If you’ve ever wondered what would happen if your favorite pizza and a steaming bowl of soup joined forces, let me introduce you to the magic of Pizza Soup. This one-pot wonder captures all of the melty cheese, zesty sausage, colorful bell peppers, and pepperoni you love about pizza, then transforms them into a cozy, spoonable experience. Whether you’re craving comfort food or just want to shake up pizza night, this hearty, family-friendly soup checks every box for flavor and fun.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Pizza Soup lies in its straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each item, from the browned sausage to the vibrant mix of peppers and the essential trio of Italian herbs, brings its own delicious personality to the party. You’ll taste boldness, creaminess, and a hint of heat in every single bite!
- Olive oil: Perfect for sautéing your aromatics and sausage, olive oil adds a subtle rich backdrop.
- Italian sausage: Choose mild or spicy, but either way, its savory, juicy flavor defines the soup base.
- Onion: Diced onion sweetens and rounds out the taste, making everything feel homey.
- Green bell pepper: Adds a classic pizza profile and a pop of color.
- Red bell pepper: Slightly sweeter and pairs perfectly with the green for depth.
- Garlic: The secret handshake of almost all Italian-inspired dishes for flavor that lingers happily.
- Dried oregano: Earthy and aromatic, oregano instantly brings up that signature “pizza” aroma.
- Dried basil: Basil adds a soft, slightly sweet note reminiscent of Margherita pizzas.
- Dried thyme: A gentle herb that rounds out the flavor without overpowering.
- Crushed red pepper flakes: Toss in as much or as little as you like for customizable heat.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: The liquid foundation that combines everything while keeping the soup from being too salty.
- Crushed tomatoes: The star of the sauce element, lending both body and tanginess.
- Tomato sauce: Makes things extra saucy and smooth.
- Pepperoni: Pizza’s best friend, pepperoni brings bold, spiced bites throughout.
- Mushrooms: Chip in earthiness and that satisfying, savory chew.
- Black olives: For a briny, sharp twist that cuts through the richness.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty sparkle over the top when serving.
- Mozzarella cheese: Melted in every spoonful, this is where the gooeyness lives.
- Salt and black pepper: To taste, for seasoning perfection.
- Fresh basil or parsley: As a garnish, these add a hit of color and freshness that makes every bowl pop.
How to Make Pizza Soup
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by heating a generous swirl of olive oil in your largest soup pot over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, and cook until every last bit is browned and irresistibly fragrant. This is where the whole kitchen starts to smell like your favorite corner pizzeria!
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Next, toss in the diced onion, green and red bell peppers, and minced garlic. Sauté everything together for several minutes until the veggies have softened and the garlic is releasing its mouth-watering aroma. The mix will look colorful and lively — just like a good pizza topping spread.
Step 3: Add the Herbs and Spices
Sprinkle in the oregano, basil, thyme, and crushed red pepper flakes. Give everything a quick stir as the herbs toast in the pan, which deepens their flavor and infuses the sausage and vegetables with classic Italian notes.
Step 4: Pour in the Liquids
Pour in the chicken broth, crushed tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Stir everything together, scraping up any flavorful bits from the bottom of the pot. This combination creates a tangy, well-rounded base that’s just waiting to be loaded up with toppings!
Step 5: Add the Pizza Toppings
Now it really starts to feel like Pizza Soup! Stir in the sliced pepperoni, chopped mushrooms, and black olives. These extras float and bob in the soup, making every spoonful a new adventure of textures and flavors.
Step 6: Simmer and Season
Crank the heat until everything comes to a gentle boil, then reduce to low and let it all simmer for 25 to 30 minutes. Stir occasionally and let the flavors meld together. Before serving, taste and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed.
Step 7: Serve, Cheese It, and Garnish
Ladle the Pizza Soup into bowls and sprinkle each with a generous handful of shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan. Finish with a scatter of fresh basil or parsley to make it as pretty as it is delicious.
How to Serve Pizza Soup
Garnishes
Toppings can make this soup truly unforgettable. Beyond just the classic mozzarella and Parmesan, you might toss on extra pepperoni slices, a drizzle of good olive oil, or fresh torn basil leaves. If you like a little heat, a flurry of red pepper flakes on top is always a welcome addition!
Side Dishes
While Pizza Soup is deeply satisfying all on its own, it’s even better paired with buttery garlic bread, crisp breadsticks, or a crunchy Italian side salad. For a lighter touch, offer it with a simple arugula salad tossed in lemony vinaigrette — perfect for balancing all those rich, cheesy flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun family dinner, set up a DIY soup bar with toppings like extra olives, diced peppers, jalapeños, or mini mozzarella balls. Or, ladle Pizza Soup into oven-safe bowls, top with cheese, and broil for a few minutes to create a bubbling, golden crust — just like a baked pizza, but in spoonable form!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Pizza Soup keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to four days. Simply let the soup cool before transferring to airtight containers. The flavors deepen as it sits, so don’t be surprised if you enjoy it even more the next day!
Freezing
Need to meal-prep or save some for later? This recipe is freezer-friendly! Allow the soup to cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe bags or containers (just avoid adding the cheese topping until after reheating). Freeze for up to three months and thaw in the fridge before reheating for best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. You can also use the microwave, just cover loosely and stir every minute or so until hot. Don’t forget to add fresh cheese and herbs right before serving for that gooey, fresh-from-the-pot vibe.
FAQs
Can I make Pizza Soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the sausage for a plant-based version or just load up on extra veggies like zucchini and eggplant. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a full vegetarian experience, and you’ll still get all those irresistible pizza flavors.
How can I make Pizza Soup gluten-free?
This soup is naturally gluten-free, as long as you choose gluten-free sausage and pepperoni and check that your chicken broth is certified gluten-free. If you want to add pasta, just use your favorite gluten-free small noodles.
What’s the best way to make it spicier or milder?
To dial up the heat, simply add extra crushed red pepper flakes or use hot Italian sausage. For a milder soup, opt for mild sausage and leave out the red pepper flakes — you’ll still have loads of flavor.
Can I add pasta or rice?
Definitely! If you want a heartier bowl, stir in 1/2 cup of small pasta (like ditalini or macaroni) during the simmer step, or cooked rice at the end. Just add a little extra broth if things get too thick.
How long does Pizza Soup last in the fridge?
Stored in a sealed container, leftovers will keep for up to four days. The flavors only get better with time, making this a fantastic make-ahead meal for lunches and busy nights.
Final Thoughts
This Pizza Soup is everything you love about a hot, cheesy slice reimagined as the ultimate bowl of comfort. If you’re ready for a fun, crowd-pleasing twist on pizza night, grab your spoon and give this recipe a try — I know it’ll put smiles on every face around your table!
Print
Pizza Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This hearty Pizza Soup is like enjoying your favorite pizza in a bowl. Packed with Italian sausage, bell peppers, pepperoni, and gooey cheese, this comforting soup is perfect for a cozy night in.
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
Additional Toppings:
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni
- 1/2 cup chopped mushrooms
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
- Stir in the onion, bell peppers, and garlic. Cook until softened.
- Add oregano, basil, thyme, and red pepper flakes. Stir until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth, crushed tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Add pepperoni, mushrooms, and olives.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 25-30 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- Ladle into bowls and top with Parmesan and mozzarella. Garnish with basil or parsley.
Notes
- For a thicker soup, add 1/2 cup small pasta like ditalini or elbow macaroni.
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for sausage.
- Use turkey pepperoni for a lighter option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 365
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 940mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
