If you’re craving a soup that bursts with robust flavors, hearty textures, and a comforting warmth, look no further than this Pepper Soup Recipe with Italian Sausage, Fresh Herbs, and Parmesan Recipe. This dish masterfully blends spicy Italian sausage with the freshness of garden-picked herbs and the rich umami depth of Parmesan, creating a bowl that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. Perfect for family dinners or impressing guests, this recipe captures the heart of home-cooked comfort with a vibrant Italian twist you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step toward a flavorful and satisfying soup. Each component in this Pepper Soup Recipe with Italian Sausage, Fresh Herbs, and Parmesan Recipe plays its own special role, from the spicy kick of the sausage to the fresh brightness of the herbs, ensuring every spoonful is a harmonious delight.
- 1 lb hot Italian sausage: Adds a spicy, savory base packed with bold flavor and a satisfying meaty texture.
- 1 small yellow onion, chopped: Provides a subtle sweetness and depth when sautéed, balancing the heat from the sausage.
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped: Brings vibrant color and a natural sweetness that complements the richness of the sausage.
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped: Offers a fresh, slightly bitter contrast that balances the overall flavor profile.
- 4-6 garlic cloves, minced: Infuses the soup with aromatic warmth and enhances savory notes.
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes: Gives a luscious, hearty tomato base for the soup’s rich, comforting body.
- 1 can (14.5 oz) fire-roasted diced tomatoes: Adds a smoky complexity and texture variation to the tomato foundation.
- 3/4 cup uncooked long-grain white rice: Thickens the soup subtly and introduces a gentle chewiness to every bite.
- 6 cups low-sodium beef broth: Creates the flavorful, savory liquid that ties all ingredients together.
- Fresh herbs (basil, oregano, parsley): Elevate the soup with aromatic freshness and vibrant herbal notes.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Offers a nutty, salty finish that rounds out the soup’s layers of flavor.
How to Make Pepper Soup Recipe with Italian Sausage, Fresh Herbs, and Parmesan Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage and Onion
Start by heating a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Brown the hot Italian sausage alongside the chopped yellow onion for about four minutes. This step is essential as it releases those rich meaty juices and caramelizes the onions, forming a deeply flavorful base you’ll love.
Step 2: Sauté Peppers and Garlic
Next, toss in the chopped red and green bell peppers along with the minced garlic. Sauté everything together for two to three minutes. This allows the peppers to soften slightly while the garlic becomes fragrant and the red pepper flakes begin to weave their subtle heat through the pot.
Step 3: Combine Tomatoes, Rice, Herbs, and Broth
Add both the crushed and fire-roasted diced tomatoes to the pot, followed by the rice, fresh herbs, and beef broth. This is where the flavors start to meld into the rich, hearty soup you’re aiming for. Take a moment to appreciate all those vibrant colors coming together.
Step 4: Simmer Until Rice is Tender
Bring the mixture to a boil before reducing the heat to low. Let the soup simmer gently for eight to twelve minutes or until the rice is tender but still has a nice bite. This simmering step lets the flavors deepen and marry beautifully.
Step 5: Finish with Parmesan Cheese and Season to Taste
Stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese at the very end to add a luscious, creamy finish to the soup. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, then serve while warm. For an extra touch, top your bowls with shredded mozzarella for a melty delight.
How to Serve Pepper Soup Recipe with Italian Sausage, Fresh Herbs, and Parmesan Recipe
Garnishes
This soup is already packed with flavor, but a sprinkle of fresh basil or a few extra shavings of Parmesan can elevate it to another level. You might also consider a drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if you love a bit more heat.
Side Dishes
Crusty garlic bread or a freshly baked baguette are perfect companions to this hearty soup. The bread’s crunchy exterior and soft interior make it ideal for soaking up every last flavor-packed drop. A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette can provide a fresh, crisp contrast as well.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this Pepper Soup Recipe with Italian Sausage, Fresh Herbs, and Parmesan Recipe in small bread bowls. It’s a crowd-pleaser and instantly adds a rustic charm to your meal. Or, try topping the soup with a dollop of creamy ricotta or a handful of toasted pine nuts for extra texture and flavor complexity.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This soup keeps wonderfully in the fridge for up to four days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve those fresh herb flavors and ensure the sausage stays tender. Leftovers often taste even better as the flavors continue to develop overnight.
