A Cozy Italian Winter Soup for Chilly Nights

There’s something magical about winter evenings—the kind where the windows fog, the house feels extra quiet, and the chill sinks deeper than you expect. That’s when I find myself reaching for my biggest soup pot and the familiar rhythm of chopping vegetables, browning sausage, and building flavor layer by layer.

This Italian Winter Soup was born on one of those nights. I wanted something hearty enough to warm my bones, but simple enough to come together without fuss. The kind of soup that fills the kitchen with the scent of garlic, herbs, and tomatoes—instantly transporting you to a cozy trattoria tucked in a little corner of Italy.

It’s rustic, nourishing, and full of flavor… the kind of soup that makes you slow down and savor every spoonful. Whether you’re cooking for your family or just yourself, this bowl feels like a warm hug on a cold night.

Grab your pot—let’s make something comforting.

Hearty Italian Winter Soup

A cozy, flavor-loaded Italian soup filled with sausage, veggies, herbs, and tender pasta—your new favorite winter comfort meal.

Ingredients

• 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or hot; ground or sliced)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 zucchini, diced
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup small pasta (ditalini, orzo, or small shells)
• 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup chopped kale or spinach
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp dried basil
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• Salt & pepper to taste
• Fresh parmesan & parsley for topping

* I actually LOVE using tortellini instead of small pasta for an even heartier soup.

Instructions

1. Brown the sausage:
   Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add sausage and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
2. Sauté aromatics:
   Add onion and garlic; cook 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add veggies:
   Stir in carrots, celery, and zucchini. Cook for 3–4 minutes.
4. Build the broth:
   Add diced tomatoes, broth, Italian seasoning, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
5. Simmer:
   Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 20 minutes to deepen the flavor.
6. Add pasta + beans:
   Stir in pasta and cannellini beans. Continue simmering until pasta is tender (8–12 minutes depending on shape).
7. Finish with greens:
   Stir in kale or spinach and cook 1–2 more minutes until wilted.
8. Serve:
   Ladle into bowls and top with freshly grated parmesan and parsley.

Notes

• Swap sausage for ground turkey + extra Italian seasoning.
• Add a parmesan rind while simmering for extra richness (traditional and SO good).
• For a brothier soup, reduce pasta to ½ cup.
• Leftovers thicken as pasta absorbs broth—add a splash of broth when reheating.