We’ve fallen in love with the hearty flavors of Bertucci’s Sausage Soup, a comforting Italian-inspired classic that’s perfect for cozy family dinners or chilly evenings. Drawing from the rustic traditions of Italian cuisine, this dish combines savory sausage with fresh veggies and aromatic herbs to create a bowlful of warmth that feels like a hug from Nonna.
As food enthusiasts, we’re excited to share our take on this timeless recipe, blending authenticity with simple tweaks to make it easy for your home kitchen. Whether you’re a soup aficionado or new to Italian fare, you’ll find it irresistible and satisfying.
Ingredients
In our modified version of the classic Sausage Soup from Bertucci’s, we focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients that capture the rustic Italian essence with savory sausage, vibrant vegetables, and aromatic herbs. This selection ensures a hearty, comforting dish perfect for home cooks eager to recreate those authentic flavors.
Below, we list the ingredients in the order they are typically used during preparation, including any necessary prep specifics for accuracy and ease. We’ve bolded key components like sausage and italicized preparation notes to highlight their importance in building the soup’s robust taste and texture.
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or hot, removed from casings and crumbled for even browning)
- 1 medium onion (finely chopped to start the flavor base with its sweet aroma)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced to release their pungent, earthy notes early in cooking)
- 2 medium carrots (sliced into 1/4-inch rounds for added crunch and natural sweetness)
- 2 stalks celery (diced to provide a fresh, crisp contrast to the richer elements)
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes (undrained, for a tangy acidity that balances the sausage’s richness)
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth (as the liquid foundation, choose one with a deep, savory profile)
- 1 can (15 ounces) cannellini beans (drained and rinsed to add creamy texture and plant-based protein)
- 2 cups fresh spinach (roughly chopped for a burst of green color and nutrients at the end)
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano (to infuse herbal warmth, evoking Bertucci’s Italian roots)
- 1 teaspoon dried basil (for its fragrant, peppery lift that enhances the overall aroma)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a subtle heat that awakens the senses without overwhelming)
- Salt and black pepper (to taste, freshly ground for optimal flavor enhancement)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (used for sautéing to impart a fruity, golden sheen to the ingredients)
This carefully curated list yields about 6-8 servings, making it ideal for family meals. For nutritional breakdown, we’ve compiled the key data into the table below:
| Nutrient | Per Serving (approximate) | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 350 | 18% |
| Protein | 18g | 36% |
| Carbohydrates | 25g | 9% |
| Fat | 22g | 28% |
| Fiber | 6g | 21% |
| Sodium | 800mg | 35% |
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Values are estimates and may vary based on specific brands and preparations.
Equipment Needed
To bring our modified Sausage Soup Bertucci’s Recipe to life, we rely on essential kitchen tools that ensure efficient preparation and cooking. Having the right equipment on hand allows us to handle the chopping, sautéing, and simmering processes smoothly, maintaining the soup’s authentic Italian flavors and rustic texture.
Key Tools for Preparation
We recommend gathering these items before you start, as they directly support the steps following our ingredients list:
- Large pot or Dutch oven: A sturdy, 6-quart large pot is ideal for browning the Italian sausage and simmering the soup to perfection, allowing ample space for vegetables and broth to meld together.
- Chef’s knife: Use a sharp chef’s knife to chop onions, garlic, carrots, and celery quickly and safely, preserving the fresh crunch that enhances the soup’s hearty appeal.
- Cutting board: A stable cutting board provides a dedicated surface for prepping all vegetables and sausage, keeping your workspace organized and efficient.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measuring cups and spoons help us portion out ingredients like chicken broth and spices precisely, ensuring consistent results every time.
- Wooden spoon or spatula: A heat-resistant wooden spoon is perfect for stirring the soup as it cooks, preventing sticking and allowing the aromatic herbs to infuse evenly.
- Can opener: Don’t overlook a reliable can opener for opening canned items such as diced tomatoes or cannellini beans, streamlining the assembly process.
By using this equipment, we guarantee a seamless transition from preparing ingredients to cooking our flavorful Sausage Soup Bertucci’s Recipe, making it accessible for any home cook.
Instructions
We guide you through crafting our modified Sausage Soup Bertucci’s Recipe with simple, precise steps that highlight its authentic Italian flavors and comforting warmth. Let’s transform fresh ingredients into a hearty, aromatic soup perfect for family gatherings.
Prep
Before we start cooking, gather and prepare our ingredients to ensure everything is ready for seamless assembly. First, remove casings from 1 pound of Italian sausage and break it into small pieces for even browning. Next, peel and finely chop 1 large onion and 4 garlic cloves to release their pungent aroma. Then, wash and dice 2 carrots and 2 celery stalks into uniform 1/2-inch pieces for consistent texture in the soup.
Proceed by draining and rinsing a 15-ounce can of cannellini beans to remove excess sodium, and roughly tear 2 cups of fresh spinach leaves to wilt easily. Measure out 4 cups of chicken broth and a 14.5-ounce can of diced tomatoes, including their juices, to infuse the base with rich, tangy flavors. This preparation sets the stage for a soup that captures the rustic essence of Bertucci’s original.
