Name: Marry Me Soup with Italian Sausage Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 (8-ounce) jar sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained; 1 pound ground Italian sausage, mild or spicy; 1 medium white onion, diced; 1 small red bell pepper, diced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 6 cups chicken stock; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes; 6 ounces uncooked small pasta (e.g., small shells); 2 large handfuls fresh baby spinach, roughly chopped; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup julienned fresh basil leaves, divided; Black pepper, to taste; Freshly-grated Parmesan cheese, to taste

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I’m so excited to share this Marry Me Soup with Italian Sausage Recipe with you—it’s honestly one of those meals that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. The blend of hearty Italian sausage, bright sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach makes every spoonful cozy yet vibrant. If you’re looking for a soup that feels special enough for date night but easy enough for a weeknight, this recipe hits that sweet spot perfectly.

What I love most about this Marry Me Soup with Italian Sausage Recipe is how quickly it comes together without sacrificing any depth of flavor. Plus, it’s a total crowd-pleaser. I’m always reaching for this recipe when friends are over or when I just want something satisfying that doesn’t need hours of slow cooking. I’m betting you’ll find it just as comforting and versatile!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Marry Me Soup with Italian Sausage Recipe plays a role in balancing hearty, tangy, and fresh flavors. Shopping tip? Pick up the freshest basil you can find, and don’t skimp on the quality of your chicken stock—it really makes a difference here.

Sun-dried tomatoes in oil: These give a deep, concentrated tomato flavor with a bit of tang that brightens the whole soup.
Ground Italian sausage: Whether mild or spicy is up to you—both work beautifully, adding rich, savory depth.
White onion: Adds a subtle sweetness when sautéed, pairing perfectly with the garlic.
Red bell pepper: I like its mild crunch and sweetness to add textural variety.
Garlic cloves: Essential for that aromatic kick that wakes up all the other flavors.
Chicken stock: Use a good-quality stock for a flavorful, comforting base.
Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that ties everything together.
Crushed red pepper flakes: For a hint of warmth—you can adjust based on how spicy you like it.
Small pasta (like shells): The perfect size to catch the broth and sausage bits in every bite.
Fresh baby spinach: Adds color, nutrients, and a slight earthiness.
Heavy cream: Gives the soup a luscious smoothness and balances the acidity.
Fresh basil leaves: Use half in the soup and reserve half for garnish to maximize that fresh herbal punch.
Black pepper & Parmesan cheese (for topping): Finishing touches that elevate the whole experience.

Variations

I love mixing things up depending on what I have on hand, and I encourage you to make this Marry Me Soup with Italian Sausage Recipe your own. It’s a very forgiving recipe that welcomes your personal twist!

Spicy twist: I once used hot Italian sausage and added extra crushed red pepper flakes for a bold, fiery version that’s perfect when you need some heat.
Vegetarian swap: Substitute Italian sausage with plant-based sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken to make a hearty vegetarian-friendly soup.
Seasonal veggies: In the winter, I add kale instead of spinach, and in the summer, cherry tomatoes burst alongside the sun-dried ones for extra brightness.
Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free pasta or even small rice shapes to keep the texture without gluten.

How to Make Marry Me Soup with Italian Sausage Recipe

Step 1: Brown the sausage and sauté the aromatics

Start by heating your pan over medium heat and crumble in the Italian sausage. Cook it until it’s nicely browned and cooked through—this step creates the flavor foundation. Be sure to drain excess fat if there’s too much, but keep a little for cooking the onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Add these diced veggies to the pan and sauté until they’re soft and fragrant, usually about 5 minutes. This creates a fantastic savory base that makes the soup so rich.

Step 2: Build the soup with tomatoes, stock, and seasoning

Next, add your drained sun-dried tomatoes to the sausage and veggies. Stir them around to warm through and release their flavor. Then pour in the chicken stock along with Italian seasoning and crushed red pepper flakes. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce it to a simmer. This stage lets all the flavors marry together beautifully, which is why I always tell people this soup truly lives up to its “Marry Me” name!

