eggplant.
💡 This soup also pairs beautifully with my Pumpkin Bread for a cozy, hearty family dinner.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking Pasta – It keeps soaking broth even after cooking.
- Skipping Seasoning – Taste and adjust as broth and sausage vary in saltiness.
- Adding Spinach Too Early – It will overcook and lose vibrancy.
- Using Too Much Pasta – Remember it swells and thickens the soup.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Fridge: Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze soup (without pasta) up to 2 months. Add pasta fresh when reheating.
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to loosen.

✨ This is one recipe you’ll definitely want to save – Pin it now for later!
FAQs
1. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown sausage first, then add everything except pasta and spinach. Cook on low for 6 hours. Add pasta and spinach 20 minutes before serving.
2. How can I make this soup gluten-free?
Swap the pasta for gluten-free varieties or use rice instead.
3. Can I use kale instead of spinach?
Absolutely. Kale holds up even better for healthy soup recipes clean eating low carb.
4. Is this soup freezer-friendly?
Yes, but freeze it without pasta to avoid mushiness.
Final Thoughts (Emma’s Voice)
This Italian Turkey Sausage Soup feels like something Grandma would simmer on a Sunday, but with a healthy, modern twist. It’s one of those healthy tasty soup recipes that proves comfort and nourishment can live in the same bowl. Whether you’re making it for meal prep, a chilly evening, or even a big game day gathering, it’s the kind of soup that hugs you from the inside out.
💌 If you try this recipe, let me know in the comments – I love hearing your stories and kitchen wins!
Italian Turkey Sausage Soup
Equipment
- Large Soup Pot
- Wooden Spoon
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Measuring Cups & Spoons
- Ladle
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian-style turkey sausage casings removed
- 1 onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 carrots sliced
- 2 celery stalks sliced
- 1 can diced tomatoes 14 oz, with juices
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup small pasta like orzo, shells, or ditalini
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- salt and black pepper to taste
- grated Parmesan optional garnish
- fresh parsley optional garnish
Instructions
- Heat a large soup pot over medium heat. Add turkey sausage and cook, breaking into small crumbles. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Stir in diced tomatoes (with juices), chicken broth, and Italian seasoning. Bring to a boil.
- Add pasta and reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer for 8–10 minutes until pasta is tender.
- Stir in fresh spinach and cook until just wilted.
- Season with salt and pepper. Serve in bowls topped with Parmesan and parsley if desired.