Name: Italian Sausage Pasta Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
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 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes (undrained); 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; Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

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 any occasion, whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends. Its unique combination of flavors and textures makes it a family favorite that everyone will love!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Comforting and Hearty: This soup packs a flavor punch with every spoonful, making it the ultimate comfort food.
Quick to Prepare: With just 40 minutes from start to finish, this dish fits easily into your busy schedule.
Versatile Ingredients: Customize the soup by adding your favorite vegetables or swapping the pasta type to suit your taste.
One-Pot Meal: Enjoy easy cleanup with minimal dishes required—everything cooks in one pot!
Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy this delicious meal, making it perfect for family dinners.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth, gather these essential tools before you start.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Large pot
Wooden spoon
Chopping board
Knife
Measuring spoons

Importance of Each Tool

Large pot: Ideal for holding all ingredients and allowing them to cook evenly.
Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring without scratching your pot, ensuring everything blends well.
Chopping board: Provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables efficiently.

Ingredients

For the Soup

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
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
1 cup uncooked pasta (like ditalini or small shells)
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, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and no pink remains. Remove 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 or until vegetables are tender. Stir in the oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes; cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Broth

Pour in the diced tomatoes (with juice) and chicken or vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Stir in the uncooked pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

Return the cooked sausage to the pot and stir in the fresh spinach. Cook for another 2-3 minutes just until the spinach is wilted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 6: Serve

Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh basil or parsley, and top with grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy the warmth and flavor of this hearty soup!

How to Serve Italian Sausage Pasta Soup

Serving your Italian Sausage Pasta Soup can elevate the whole dining experience. This soup is not only delicious but versatile, allowing you to pair it with various sides and garnishes for a complete meal.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

Basil or Parsley: Sprinkle fresh basil or parsley on top for a burst of flavor and color.
Chili Flakes: Add extra red pepper flakes for those who enjoy a spicy kick.

Pair with Crusty Bread

Garlic Bread: Serve alongside warm garlic bread for dipping.
Ciabatta Rolls: Soft ciabatta rolls make an excellent choice to soak up the savory broth.

Add Cheese

Parmesan Cheese: Top each bowl with grated Parmesan for added richness.
Mozzarella Cheese: Melt some mozzarella on top for a gooey, cheesy treat.

How to Perfect Italian Sausage Pasta Soup

To make your Italian Sausage Pasta Soup even more delightful, consider these simple tips. They will help enhance the flavors and textures of this comforting dish.

sausage choice: Use high-quality Italian sausage for the best flavor. Choose between mild or spicy based on your preference.
Fresh vegetables: Opt for fresh vegetables instead of canned ones to enhance the soup’s texture and taste.
Cook pasta separately: If you prefer not to overcook the pasta, cook it separately and add it just before serving.
Use homemade broth: For an even richer flavor, use homemade chicken or vegetable broth in place of store-bought.
Adjust seasoning: Always taste your soup before serving and adjust salt and pepper accordingly.

Best Side Dishes for Italian Sausage Pasta Soup

Pairing side dishes with your Italian Sausage Pasta Soup can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options that complement the soup beautifully.

Garlic Bread: A classic accompaniment that adds crunch and flavor.
Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce tossed in Caesar dressing provides freshness.
Caprese Salad: Slices of fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze offer a light option.
Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables can add color and nutrition to your meal.
Cheesy Biscuit Muffins: These fluffy muffins are perfect for dipping into the soup.
Stuffed Peppers: Bell peppers stuffed with rice or quinoa make a satisfying side dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Italian Sausage Pasta Soup, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are some common mistakes to avoid for the best results.

Using Low-Quality Sausage: The flavor of your soup relies heavily on the sausage. Opt for fresh, high-quality Italian sausage for a richer taste.
Overcooking the Vegetables: Sauté vegetables just until tender. Overcooked veggies lose their texture and can make the soup mushy.
Skipping Seasoning Adjustments: Always taste before serving. Adjust salt and pepper to enhance flavors; bland soup is never satisfying.
Not Following Pasta Instructions: Different pasta shapes have different cooking times. Be sure to check package instructions for perfect pasta.
Ignoring Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh spinach or kale instead of frozen. Fresh greens enhance both flavor and nutrition in your soup.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Let the soup cool completely before sealing to maintain freshness.

Freezing Italian Sausage Pasta Soup

Freeze in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months.
Leave space at the top of containers as liquid expands when frozen.

Reheating Italian Sausage Pasta Soup

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes.
Microwave: Transfer soup to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between until hot.
Stovetop: Pour soup into a pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated through, about 5-10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Italian Sausage Pasta Soup?

Italian Sausage Pasta Soup is a comforting dish that combines spicy sausage, pasta, and vegetables in a rich tomato broth.

Can I make Italian Sausage Pasta Soup ahead of time?

Yes! This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator or freezer for later enjoyment.

What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

Ditalini or small shells are ideal due to their ability to hold onto the broth and flavors well.

Can I customize my Italian Sausage Pasta Soup?

Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers based on your preferences.

How do I make this soup vegetarian?

Substitute Italian sausage with plant-based sausage or skip it altogether and add more vegetables for a hearty vegetarian version.

Final Thoughts

Italian Sausage Pasta Soup is not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize it with your favorite ingredients, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying it on a chilly evening or serving it for a family gathering, this cozy meal is sure to please everyone at the table. Try it today and enjoy its warmth!