Warm up with a comforting bowl of Pizza Soup, where savory Italian flavors meet hearty vegetables, topped with zesty pepperoni and sausage. This low-carb twist on your favorite pizza lets you savor the goodness of a pizza in soup form. It’s satisfying, aromatic, and perfect for cozy nights!
Budget Information
The total cost to make this delicious Pizza Soup is approximately $15.00, which breaks down to about $3.75 per serving for a family of four. This budget-friendly meal packs a punch in both flavor and texture, while being easy on the wallet!
Why This Recipe Works
This Pizza Soup brilliantly combines the essence of traditional pizza with the heartiness of a soup. Imagine the smell of sautéed garlic and onions wafting through your kitchen as you cook—it’s absolutely divine! Plus, the versatility of this recipe means you can adapt it to your taste, whether you prefer more vegetables, a dash of spice, or extra toppings! It’s a quick and simple recipe that delivers comfort without the carbs, making it a guilt-free indulgence.
Ingredients + Optional Substitutions
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this amazing Pizza Soup:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil ($0.30)
- 1 medium onion, diced ($0.50)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced ($0.15)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme ($0.10)
- 2 medium zucchinis, diced ($2.00)
- 4 cups chicken broth ($2.50)
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed ($5.00)
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms ($1.00)
- ½ cup pepperoni slices ($2.00)
- Salt and pepper to taste ($0.05)
- Optional: chopped olives and shredded cheese for garnish ($1.40)
Total: Approximately $15.00
Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions
Step 1: Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Once it’s shimmering, toss in your diced onion, minced garlic, and dried thyme. Sauté everything together until the onion turns translucent, releasing an aromatic warmth that’s like a hug for your senses—about 5 minutes is great!
Step 2: Next, it’s time for those beautiful zucchinis to join the party! Add them along with the no-tomato sauce (you can make your own or find it store-bought) and stir well. Bring this mixture to a boil; then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, allowing the ingredients to soften and meld their flavors together.
Step 3: Once the zucchinis have cooked down beautifully, transfer the mixture to a blender. Puree until smooth—this might just be the most rewarding part! Once you have a velvety texture, carefully pour it back into the pot.
Step 4: Now, add in the chicken broth, the Italian sausage, and sliced mushrooms. Let this simmer on low for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the sausage is thoroughly cooked and the mushrooms are tender. The aroma should be incredible by now, drawing every hungry soul to the kitchen!
Step 5: Just before serving, garnish with pepperoni slices and olives if you’re feeling fancy. Season with salt and pepper to your liking, and prepare for a round of compliments at the dinner table. Serve hot, and enjoy this piping hot bowl of joy!
Nutritional Facts
Calories: 655
Protein: 32g
Carbohydrates: 24g
Total Fats: 48g
Saturated Fat: 19g
Fiber: 5g
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 2435mg
Storage and Reheating Tips
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store any remaining pizza soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pour the soup into a pot and warm it on the stove over medium heat until piping hot. You can also heat it in the microwave—just pop it in for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Serving Suggestions
This flavorful Pizza Soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a side salad to freshen things up. For an extra layer of indulgence, top your soup with shredded mozzarella or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, and perhaps a dash of crushed red pepper for that added kick!
Reader Tips or Helpful Notes
Feel free to customize this soup based on what you have in your pantry! You can add bell peppers, spinach, or even swap the sausage for your favorite meat or a plant-based substitute. Just remember, the joy of cooking comes from creativity—don’t be afraid to experiment!
Recipe FAQs
Can I make this Pizza Soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just omit the sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep those rich flavors intact.
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, you can freeze Pizza Soup! Just allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
What can I use instead of Italian sausage?
Any ground meat should work, or for a vegetarian option, try using lentils or tempeh for that satisfying texture!
How thick is the soup?
This soup has a hearty, yet smooth consistency thanks to blending it! If you prefer it thicker, simply reduce the broth by half.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prep this soup a day ahead; it often tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.