Freezing
If you want to make this Pepper Soup Recipe with Italian Sausage, Fresh Herbs, and Parmesan Recipe in advance, it freezes beautifully. Portion the soup into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving space for expansion, and freeze for up to three months. Avoid freezing with the cheese mixed in; add it fresh when reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen it. Stir in fresh Parmesan or mozzarella right before serving to regain that creamy finish.
FAQs
Can I use mild Italian sausage instead of hot?
Absolutely! Using mild Italian sausage will give you a gentler spice level while still maintaining that savory richness. You can always add more red pepper flakes if you prefer a bit more heat.
What can I substitute for long-grain white rice?
You can swap white rice for brown rice, or even small pasta like orzo, but keep in mind cooking times will vary. Adjust simmering time accordingly so your grains or pasta are perfectly tender.
Are fresh herbs necessary for this soup?
Fresh herbs really brighten and elevate the dish with their vibrant flavors. If you only have dried herbs, use about one-third the amount and add them earlier in the cooking process to allow their flavors to infuse.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
You can create a delicious vegetarian version by replacing the sausage with sautéed mushrooms or plant-based sausage alternatives and using vegetable broth. The fresh herbs and tomatoes will still shine beautifully.
How do I prevent the rice from overcooking?
Keep an eye on the simmering time and taste test frequently once the rice starts cooking. Removing the soup from heat right when the rice is tender but still firm will keep your soup’s texture just right.
Final Thoughts
This Pepper Soup Recipe with Italian Sausage, Fresh Herbs, and Parmesan Recipe is one of those dishes that feels special but comes together so easily. It’s vibrant, hearty, and bursting with flavors that comfort and excite your palate all at once. I can’t recommend it enough—whether you’re cozying up on a quiet night or sharing with friends, this soup will quickly become one of your favorites too. Give it a try and watch how it becomes a beloved staple in your kitchen.
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Pepper Soup Recipe with Italian Sausage, Fresh Herbs, and Parmesan Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A hearty and flavorful Pepper Soup featuring spicy Italian sausage, sautéed peppers, garlic, and a rich tomato base simmered with rice and fresh herbs. This comforting soup is perfect for a cozy meal and is finished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an extra savory touch.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb hot Italian sausage
- 1 small yellow onion, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 4–6 garlic cloves, minced
Tomatoes and Rice
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (14.5 oz) fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- 3/4 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
Liquids and Seasonings
- 6 cups low-sodium beef broth
- Fresh herbs (basil, oregano, parsley), to taste
- Red pepper flakes, to taste
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Finishing Touches
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for stirring in
- Shredded mozzarella cheese, for topping
Instructions
- Brown the sausage and onion: In a large soup pot over medium-high heat, brown the hot Italian sausage together with the chopped yellow onion. Cook and stir for about 4 minutes until the sausage is cooked through and the onion is softened.
- Sauté the peppers and garlic: Add the chopped red and green bell peppers, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes to the pot. Continue to sauté for 2–3 minutes until the peppers begin to soften and the garlic is fragrant.
- Add tomatoes, rice, herbs, and broth: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, fire-roasted diced tomatoes, uncooked long-grain white rice, fresh herbs (such as basil, oregano, and parsley), and low-sodium beef broth. Stir well to combine all the ingredients evenly.
- Simmer the soup: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low to maintain a gentle simmer. Let the soup cook uncovered for 8–12 minutes, or until the rice is tender and fully cooked through.
- Finish and serve: Stir freshly grated Parmesan cheese into the soup to enhance richness and seasoning. Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Serve the soup topped with shredded mozzarella cheese for a creamy finish.
Notes
- Use hot Italian sausage for a spicy kick, or substitute with mild sausage if preferred.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes based on your preferred spice level.
- Fire-roasted diced tomatoes add a smoky depth to the soup, but you can use regular diced tomatoes if unavailable.
- Do not overcook the rice to prevent it from becoming mushy; monitor closely after 8 minutes.
- Fresh herbs can be adjusted or swapped according to availability and preference.
