Easy Sausage Pasta Soup: A Quick & Delicious Comfort Meal

Are you craving a warm, comforting, and incredibly easy-to-make meal? Look no further than this delicious sausage pasta soup! Perfect for busy weeknights, chilly weather, or when you simply want a hearty and satisfying dish without spending hours in the kitchen. This recipe uses simple ingredients you likely already have on hand, and it comes together in under an hour. We’ll walk you through each step, providing tips and variations to customize it to your taste. Get ready to enjoy a flavorful bowl of goodness that the whole family will love!

Why You’ll Love This Sausage Pasta Soup

* **Quick and Easy:** From start to finish, this soup is ready in about 30-45 minutes.
* **Flavorful:** The combination of Italian sausage, vegetables, and pasta creates a rich and satisfying flavor profile.
* **Versatile:** Easily customizable with different types of sausage, vegetables, or pasta.
* **Budget-Friendly:** Uses affordable ingredients that are readily available.
* **Family-Friendly:** A guaranteed crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults.
* **One-Pot Meal:** Less cleanup is always a win!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need to make this scrumptious sausage pasta soup:

* **Italian Sausage:** 1 pound (sweet, mild, or hot, casings removed)
* **Olive Oil:** 1 tablespoon
* **Onion:** 1 medium, chopped
* **Carrots:** 2 medium, chopped
* **Celery:** 2 stalks, chopped
* **Garlic:** 2-3 cloves, minced
* **Italian Seasoning:** 1 teaspoon
* **Dried Oregano:** 1/2 teaspoon
* **Red Pepper Flakes:** 1/4 teaspoon (optional, for a touch of heat)
* **Canned Crushed Tomatoes:** 28 ounces
* **Chicken Broth:** 6 cups (or vegetable broth)
* **Pasta:** 1 cup (small pasta shapes like ditalini, elbow macaroni, or small shells work best)
* **Fresh Spinach:** 5 ounces (or kale, roughly chopped)
* **Grated Parmesan Cheese:** For serving (optional)
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste

Equipment

* Large pot or Dutch oven
* Cutting board
* Knife
* Measuring spoons and cups
* Wooden spoon or spatula

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create a heartwarming sausage pasta soup:

**Step 1: Brown the Sausage**

* Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
* Add the Italian sausage (with the casings removed and crumbled) and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Drain off any excess grease.

**Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables**

* Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot with the sausage. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
* Add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for another minute until fragrant.

**Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Broth**

* Pour in the canned crushed tomatoes and chicken broth. Stir well to combine.
* Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.

**Step 4: Simmer and Cook the Pasta**

* Cover the pot and simmer for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
* Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions, usually about 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.

**Step 5: Add Spinach and Season**

* Stir in the fresh spinach (or kale) and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
* Season with salt and pepper to taste.

**Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!**

* Ladle the sausage pasta soup into bowls.
* Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
* Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips for the Best Sausage Pasta Soup

* **Choose Your Sausage Wisely:** Sweet Italian sausage will provide a milder flavor, while hot Italian sausage will add a spicy kick. You can also use other types of sausage, such as Italian turkey sausage for a leaner option or chorizo for a smoky flavor.
* **Don’t Overcook the Pasta:** Be careful not to overcook the pasta, as it will become mushy. Cook it until it’s just tender. Remember that it will continue to cook slightly in the hot soup after you turn off the heat.
* **Adjust the Broth:** If you prefer a thicker soup, use less broth. For a thinner soup, add more broth.
* **Sautéing is Key:** Sautéing the vegetables properly helps to develop their flavor and adds depth to the soup.
* **Fresh Herbs Enhance the Flavor:** If you have fresh herbs on hand, such as parsley, basil, or thyme, add them to the soup during the last few minutes of cooking for a burst of fresh flavor.
* **Taste and Adjust:** Always taste the soup before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may need to add more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning to suit your preferences.

Variations and Additions

This sausage pasta soup is incredibly versatile! Here are some ideas to customize it and make it your own:

* **Add Beans:** Add a can of drained and rinsed cannellini beans or kidney beans for extra protein and fiber.
* **Add More Vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables, such as zucchini, bell peppers, mushrooms, or diced tomatoes.
* **Use Different Pasta:** Experiment with different types of pasta, such as orzo, farfalle (bowtie pasta), or even broken spaghetti.
* **Make it Spicy:** Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to increase the heat.
* **Add a Touch of Cream:** Stir in a dollop of heavy cream or sour cream at the end for a richer, creamier soup.
* **Use Different Broth:** Try using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian option.
* **Add Wine:** Add 1/2 cup of dry red or white wine to the pot after sautéing the vegetables for a deeper flavor. Let the wine simmer for a few minutes to reduce before adding the tomatoes and broth.
* **Add Pesto:** Stir in a tablespoon or two of pesto at the end for a vibrant and flavorful addition.

Make-Ahead Instructions

This sausage pasta soup is a great make-ahead meal. You can prepare it up to 2-3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave. Keep in mind that the pasta may absorb some of the broth as it sits, so you may need to add a little extra broth when reheating.

For best results, cook the pasta separately and add it to the soup when you are reheating it. This will prevent the pasta from becoming too mushy.

Storage Instructions

* **Refrigerator:** Store leftover sausage pasta soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Freezer:** You can also freeze sausage pasta soup for longer storage. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Again, for best results with freezing, it is best to cook the pasta separately and add it to the soup after reheating. This prevents the pasta from becoming mushy.

Serving Suggestions

This sausage pasta soup is delicious on its own, but here are some serving suggestions to make it a complete meal:

* **Serve with crusty bread or garlic bread** for dipping into the flavorful broth.
* **Pair it with a side salad** for a light and refreshing contrast.
* **Top it with grated Parmesan cheese, fresh herbs, or a dollop of sour cream.**
* **Serve it as a starter** to a larger meal.
* **Pack it in a thermos** for a warm and comforting lunch.

Nutrition Information (Approximate)

* Calories: Approximately 350-450 per serving (depending on ingredients and portion size)
* Protein: 20-25 grams
* Fat: 15-25 grams
* Carbohydrates: 30-40 grams
* Fiber: 5-7 grams

**Note:** This is just an estimate, and the actual nutritional content may vary based on the specific ingredients you use.

Recipe Card

**Easy Sausage Pasta Soup**

**Prep Time:** 15 minutes
**Cook Time:** 30 minutes
**Total Time:** 45 minutes
**Servings:** 6-8

**Ingredients:**

* 1 pound Italian sausage (sweet, mild, or hot, casings removed)
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 medium onion, chopped
* 2 carrots, chopped
* 2 celery stalks, chopped
* 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
* 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
* 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
* 6 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
* 1 cup small pasta shapes (ditalini, elbow macaroni, small shells)
* 5 ounces fresh spinach (or kale, roughly chopped)
* Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving, optional)
* Salt and pepper to taste

**Instructions:**

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add sausage and cook, breaking it up, until browned. Drain excess grease.
2. Add onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add garlic, Italian seasoning, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Pour in crushed tomatoes and chicken broth. Stir well and bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
4. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. Add pasta and cook according to package directions, until tender.
6. Stir in spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Ladle into bowls and garnish with Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve hot.

Enjoy this comforting and flavorful sausage pasta soup! It’s a simple recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite. With its easy preparation and versatile ingredients, you can customize it to your liking and enjoy a warm, hearty meal any time of year. Happy cooking!