Cook
Now that our ingredients are prepped, we move to the stove to build layers of flavor in our Sausage Soup Bertucci’s Recipe. Begin by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, then add the Italian sausage and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently until it’s browned and releases its savory juices. Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery, sautéing for another 5 minutes until the vegetables soften and fill the kitchen with an irresistible, herbaceous scent.
Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes, followed by 1 teaspoon of dried oregano and 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld into a robust, soul-warming broth that evokes Italy’s countryside.
Assemble and Serve
With the base cooked, we finalize our Sausage Soup Bertucci’s Recipe by incorporating the remaining elements for a balanced, vibrant finish. Stir in the cannellini beans and torn spinach, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts and the beans heat through, adding a creamy texture and fresh green pop to the dish.
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed, then ladle the soup into bowls for 6-8 servings. For an authentic touch, garnish each portion with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a drizzle of olive oil to enhance the soup’s earthy flavors and make it a standout, nourishing meal.
Make-Ahead and Storage
We love how our Sausage Soup Bertucci’s Recipe lends itself to make-ahead preparation, allowing the savory sausage, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs to meld into a more flavorful, comforting bowl over time. This approach not only saves you time on busy days but also enhances the soup’s hearty Italian essence, making it taste even richer when reheated.
Make-Ahead Tips
To streamline your cooking process, we suggest preparing our Sausage Soup in advance. Follow these steps for optimal results:
- Prep ingredients the night before: Chop onions, garlic, carrots, and celery, then store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This keeps their crisp texture and fresh aroma intact, ready for quick assembly.
- Cook the full soup ahead: Brown the Italian sausage and sauté the vegetables as outlined in our step-by-step instructions, then simmer the entire mixture with chicken broth, diced tomatoes, cannellini beans, and spices. Let it cool completely before refrigerating or freezing to preserve its rustic, soul-warming flavors.
- Allow flavors to develop: Refrigerate the soup for up to 24 hours before serving. This resting period lets the herbs and spices infuse deeply, transforming the soup into a more robust, aromatic delight perfect for family gatherings.
Storage Guidelines
Proper storage ensures our Sausage Soup retains its authentic Italian-inspired taste and texture. Use these methods to keep it fresh and safe:
- Refrigeration: Transfer cooled soup to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. It will maintain its hearty consistency and vibrant flavors for 3-4 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, portion the soup into freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving some headspace for expansion. This method locks in the soup’s comforting warmth and savory notes, making it ideal for meal prep.
- Reheating instructions: Thaw frozen soup overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring with a wooden spoon until it simmers. Add a splash of chicken broth if needed to restore the original velvety texture, ensuring the sausage and vegetables remain tender and full of flavor.
| Storage Method | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigeration | 3-4 days | Best for short-term use; keeps soup’s fresh, aromatic qualities. |
| Freezing | Up to 3 months | Ideal for preserving the hearty, Italian-inspired flavors; thaw slowly to avoid texture loss. |
Conclusion
We’ve loved sharing our take on the classic Sausage Soup Bertucci’s Recipe, blending authentic Italian flavors for your kitchen.
It’s a simple way to bring warmth and tradition to your table, perfect for cozy evenings with family.
Give it a try and you’ll see why it’s become a favorite in our homes—it’s hearty, flavorful, and endlessly satisfying.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Bertucci’s Sausage Soup?
Bertucci’s Sausage Soup is a comforting Italian-inspired dish with savory sausage, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs. It’s perfect for family dinners or cold nights, offering rustic flavors that evoke traditional Italian cuisine. This modified recipe makes it easy for home cooks of all levels to recreate.
What are the key ingredients in the modified Sausage Soup recipe?
The main ingredients include Italian sausage, onion, garlic, carrots, celery, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, cannellini beans, spinach, and a blend of herbs and spices. Focus on fresh, high-quality items for authentic flavor. This recipe serves 6-8 and includes nutritional notes for balanced meals.
What kitchen equipment is needed to prepare Sausage Soup?
You’ll need a large pot or Dutch oven for cooking, a chef’s knife and cutting board for chopping veggies, measuring cups and spoons for accuracy, a wooden spoon for stirring, and a can opener. These tools ensure a smooth process and help maintain the soup’s rustic texture.
How do I make Bertucci’s Sausage Soup step by step?
Start by browning the sausage in a pot, then sauté onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. Add diced tomatoes, chicken broth, herbs, and spices; simmer until flavors blend. Stir in cannellini beans and spinach, then cook briefly. Serve garnished with parsley and olive oil for a hearty, aromatic meal.
Can I make Bertucci’s Sausage Soup ahead of time, and how should I store it?
Yes, prepare ingredients the night before or cook the full soup and refrigerate for up to 24 hours to enhance flavors. Store in the fridge for 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove to preserve texture and taste, making it ideal for busy families.