Warm up with a comforting bowl of Italian Sausage Pasta Soup, filled with spicy Italian sausage, fresh vegetables, and hearty pasta in a savory tomato broth. This soup is perfect for cozy nights, family gatherings, or quick weeknight dinners. With its delightful blend of flavors and textures, it’s sure to become a favorite in your home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This Italian Sausage Pasta Soup comes together in just 40 minutes, making it a quick meal option.
- Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of Italian sausage, fresh vegetables, and herbs creates a deliciously rich flavor profile.
- Versatile Dish: Feel free to customize the recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or using different pasta shapes.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This soup stores well in the fridge or freezer, allowing you to enjoy it throughout the week.
- Family-Friendly: It’s a crowd-pleaser that appeals to both kids and adults, making dinner time less stressful.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into this delightful recipe, gather the necessary tools. Having everything ready will streamline your cooking process and enhance your experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Wooden spoon
- Chopping board
- Knife
- Measuring spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Essential for cooking the soup evenly; allows for ample space to combine all ingredients.
- Wooden spoon: Perfect for breaking apart sausage and stirring without damaging your pot’s surface.
Ingredients
For the Soup Base
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, based on preference)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
For Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
For the Broth and Pasta
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup uncooked pasta (like ditalini or small shells)
For Garnish
- 2 cups fresh spinach (or kale)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
How to Make Italian Sausage Pasta Soup
Step 1: Cook the Sausage
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and break it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned with no pink remaining. Remove the sausage from the pot and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pot, add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until they are tender. Stir in oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes; cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Broth
Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice along with chicken or vegetable broth. Bring this mixture to a boil before reducing the heat to let it simmer.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
Stir in your uncooked pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente.
Step 5: Combine and Finish
Return the cooked sausage back into the pot. Stir in fresh spinach and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until wilted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 6: Serve
Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh basil or parsley. Top with grated Parmesan cheese before enjoying this hearty dish!
How to Serve Italian Sausage Pasta Soup
Serving Italian Sausage Pasta Soup is all about enhancing its comforting flavors and making it a delightful meal for your family or guests. Here are some creative serving suggestions that can elevate your dining experience.
Pair with Crusty Bread
- Sourdough or Baguette: Serve warm, crusty bread on the side for dipping into the soup. The texture complements the broth beautifully.
Add a Side Salad
- Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad with crisp romaine, crunchy croutons, and creamy dressing can provide a refreshing contrast to the warm soup.
Top with Extra Garnishes
- Chili Flakes and Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle additional red pepper flakes or fresh herbs like basil for an extra burst of flavor.
Serve with Cheese
- Parmesan Crisp: Create crispy cheese rounds by baking Parmesan on parchment paper. They add a savory crunch to each spoonful.
Offer Different Pasta Choices
- Tortellini or Orzo: For variety, serve different types of pasta on the side so everyone can customize their bowl.
How to Perfect Italian Sausage Pasta Soup
To ensure that your Italian Sausage Pasta Soup turns out delicious every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Quality Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and high-quality sausage enhance the overall flavor of the soup.
- Adjust Spice Levels: Control the heat by varying the amount of red pepper flakes according to your preference.
- Don’t Overcook Pasta: Cook pasta separately if you plan to save leftovers, as it can become mushy if left in the soup.
- Experiment with Greens: Substitute spinach with kale or Swiss chard for a different taste and texture.
- Make It Ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day. Make it ahead and let it sit in the fridge overnight for flavors to meld.
- Freeze Leftovers: Portion out leftovers in airtight containers for quick meals later. Just reheat on the stove.
Best Side Dishes for Italian Sausage Pasta Soup
Pairing side dishes with your Italian Sausage Pasta Soup can elevate your meal. Here are some excellent options to consider.
- Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread is perfect for soaking up every drop of that savory broth.
- Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze make a refreshing side.
- Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes, basil, and olive oil provides a tasty appetizer before soup.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables bring added nutrients and flavor; they’re easy to prepare alongside your main dish.
- Italian Antipasto Platter: A selection of cured meats, cheeses, olives, and roasted peppers creates a wonderful variety before digging into the soup.
- Cheesy Polenta: Creamy polenta topped with cheese offers a comforting side that pairs well with hearty soups like this one.
- Stuffed Peppers: Bell peppers stuffed with rice and herbs provide a colorful addition to your table.
- Spinach Artichoke Dip: Serve this creamy dip with tortilla chips or breadsticks for a crowd-pleasing starter.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many people make simple mistakes when preparing Italian Sausage Pasta Soup. Here are common pitfalls and how to avoid them.
- Using the Wrong Sausage: Opt for quality Italian sausage to enhance flavor. Avoid pre-cooked sausage, as it lacks the depth needed for a robust soup.
- Skipping the Sautéing Step: Sautéing vegetables before adding broth is crucial. This step builds a strong flavor base that enhances the overall taste of your soup.
- Overcooking the Pasta: Cook pasta al dente in the soup. If overcooked, it can become mushy, ruining the texture of your dish.
- Neglecting Seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning at the end. Adding salt and pepper gradually ensures you achieve the perfect balance without overpowering flavors.
- Not Using Fresh Greens: Fresh spinach or kale adds nutrients and color. Don’t skip this step; wilted greens add visual appeal and a burst of flavor.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Italian Sausage Pasta Soup in an airtight container.
- It lasts up to 3-4 days in the fridge.
Freezing Italian Sausage Pasta Soup
- Freeze soup in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
- It can be stored for up to 2-3 months; just remember to label them with dates.
Reheating Italian Sausage Pasta Soup
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover, and heat until warm throughout.
- Microwave: Pour soup into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through for even warming.
- Stovetop: In a pot over medium heat, stir occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Italian Sausage Pasta Soup?
Italian Sausage Pasta Soup is a hearty and flavorful dish combining spicy sausage, vegetables, and pasta in a savory tomato broth.
Can I customize my Italian Sausage Pasta Soup?
Absolutely! You can add different vegetables or use various types of pasta based on your preferences.
How do I make this soup gluten-free?
To make Italian Sausage Pasta Soup gluten-free, substitute regular pasta with gluten-free varieties available at most grocery stores.
Can I use other types of meat?
Yes! Ground turkey or chicken are excellent alternatives to Italian sausage if you’re looking for a lighter option.
What should I serve with the soup?
Pair your Italian Sausage Pasta Soup with crusty bread or a simple salad for a complete meal.
Final Thoughts
Italian Sausage Pasta Soup is not only comforting but also incredibly versatile. You can easily adapt it to suit your family’s tastes by swapping ingredients or adjusting spices. Give this recipe a try for an easy weeknight dinner that everyone will love!
Italian Sausage Pasta Soup
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x
Description
Warm up with a bowl of Italian Sausage Pasta Soup, a delightful blend of spicy Italian sausage, fresh vegetables, and hearty pasta simmered in a savory tomato broth. This comforting dish is perfect for cozy evenings, family gatherings, or quick weeknight meals.
Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup uncooked pasta (ditalini or small shells)
- 2 cups fresh spinach (or kale)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned; remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, sauté onion, garlic, carrots, and celery for about 5-7 minutes until tender. Stir in oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes; cook until fragrant.
- Add diced tomatoes and broth; bring to a boil then reduce heat to simmer.
- Stir in uncooked pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Return sausage to the pot along with spinach; season with salt and pepper. Cook until spinach wilts.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
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