• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Recipes
  • Cooking Classes & Tips
  • Kitchen Essentials
  • Subscribe
  • About

Just Maika Cooking

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Global Recipes
  • Cooking Classes & Tips
  • Kitchen Essentials
  • Custom Herb Spice Shop
  • About JMC

subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Global Recipes
  • Cooking Classes & Tips
  • Kitchen Essentials
  • Custom Herb Spice Shop
  • About JMC

×
Home » Recipes

Published: Nov 19, 2023 · Modified: Apr 3, 2025 by Maika · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Easy Spicy Italian Chicken Sausage Soup with Farro

Sharing is caring!

Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe

Fresh, sweet Italian sausage simmered in a broth spicy Harissa-flavored savory broth with fresh, crisp broccolini, red bell pepper, carrots, mushrooms, and a farro and Israeli couscous mixture for an irresistible Italian chicken sausage soup.

top view of the easy spicy italian chicken sausage soup with farro and israeli couscous in a wide rim soup bowl

Table of Contents

Jump to:
  • How to Make Italian Chicken Sausage Soup
  • Ingredients
  • Instructions
  • Side Suggestions
  • Substitutions
  • Variations
  • Equipment
  • Storage
  • Cooking Tip
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Soup Recipes 
  • Poultry Recipes 
  • 📖 Recipe
  • Subscribe to My YouTube Channel!
  • Have a Comment or Question?

How to Make Italian Chicken Sausage Soup

Turn your hectic weeknights into culinary satisfaction with the Easy Spicy Italian Chicken Sausage Soup featuring wholesome Farro and Israeli Couscous. This easy one-pot wonder is tailored for any night of the week, offering the perfect meal solution for busy schedules without compromising on flavor. 

Picture the warmth of spicy Italian seasonings, the heartiness of tender chicken sausage, and the wholesome goodness of Farro and Israeli Couscous coming together effortlessly in a steaming bowl—a comforting combination that turns any evening into a culinary bliss. Embrace the simplicity of this recipe as it effortlessly boosts your dinner nights, making it a go-to choice for those seeking a satisfying and stress-free dinner option.

More Recipes with a Mediterranean Vibe:

  • Italian Chicken Sausage Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms with Burrata Cheese
  • Spicy Tomato Farro Risotto with Shrimp, Mushroom and Peas
  • Plant-Based Italian Sausage with Spicy Creamy Lentil Pasta
  • Spicy Pesto Chicken Pasta Homemade One-Pot-Meal
  • Chicken Meatballs and Israeli Couscous Vegetable Soup

Ingredients

This easy one-pot recipe includes simple ingredients for a quick dinner.  First, brown the sweet Italian chicken sausage in a hot Dutch oven with olive oil.  Then add and cook the aromatics by sweating the onion, carrots, cremini mushrooms, and chopped garlic.  

Build the Base

Next, season the soup base by adding the Italian herb seasoning, kosher salt, and ground black pepper.  When the sausage is browned and seasoned, you will deglaze the pot with sauvignon blanc wine to add depth of flavor.  Then, add and cook down the Harissa paste and fire-roasted tomatoes to make a rich red color.  

Finish the Soup

Add the low-sodium chicken broth and bring to a simmer.  Once it begins to simmer at the instant farro and Israeli couscous to cook, finish the soup with the red bell pepper, broccolini, fresh spinach (or kale), and arugula (or winter greens mix).  Bowl up the warming goodness, top with an Italian cheese blend, and enjoy!

See the Italian chicken sausage soup recipe card for quantities.

ingredients for the easy spicy italian chicken sausage soup with farro and israeli couscous in containers on a round large pizza pan.
case removed and cut into chunks Italian sausage in a glass rectangular container
top view of chicken broth in a pyrex measuring cup
broccolini cut into thirds in a rectangular glass container

Instructions

Follow the instructions and cooking tips below using the step-by-step picture guide.

browned italian sausaege in a dutch oven

Brown the sausage chunks to caramelize them to bring out a rich flavor.

browned italian sausage with tender mushrooms, carrots, onion and garlic in a dutch oven being mixed with a wooden spoon

Leaving the sausage in the pot will make the soup base more tasteful when you add the vegetables and sweat it all down by melding the flavors.

browned italian sausage with tender mushrooms, carrots, onion and garlic with crushed tomatoes and harrissa paste combined in a dutch oven being mixed with a wooden spoon

Adding the white wine, harissa paste, and crushed red tomatoes to cook down at this point will deepen the flavors and remove some of the acidity.

israeli couscous and instant farro dropped into the soup

Make sure to bring the flavorful broth to a rapid simmer to cook the instant farro and couscous at the right time, as indicated on its packages.

the completed spicy italian chicken sausage soup wtih farro and couscous, broccolinik, red bell pepper, carrots and mushrooms.

