Italian Sausage Pasta Soup
Highlighted under: Comfort Food
A hearty and comforting soup that combines savory Italian sausage with pasta and fresh vegetables, perfect for any day of the week.
This Italian Sausage Pasta Soup is the ultimate comfort food, bursting with flavor and perfect for chilly evenings. The combination of spicy sausage, tender pasta, and fresh vegetables makes it a delightful meal that warms the soul.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Rich and hearty flavors in every bite
- Easy to make and perfect for weeknight dinners
- Comforting soup that the whole family will love
A Comforting Classic
Italian Sausage Pasta Soup is a delightful blend of flavors that brings warmth and comfort to your table. With the robust flavor of Italian sausage combined with fresh vegetables, this soup offers a satisfying meal that feels like a hug in a bowl. Whether it's a chilly evening or simply a day when you crave something hearty, this recipe won't disappoint.
This soup is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or using different types of pasta. Each variation brings a new twist, ensuring that you can enjoy this recipe time and again without it feeling repetitive.
Perfect for Meal Prep
One of the best features of this Italian Sausage Pasta Soup is its meal prep potential. You can prepare a large batch and store it in the refrigerator or freeze portions for later. This makes it an ideal choice for busy weeknights when you need a quick and nourishing meal that’s ready in minutes.
When reheating, the flavors deepen, making the soup even more delicious the next day. Just be sure to add a little extra broth when reheating to maintain the soup's consistency, especially if the pasta absorbs too much liquid during storage.
Family-Friendly and Nutritious
This soup is not only packed with flavor, but it also offers a healthy balance of nutrients. The combination of vegetables like spinach, carrots, and bell peppers provides essential vitamins while Italian sausage adds protein, making it a well-rounded meal. It’s a great way to sneak in some extra veggies for picky eaters.
Kids and adults alike will appreciate the comforting taste and enjoyable texture of the small pasta. Plus, serving it in a fun bowl can make mealtime more exciting for the little ones, encouraging them to dive into their veggies without a fuss.
Ingredients
Soup Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup small pasta (like ditalini or elbow)
- 2 cups fresh spinach
Instructions
Cook the Sausage
In a large pot over medium heat, add the Italian sausage. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
Sauté Vegetables
Add the onion, garlic, carrot, celery, and bell pepper to the pot. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened.
Add Tomatoes and Broth
Stir in the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
Cook Pasta
Add the pasta to the boiling soup and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
Finish with Spinach
Stir in the fresh spinach and let it wilt for about 2 minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions
To elevate your Italian Sausage Pasta Soup experience, consider serving it with a side of crusty bread or garlic breadsticks. This not only enhances the meal but also offers a wonderful way to soak up every drop of the flavorful broth. A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top adds a rich and creamy finish that complements the soup beautifully.
For a refreshing contrast, pair the soup with a light salad, perhaps a simple arugula or mixed greens salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. The crispness of the greens will provide a perfect balance to the hearty soup.
Storage and Reheating Tips
When storing leftover Italian Sausage Pasta Soup, let it cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days or frozen for up to three months. Just be sure to label the containers with the date for easy tracking.
To reheat, you can use either the stovetop or microwave. If using the stovetop, pour the soup into a pot and heat over medium-low, stirring occasionally until warmed through. For the microwave, place the soup in a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until hot.
Variations to Try
Feel free to experiment with different types of sausage! While Italian sausage is a classic choice, turkey sausage or chicken sausage can be great alternatives for a lighter version. Additionally, adding beans such as cannellini or chickpeas can boost the protein content and make the soup even heartier.
For a spicy kick, consider adding red pepper flakes or using hot Italian sausage. If you prefer a vegetarian version, simply omit the sausage and replace it with plant-based sausage or additional vegetables and legumes for protein.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use a different type of sausage?
Yes, you can use turkey sausage or chicken sausage for a lighter option.
→ How can I make this soup vegetarian?
Replace the sausage with a plant-based sausage or omit it altogether and add more vegetables or beans.
→ Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, you can freeze the soup, but it's best to add the pasta fresh when reheating to avoid it becoming mushy.
→ What should I serve with this soup?
A side of crusty bread or a simple green salad pairs perfectly with this hearty soup.
Italian Sausage Pasta Soup
A hearty and comforting soup that combines savory Italian sausage with pasta and fresh vegetables, perfect for any day of the week.
Created by: Daisy Webb
Recipe Type: Comfort Food
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Soup Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup small pasta (like ditalini or elbow)
- 2 cups fresh spinach
How-To Steps
In a large pot over medium heat, add the Italian sausage. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
Add the onion, garlic, carrot, celery, and bell pepper to the pot. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened.
Stir in the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
Add the pasta to the boiling soup and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
Stir in the fresh spinach and let it wilt for about 2 minutes before serving.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Total Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 830mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 40g
- Dietary Fiber: 5g
- Sugars: 5g
- Protein: 20g