Hearty & Flavorful: Italian Sausage and Pasta Soup Recipe
This Italian Sausage and Pasta Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for a chilly evening. It’s packed with savory Italian sausage, tender pasta, and a medley of vegetables, all simmered in a rich and aromatic tomato-based broth. This recipe is easily customizable to your liking, so feel free to add your favorite vegetables or adjust the spice level.
## Why You’ll Love This Soup
* **Hearty and Satisfying:** This soup is a complete meal in a bowl, thanks to the sausage, pasta, and vegetables.
* **Flavorful:** The Italian sausage infuses the broth with its savory goodness, creating a truly delicious soup.
* **Easy to Make:** With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this soup is a breeze to prepare.
* **Customizable:** Feel free to adjust the ingredients and seasonings to suit your taste preferences.
* **Great for Meal Prep:** This soup tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prepping.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
* **Italian Sausage:** Use sweet, mild, or hot Italian sausage, depending on your preference. Remove the casings for the best texture.
* **Olive Oil:** Used for sautéing the vegetables and browning the sausage.
* **Onion:** Adds a savory base flavor to the soup.
* **Garlic:** Provides a pungent and aromatic flavor.
* **Carrots:** Add sweetness and texture to the soup.
* **Celery:** Contributes to the soup’s aromatic base.
* **Canned Diced Tomatoes:** Use good-quality diced tomatoes for the best flavor.
* **Tomato Paste:** Adds richness and depth of flavor to the broth.
* **Chicken Broth:** Provides a flavorful liquid base for the soup. You can also use vegetable broth.
* **Dried Oregano:** Adds a classic Italian flavor.
* **Dried Basil:** Another essential Italian herb that complements the other flavors.
* **Red Pepper Flakes:** Adds a touch of heat (optional).
* **Small Pasta:** Ditalini, orzo, or small shells work well in this soup.
* **Fresh Spinach:** Adds nutrients and a pop of color to the soup. You can also use kale or escarole.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste.
* **Grated Parmesan Cheese:** For serving (optional).
## Detailed Instructions
Here’s a step-by-step guide to making this delicious Italian Sausage and Pasta Soup:
**Step 1: Prepare the Sausage and Vegetables**
1. Remove the Italian sausage from its casings. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Remove the sausage from the pot and set aside.
2. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
**Step 2: Build the Soup Base**
3. Stir in the diced tomatoes and tomato paste. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, to allow the tomato paste to caramelize slightly. This step enhances the flavor of the soup.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape the bottom of the pot to loosen any browned bits. This is where a lot of flavor is hiding!
5. Add the dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the soup to a simmer.
**Step 3: Simmer and Add Pasta**
6. Return the cooked Italian sausage to the pot. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
7. Stir in the pasta and cook according to the package directions, usually about 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.
**Step 4: Add Greens and Season**
8. Stir in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 1-2 minutes.
9. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Remember that the sausage and broth may already contain salt, so start with a small amount and add more as needed.
**Step 5: Serve and Enjoy**
10. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
## Tips and Variations
* **Sausage:** Experiment with different types of Italian sausage. Sweet sausage will provide a milder flavor, while hot sausage will add a kick.
* **Vegetables:** Add other vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms for added flavor and nutrients.
* **Beans:** Add a can of drained and rinsed cannellini beans or kidney beans for extra protein and fiber.
* **Spice Level:** Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the spiciness of the soup.
* **Herbs:** Use fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for a brighter flavor.
* **Broth:** Vegetable broth can be substituted for chicken broth for a vegetarian option. You can also use bone broth for extra nutrients.
* **Pasta:** If you don’t have small pasta on hand, you can break spaghetti or other long pasta into smaller pieces.
* **Make it Creamy:** Stir in a dollop of heavy cream or mascarpone cheese at the end for a richer, creamier soup.
* **Slow Cooker Method:** Brown the sausage and vegetables as directed in Step 1. Then, transfer everything to a slow cooker. Add the remaining ingredients (except the pasta and spinach). Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Stir in the pasta during the last 30 minutes of cooking time. Stir in the spinach until wilted just before serving.
* **Instant Pot Method:** Use the saute function on the Instant Pot to brown the sausage and vegetables as directed in Step 1. Then, add the remaining ingredients (except the pasta and spinach). Cook on high pressure for 8 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release for 10 minutes. Stir in the pasta and cook on saute mode until the pasta is tender. Stir in the spinach until wilted just before serving.