​The soup will be done when the broccolini is bright, tender, and crisp to the bit.

Busy Folks - Become a better home cook with cooking tips to help you cook more efficiently on Cook's Notebook tab.  In addition, some related detailed steps can be found there.  

Side Suggestions

Serve with a side of mixed green salad with your favorite vinaigrette and toasted crusty bread.

Substitutions

  • Italian Sweet Chicken Sausage - Use Italian Sweet Pork Sausage or Spicy Sausage for a kick of more heat.
  • Cremini Mushrooms - Try baby Bellas, white or brown button mushrooms, or portobellos cut into medium dice.
  • Instant Farro - If you are not able to find this, try to pre-cook Farro, rinse one cup of Farro under cold water, and then combine it with three cups of water in a saucepan. Bring it to a boil, reduce the heat to a simmer, and cook for 25-30 minutes or until the farro is tender but still has a chewy texture. Drain any excess water and use the pre-cooked farro as needed in your recipe.
  • Broccolini - Use broccoli florets cut into uniform pieces to cook evenly.
  • ​Grated Italian Cheese Blend - Use grated parmesan cheese or pecorino.

Change Heat Level - Modify the recipe's heat level to your liking and learn more about the Scoville Scale and Chili Pairings.

top side view of the plated easy spicy italian chicken sausage soup with farro and israeli couscous

Variations

  • White Bean Soup - Replace any vegetables or just add the white beans, like cannellini beans or white kidney beans.
  • Italian Sausage Orzo Soup - Replace the farro and couscous for orzo.

Equipment

Dutch Oven - Used to cook this one-pot meal recipe.  To develop this recipe, I used the trusty Lodge 6-quart Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven.  It's fantastic for its multi-function purpose, such as going on the grill or in the oven.

Kitchen Must Haves - Find other tools I use here.

Storage

Refrigerator - To store in the fridge, you can place the hearty soup in a shallow 2-inch container to cool down quickly. Then, store it in an airtight container.  As a result, the meal will last up to two days.

Freezer - Follow the refrigeration process mentioned above.  Then, place it in the freezer in a labeled, airtight container.

Air Tight Food Containers - I use Glass Food Storage Containers with a plastic clipping lid to store food.  For example, I always suggest glass storage containers since you can microwave them and hold food without staining the container, and the glass keeps them at a more stable temperature, which keeps the food fresher longer. 

Cooking Tip

For an extra burst of flavor in your Easy Spicy Italian Chicken Sausage Soup with Farro and Israeli Couscous recipe, make sure to sauté the vegetables and spices before adding the broth—this enhances the depth of taste. Additionally, for an incredible texture variation, the farro and Israeli couscous are added towards the end of the cooking time to ensure they remain tender yet pleasantly chewy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of sausage in this soup?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize the recipe using your preferred sausage type, even leaving it in the edible casing. Whether it's spicy, mild, or a different meat, the soup is versatile enough to accommodate various options while maintaining its rich and comforting flavor profile.

Can I make this soup ahead of time and reheat it later?

Certainly! This soup reheats well, making it a perfect option for meal prep. Allow it to cool before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Read more in the Storage section.  Then, reheat gently on the stovetop, adjusting the seasoning if necessary, for a quick and convenient meal on busy days.

Can I substitute quinoa for the farro and Israeli couscous?

 Absolutely! While farro and Israeli couscous add a delightful texture, you can easily substitute them with quinoa or any other grain of your choice. Just be mindful of the cooking time, as it may vary depending on the grain selected. Adjust accordingly for the perfect bowl of soup.