Step 3: Cook pasta and add spinach

Add your small pasta of choice directly to the simmering soup. Cook according to the package instructions—usually 8-10 minutes—until al dente. Then stir in the fresh spinach and half the julienned basil. The heat will wilt the greens perfectly, adding freshness and a lovely color contrast. This is also the moment I keep an eye on the soup’s seasoning and adjust with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 4: Finish with cream and fresh basil

Turn the heat down low and stir in the heavy cream to add richness and smooth out any acidity from the tomatoes. Let it warm through gently—don’t let it boil to avoid curdling. Finally, fold in the remaining fresh basil just before serving to keep that bright herbal flavor alive.

How to Serve Marry Me Soup with Italian Sausage Recipe

The image shows several ingredients arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. In the center, there is a bowl filled with small yellow shell pasta. Above it to the left, a bowl with chopped white onions, and above that a bowl with bright red diced bell peppers. On the right side, a bowl with dark red sun-dried tomatoes soaked in oil next to fresh green basil leaves. Nearby, a white plate holds three garlic cloves and three small white spoons with dried herbs, red pepper flakes, and black pepper. At the bottom right, there is a white pitcher with a light brown liquid, and a smaller beige pitcher with a white creamy liquid. On the left side, ground meat is placed on white parchment paper, and at the bottom left, a white bowl contains fresh green spinach leaves. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I always scatter freshly grated Parmesan and freshly cracked black pepper on top. It adds that perfect salty punch and a little bit of texture that takes the soup from great to unforgettable. If I’m feeling fancy, I sometimes add a drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a few more julienned basil leaves for a fresh pop.

Side Dishes

For sides, I love serving this soup with crusty Italian bread or garlic breadsticks that you can dip into the creamy broth. A simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette also pairs nicely to lighten the meal. Sometimes, I’ll put out a cheese board if it’s a special gathering to keep things casual but indulgent.

Creative Ways to Present

Once, I served this soup in individual mini bread bowls for a cozy dinner party—it was such a hit! You could also layer the soup in wide, shallow bowls and garnish with microgreens or edible flowers for a beautiful presentation that looks like a restaurant dish but is so easy to pull off at home.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge and find the flavors actually improve after a day, making it a fantastic make-ahead meal. Just be aware that the pasta may soak up some broth overnight, so you might want to add a splash of stock or water when reheating to loosen it back up.

Freezing

This soup freezes well, but I recommend undercooking the pasta slightly before freezing to prevent it from becoming mushy. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stove.

Reheating

Reheat the soup on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally. If it feels too thick, add a little water or chicken stock to bring it back to the perfect consistency. Avoid microwaving if possible for best flavor and texture.

FAQs

Can I use turkey sausage instead of Italian sausage in this Marry Me Soup with Italian Sausage Recipe?

Absolutely! Turkey sausage is a great leaner alternative that still provides a lot of flavor. Just be sure to choose a well-seasoned variety so you don’t lose that signature Italian taste.
Is it okay to substitute fresh tomatoes for the sun-dried tomatoes?

You can, but sun-dried tomatoes bring a concentrated, slightly tangy flavor that fresh tomatoes don’t quite replicate. If using fresh, consider roasting them first to deepen their sweetness and intensity.
What pasta types work best for this soup?

Small shapes like shells, ditalini, or orzo work best because they cook quickly and hold the broth well. Larger pasta could overpower the soup’s texture.
Can I prepare the soup entirely in a slow cooker?

You can brown the sausage and sauté your veggies first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker with stock and seasonings. Add pasta and spinach towards the end of cooking to avoid overcooking them.
How do I make this Marry Me Soup with Italian Sausage Recipe spicier?

Use spicy Italian sausage, increase crushed red pepper flakes, or add a pinch of cayenne pepper. Be cautious and add gradually so it suits your heat tolerance!

Final Thoughts

This Marry Me Soup with Italian Sausage Recipe has become my go-to whenever I want something that’s both fuss-free and ridiculously satisfying. There’s something comforting about the creamy broth combined with that savory sausage and fresh basil that never fails to lift my mood—plus, it’s a recipe I’m excited to share with close friends and family. I hope you’ll give it a try soon and find it as heartwarming and delicious as I do. Trust me, it’s worth every spoonful!

Marry Me Soup with Italian Sausage Recipe