Italian Cookie Recipe
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Italian Cookie Recipe
This hearty Italian soup is the ultimate comfort meal, made from scratch with a rich broth, tender meats, and rustic vegetables. It comes together remarkably fast for a from-scratch dinner, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a relaxing weekend lunch.
I first fell in love with this style of cooking during a trip to Tuscany, where every meal felt like a warm embrace. The memory of those long, laughter-filled dinners inspired me to perfect my own version of a hearty Italian soup that I now make for my family. I love serving it with a side of crusty bread for dipping or pairing it with a simple salad, much like you would with my classic Chicken Parmesan or a comforting slow-cooked beef stew.
Why This Hearty Italian Soup Is a Keeper
- Made From Scratch Flavor: You control every ingredient, creating a depth of flavor that canned soups simply cannot match.
- Quick & Easy: It simmers to perfection in under an hour, making it an achievable project for any night of the week.
- Family Favorite: Packed with familiar, wholesome ingredients, this soup is a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults.
- Meal Prep Ready: This soup tastes even better the next day, making it an ideal candidate for your weekly meal prep routine.
What You’ll Need for Your Perfect Hearty Italian Soup
Be sure to see the recipe card below for the full listing of ingredients, instructions, notes, and estimated nutritional information.
- Olive Oil: Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for the best foundational flavor.
- Onion, Carrots, and Celery: This classic soffritto trio builds a sweet, aromatic base for the soup.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds a essential pungent kick that infuses the entire broth.
- Italian Sausage: Opt for mild or hot sausage, removed from its casing, to provide a savory, meaty backbone.
- Diced Tomatoes: Canned fire-roasted tomatoes will add a subtle smokiness to the broth.
- Chicken Broth: A low-sodium broth is best so you can control the final seasoning.
- Cannellini Beans: These creamy white beans add wonderful texture and plant-based protein.
- Ditalini Pasta: This small tube pasta is the classic choice, but any small shape will work.
- Fresh Spinach: It wilts down perfectly at the end, adding a pop of color and nutrients.
- Parmesan Cheese Rind: This secret ingredient, if you have one, adds an incredible umami richness.
- Italian Seasoning: A dried blend of oregano, basil, and thyme delivers that signature Italian flavor.
Hearty Italian Soup
Make this delicious hearty Italian soup with classic ingredients in just 32 minutes. Perfect comfort food with oats and chocolate chips for a satisfying treat.
Equipment
- measuring cups
- measuring spoons
- knife
- cutting board
- mixing bowl
- medium bowl
- large bowl
- hand mixer
- stand mixer
- whisk
- rubber spatula
- baking sheets
- parchment paper
- oven
- wire rack
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter at room temperature
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 large egg at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
- In a large bowl using a hand mixer or a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the room-temperature butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together on medium speed until the mixture is light, fluffy, and creamy, about 3 minutes.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula.
- With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the flour mixture, mixing just until no dry streaks remain. Use the spatula to fold in the oats and chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake one sheet at a time for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers look just set.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. They will firm up as they cool.
Ways to Customize This Hearty Italian Soup
- Make It Cheesier: Stir in a handful of shredded mozzarella or provolone just before serving for extra creaminess.
- Add More Protein: Use ground beef or turkey instead of sausage, or add leftover Italian meatballs.
- Vegetarian Version: Simply omit the sausage and use vegetable broth for a equally satisfying plant-based meal.
My Pro Tips for the Best Soup Results
- Sauté the Aromatics: Take your time cooking the onion, carrots, and celery until they are soft and fragrant for a deeper flavor base.
- Brown the Meat Well: Let the sausage get a nice brown crust in the pot; those browned bits add tremendous flavor to the broth.
- Cook Pasta Separately: To prevent the pasta from becoming mushy in leftovers, boil it separately and add it to each bowl when serving.
- Season at the End: Salt the soup after it has finished simmering, as the broth will reduce and the saltiness will concentrate.
How to Keep Your Hearty Italian Soup Fresh
- Store: Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: For longer storage, freeze the soup (without the pasta) in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
- Reheat: Warm the soup gently in a pot over medium-low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
- Make-Ahead Tip: You can prepare the entire soup base a day or two in advance and simply reheat it when ready to serve, adding freshly cooked pasta and spinach.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most popular Italian soup?
While minestrone and pasta e fagioli are extremely popular, a simple, brothy hearty Italian soup like this one is a quintessential comfort food in many households. Its popularity comes from its versatility and the way it highlights fresh, simple ingredients.
What is a thick Italian soup called?
A thick Italian soup is often called a “zuppa.” This particular recipe for hearty Italian soup thickens nicely from the starches released by the pasta and beans, giving it a wonderfully substantial consistency without being overly heavy.
Can I use a different pasta in this soup?
Absolutely. While ditalini is traditional, any small pasta shape like orzo, small shells, or even broken-up spaghetti will work perfectly. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta’s package directions.
How can I make this soup spicier?
For a spicier kick, use hot Italian sausage instead of mild. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes when you sauté the garlic for an extra layer of heat.
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Why This Hearty Italian Soup Deserves a Spot in Your Rotation
With its rich, savory broth and satisfying textures, this hearty Italian soup is the definition of a comforting, reliable meal. It’s incredibly easy to make from scratch and fills your kitchen with the most wonderful aromas. I hope it becomes a cherished recipe in your home, just as it has in mine.