Soup Recipes 

Looking for other soup recipes like this? Try these: 

  • Hearty chicken corn chowder topped with fluffy cornbread dumplings and fresh parsley garnish.
    Creamy Chicken Corn Chowder with Dumplings | Dairy-Free
  • Vibrant curry turkey meatball soup with fresh vegetables and pasta, perfect for comfort.
    One-Pot Curry Meatball Soup with Ground Turkey and Kale
  • wide rim bowl filled with Creamy spicy bacon potato leek chowder that's garnished with a half of slice of crispy bacon and chopped parsley then dusted with smoked paprika held in hand.
    How to Make Easy Bacon Potato Leek Chowder | Creamy Comfort
  • Vibrant Caribbean beef noodle soup with tender beef, fresh vegetables, and rich broth.
    Bold and Spicy Caribbean Beef Noodle Soup Recipe Twist
See more Soup →

Poultry Recipes 

Looking for other poultry recipes like this? Try these: 

  • sliced jerk seasoned steak fajitas withs sliced tri color sweet bell peppers and onions in a steaming cast iron skillet.
    Jerk Fajita Trio: 3 Must-Try Recipes for a Spicy Weeknight Cook-Up
  • chicken and pork belly tacos topped with chunky cholula green chili sauce on a plate surrounded by pico de gallo and sliced cooked chicken.
    Air Fryer Chicken and Pork Belly Tacos | Easy & Crispy
  • oven-roasted jerk chicken fajitas piled up on a cutting board.
    Easy Sheet Pan Jerk Chicken Fajitas | Oven-Roasted Yum
  • pan seared dumplings on chopsticks to show the golden brown bottom.
    Quick Spicy Potstickers | Chili Momo Tibetan Style
See more Poultry →

📖 Recipe

Print Recipe Add to Collection Go to Collections
Be the first to rate.

Italian Chicken Sausage Soup

Prevent your screen from going dark
Author: Maika
Fresh, sweet Italian sausage simmered in a broth spicy Harissa-flavored savory broth with fresh crisp broccolini, red bell pepper, carrots, mushrooms, and a mixture of farro and Israeli couscous.
Prep Time15 minutes mins
Cook Time35 minutes mins
Total Time50 minutes mins
Servings 4 servings
Course: Poultry, Red Meat
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keyword: One Pot Meal, Soup
Calories: 548kcal

Ingredients

For the Aromatics

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 pound Italian Sweet Chicken Sausage or pork
  • 1 medium onion small diced
  • 1 medium carrot small diced
  • 2 cups cremini mushrooms quartered
  • 4 garlic cloves minced or garlic-pressed

For the Soup Base

  • 2 teaspoons Italian herb seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • ¼ cup Sauvignon Blanc white wine
  • 1 tablespoon Harissa paste
  • 1 cup crushed fire-roasted tomatoes
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth

Grains, Vegetables, & Cheese

  • ½ cup instant farro
  • ½ cup Israeli couscous (pearl couscous)
  • 1 medium red bell pepper large dice
  • 6 ounces broccolini cut into thirds
  • 2 cups spinach or kale
  • 2 cup arugula or winter greens mix
  • ¼ cup grated Italian cheese blend

Equipment

  • Dutch Oven

Instructions

  • Save time in the kitchen: Read the instructions thoroughly, then gather and prep all your ingredients before cooking! Learn Prepping Tips.
  • Heat the Dutch Oven: Heat oil in a Dutch oven on medium-medium heat. While the Dutch oven heats, prepare the sausage.
  • Prepare the Sausage: Remove the sausage casing with scissors or a knife. Then, cut the sausage into 1-inch pieces. Add and spread out the sausage evenly and brown by letting it sit for 3 minutes or until golden brown. Add the Italian herb blend, salt, and pepper, combine well, and let it sit for another 3 minutes or until golden brown.
  • Cook the Vegetables: Add onion, carrots, mushroom, and garlic, combine well, cover, and cook for 10 minutes or until the onions are translucent, stirring halfway. Then, deglaze the pot by adding the sauvignon blanc, scraping the bottom, and letting it reduce for 1 minute.
  • Make the Soup Base: Add the harissa paste and fire-roasted tomatoes and cook down for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally to remove some of the acidity. Then, add chicken broth, cover, increase heat to high, and bring to a boil.
  • Cook the Grains: Once the broth is boiling, add the farro and Israeli couscous and cook for 7 minutes covered.
  • Finish the Soup: Add the red bell pepper, broccolini, spinach, and arugula, and cook for 2 minutes or until the broccolini is tender with a bite. Remove from stove, taste the broth for salt content, and add if necessary.
  • Plate Up: Serve soup in a bowl and garnish with the grated cheese blend.

