How to Make Pizza Soup
How to Make Pizza Soup is a easy Italian recipe that serves 4. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Farmish Kind of Life on YouTube.
Prep: 10 min | Cook: 25 min | Total: 45 min
Cost: $14.55 total, $3.64 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian Sausage (remove from casing, crumble while cooking)
- 0.5 cup Water (added while browning sausage to prevent sticking)
- 1 medium Onion (diced)
- 1 large Green Bell Pepper (diced)
- 2 teaspoons Garlic (minced or use pre‑minced garlic)
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- 1 teaspoon Rosemary (dried)
- 1 teaspoon Basil (dried)
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning (store‑bought blend)
- 6 ounces Pepperoni (sliced or diced; extra for richer flavor)
- 8 cups Pizza Sauce (store‑bought or homemade; use a quality marinara)
- 4 cups Water (to thin the sauce into soup consistency)
- 2 cups Mozzarella Cheese (shredded; add at the end for melty texture)
- 2 cups Egg Noodles (optional; cook directly in soup or pre‑cook separately)
Instructions
Prep Vegetables
Dice the onion and green bell pepper into bite‑size pieces and mince the garlic.
Time: PT5M
Brown Sausage
Heat the large skillet over medium heat, add the crumbled Italian sausage and ½ cup water. Cook, breaking up the meat, until browned and no longer pink, about 8‑10 minutes.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: Medium heat
Add Aromatics and Spices
Add the diced onion, green pepper, minced garlic, black pepper, rosemary, basil, and Italian seasoning to the skillet. Sauté for 2‑3 minutes until fragrant.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: Medium heat
Incorporate Pepperoni
Stir in the 6 oz of pepperoni pieces and cook for another 2 minutes to release some oil and flavor.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: Medium heat
Combine Sauce and Water
Transfer the sausage‑pepperoni mixture to the large pot. Add 8 cups pizza sauce and 4 cups water. Stir well to combine.
Time: PT2M
Simmer Soup
Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook uncovered for 10‑12 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
Time: PT12M
Temperature: Simmer
Finish with Cheese
Stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese until melted and evenly distributed.
Time: PT2M
Serve
Ladle the hot pizza soup into bowls. Optional: garnish with extra mozzarella, fresh basil, or a drizzle of olive oil.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 350
- Protein
- 20 g
- Carbohydrates
- 30 g
- Fat
- 18 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
Dietary info: Contains meat, Contains dairy, Contains gluten (optional noodles), Not vegetarian, Not vegan
Allergens: Dairy, Gluten (if noodles are added), Pork
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Italian Sausage: Chicken sausage, Turkey sausage
- Instead of Onion: shallot, leek
- Instead of Green Bell Pepper: red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper
- Instead of Garlic: garlic powder (1/2 tsp)
- Instead of Black Pepper: white pepper
- Instead of Rosemary: fresh rosemary (1 tsp)
- Instead of Basil: fresh basil (1 tsp)
- Instead of Italian Seasoning: herb blend (oregano, thyme, marjoram)
- Instead of Pepperoni: salami, chorizo
- Instead of Pizza Sauce: marinara sauce, crushed tomatoes with herbs
- Instead of Water: low‑sodium chicken broth
- Instead of Mozzarella Cheese: provolone, cheddar
- Instead of Egg Noodles: small pasta shells, orzo
Equipment Needed
- Large Skillet
- Large Pot
- Cutting Board
- Chef's Knife
- Wooden Spoon
- Ladle
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring Spoons
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Browning the Italian sausage properly to develop flavor
- Scraping browned bits into the soup base for depth
- Adding mozzarella at the end to avoid a grainy texture
Chef Tips from the Video
- For extra smoky depth, use smoked Italian sausage.
- Toast the pepperoni briefly before adding to the soup for a richer flavor.
- If you love a crusty element, serve the soup in a hollowed‑out bread bowl.
Troubleshooting
Soup is too thick.
Add additional water or low‑sodium broth a half‑cup at a time until desired consistency is reached.
Cheese becomes grainy.
Remove the pot from heat before stirring in the mozzarella and let the residual heat melt the cheese gently.
Flavor is bland.
Adjust seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or a splash of hot sauce; consider adding a pinch of red‑pepper flakes.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days
Freezer: Freeze in freezer‑safe bags for up to 2 months; reheat gently
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours
Make-Ahead Tips
- The soup base (sausage, sauce, water) can be prepared up to 2 days ahead and refrigerated; add cheese and noodles just before serving.
- Freeze the soup in portion‑size containers; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of pizza soup in Italian‑American cuisine?
Pizza soup is a modern comfort‑food twist that blends classic Italian pizza flavors with the practicality of a soup, popularized in American homesteads and college dorms as a quick, hearty meal.
What traditional regional variations of pizza‑flavored soups exist in Italy or the United States?
In Italy, broth‑based soups often feature tomato and herbs, but the pizza‑style soup is mainly an American invention. Some U.S. regions add pasta shapes like ditalini or serve it in a bread bowl, echoing Italian “minestra” traditions.
How is pizza soup traditionally served in the Midwest United States?
Midwestern home cooks often serve it hot in deep bowls, sometimes topped with extra mozzarella and fresh basil, or poured into a hollowed‑out round bread loaf that acts like a pizza crust.
What occasions or celebrations is pizza soup associated with in American homestead culture?
Pizza soup is a go‑to dish for casual family gatherings, game nights, or after‑work meals on the farm because it’s quick, uses pantry staples, and satisfies cravings for both pizza and soup.
What authentic ingredients define pizza soup versus acceptable substitutes?
Authentic pizza soup relies on Italian sausage, pepperoni, mozzarella, and a robust pizza sauce. Substitutes like chicken sausage, salami, or provolone work, but they change the classic flavor profile.
What other Italian‑American dishes pair well with pizza soup from the YouTube channel Farmish Kind of Life?
A simple Caesar salad, garlic‑bread sticks, or a side of roasted vegetables complement the rich, cheesy soup and keep the meal balanced.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making pizza soup from Farmish Kind of Life?
Common errors include over‑cooking the sausage (which makes it dry), adding mozzarella too early (causing grainy texture), and not adjusting the liquid level after adding noodles.
Why does this pizza soup recipe use water to thin the sauce instead of broth?
Water lets the robust flavors of the pizza sauce and cured meats shine without competing with the seasoning of broth, preserving the authentic pizza taste.
Can I make pizza soup ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, the soup base can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for 2 months. Add cheese and noodles just before reheating to maintain texture.
What does the YouTube channel Farmish Kind of Life specialize in?
The YouTube channel Farmish Kind of Life focuses on homestead cooking, blending rustic farm life with humorous, honest kitchen tutorials that often feature comfort foods made from scratch.
How does the YouTube channel Farmish Kind of Life's approach to Italian‑inspired dishes differ from other cooking channels?
Farmish Kind of Life emphasizes improvisation, using pantry staples and farm‑fresh ingredients, and often adds a playful narrative, whereas many channels stick to precise, classic recipes.
Last updated: August 29, 2026