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 548kcal | Carbohydrates: 48g | Protein: 32g | Fat: 27g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 81mg | Sodium: 1435mg | Potassium: 692mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 6221IU | Vitamin C: 96mg | Calcium: 166mg | Iron: 4mg
Tried this recipe?Please consider Leaving a Review!

Subscribe to My YouTube Channel!

👉 Subscribe To My YouTube Channel to Get Notified!

Have a Comment or Question?

If you have a question or comment about this easy Italian sausage soup recipe, please post it below. You will definitely get a quick response. It also helps our other readers to stay informed. Thanks!

More Recipes

  • all purpose steak seasoning in a decorated bowl with a wooden spoon.
    3 DIY Salt-Free Spice Blends to Boost Weeknight Meals
  • sautéed onions and garlic with raw sliced mushrooms in a frying pan for spicy pesto chicken pasta.
    All-Purpose Umami: A Salt-Free Spice Blend That Makes Everything Taste Better
  • wet lemon pepper chicken cutlet on a white round plate next to olive oil and grated cheese tossed spaghetti dusted with chopped fresh parsley
    Citrus Herb: A Bright, Salt-Free Seasoning for Chicken, Fish, and Veggies
  • freshly picked scotch bonnet peppers held in hand.
    Caribbean Kick: A Bold, Salt-Free Jerk Seasoning You Can Make at Home

Sharing is caring!

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

Welcome!

Chef Maika's profile photo in a chef coat and hand band with arms crossed smiling.

I’m Maika, a professionally trained chef, recipe developer, and culinary educator. For over a decade, I worked at major hotels such as the PGA National Resort, The Ritz-Carlon Hotel Company, Conrad Hilton, and W Hotel. As a lifetime passionate cook, my blog explores a world of flavors and experiments with recipes to create restaurant-quality dinners that will excite the food enthusiast's taste buds. Learn More →

No Bull. Pure Spice

custom herb spice shop logo.
custom herb spice shop's spicy all purpose seasoning blend spice jar held in hand.
Shop CustomHerbSpiceShop

Dietary Needs

Sliced Peach Piri Piri Chicken with Fonio Kale Salad on a plate.

Pollotarian

Caesar Salad with soft-boiled Egg, roasted campari Tomatoes and Chili-Infused Croutons garnished with freshly grated parmesan cheese and cracked black pepper in a wide rim bowl.

Vegetarian

Gluten-Free

Dairy-Free

Grilled Zhug Ras el Hanout Lamb Chops and Tomato, cucumber, onion Salad served with a lemon-oregano dressing served with a grilled lemon.

Grain-Free

grilled marinated tofu on top of a warm roasted vegetable couscous salad on spicy basil romesco sauce in a wide rim bowl topped with micro greens.

Egg-Free

top view of the the Easy Spicy Crispy Chicken Tacos with Cholula Sour Cream sprinkled with fresh chopped cilantr on a flat white round plate with shallow straight sides.

Nut-Free

top view and close up the Lemon Calabrian Chili Chicken Orzo Soup in a wide rim bowl .

Mediterranean

Footer

↑ back to top

Legal Stuff

  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Policy
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Disclaimer
  • Acceptable Use Policy

Helpful Links

  • About
  • Recipes
  • Learn Culinary
  • Subscribe
  • Meetup

Affiliates

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Other Links

  • CustomHerbSpiceShop
  • Press Release

Copyright © 2025 Just Maika Cooking®, a Growth Culinary LLC Company. All Rights Reserved.

Rate This Recipe

Your vote:




Let us know what you thought of this recipe:

I’ll definitely make this again.
My family loved this!
With the suggested tips this recipe was delicious.
The presentation tips were super helpful—my dish looked professional!
The flavors were perfectly balanced.
I made this for special occasion, and everyone loved it!

Or write in your own words:

A rating is required
A name is required
An email is required