## Serving Suggestions
* Serve with crusty bread for dipping into the broth.
* Pair with a simple side salad.
* Garnish with fresh parsley or basil.
* Offer a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for those who like a little extra heat.
## Make-Ahead Instructions
This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will meld together and become even more delicious over time. Note that the pasta will continue to absorb liquid as it sits, so you may need to add a little extra broth when reheating.
## Freezing Instructions
Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags. Leave some headspace in the containers as the soup will expand when frozen. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
## Nutritional Information (Approximate, per serving)
* Calories: Approximately 350-450
* Protein: 20-25g
* Fat: 15-25g
* Carbohydrates: 30-40g
(Note: Nutritional information will vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.)
## Recipe Card
**Italian Sausage and Pasta Soup**
**Prep Time:** 15 minutes
**Cook Time:** 30 minutes
**Total Time:** 45 minutes
**Yield:** 6-8 servings
**Ingredients:**
* 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 medium onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 2 carrots, diced
* 2 celery stalks, diced
* 1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
* 2 tablespoons tomato paste
* 6 cups chicken broth
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1 teaspoon dried basil
* 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
* 1 cup small pasta (ditalini, orzo, or small shells)
* 5 ounces fresh spinach, roughly chopped
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. Remove the Italian sausage from its casings. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Remove the sausage from the pot and set aside.
2. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Stir in the diced tomatoes and tomato paste. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape the bottom of the pot to loosen any browned bits.
5. Add the dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the soup to a simmer.
6. Return the cooked Italian sausage to the pot. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes.
7. Stir in the pasta and cook according to the package directions, usually about 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.
8. Stir in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 1-2 minutes.
9. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
10. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve hot.
**Enjoy this comforting and flavorful Italian Sausage and Pasta Soup!**
This recipe is a fantastic way to bring the warmth and flavors of Italy to your kitchen. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a comforting weekend dish, this soup is sure to please. Experiment with different variations and make it your own! You can adjust the amount of sausage, vegetables, and spices to create a soup that perfectly suits your taste. Don’t be afraid to get creative and add your own personal touch.
One of the best things about this soup is how forgiving it is. If you don’t have all the exact ingredients on hand, you can easily substitute with what you have. For example, if you don’t have carrots, you can use parsnips or sweet potatoes. If you don’t have spinach, you can use kale or Swiss chard. The key is to use good-quality ingredients and to season generously.
This Italian Sausage and Pasta Soup is also a great way to use up leftover vegetables. If you have any vegetables that are starting to wilt or soften, you can chop them up and add them to the soup. This is a great way to reduce food waste and to add extra nutrients to your meal.
When making this soup, it’s important to use a good-quality Italian sausage. Look for sausage that is made with natural ingredients and that doesn’t contain any fillers or artificial flavors. You can find good-quality Italian sausage at most grocery stores or butcher shops.
If you’re making this soup for a crowd, you can easily double or triple the recipe. Just make sure to use a large enough pot to accommodate all the ingredients. This soup is also a great option for potlucks or gatherings, as it’s easy to transport and can be served at room temperature.
To make this soup even more flavorful, you can add a splash of wine to the broth. Dry red wine or white wine will work well. Just add the wine to the pot after you’ve sautéed the vegetables and before you add the chicken broth. Let the wine simmer for a few minutes to reduce slightly before adding the remaining ingredients.
If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, you can simply omit the Italian sausage and add extra vegetables. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. To add some extra protein, you can add a can of drained and rinsed chickpeas or white beans.
This Italian Sausage and Pasta Soup is a versatile and delicious dish that can be enjoyed any time of year. It’s a perfect comfort food for a cold winter day, but it’s also light and refreshing enough to be enjoyed in the spring or summer. So, gather your ingredients and get cooking! You’re sure to love this hearty and flavorful soup.
Remember to adjust the seasonings to your liking. Taste the soup throughout the cooking process and add salt, pepper, or other spices as needed. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and ingredients to create a soup that is perfect for you.
Finally, don’t forget to garnish your soup with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. This will add a salty, savory flavor that complements the other ingredients perfectly. Serve the soup hot with crusty bread for dipping, and enjoy!
This soup is not only delicious but also a nutritious meal. It is a good source of protein, fiber, and vitamins. The vegetables provide essential nutrients, and the sausage adds protein and flavor. By making this soup at home, you can control the ingredients and ensure that you are eating a healthy and balanced meal.
In conclusion, this Italian Sausage and Pasta Soup is a winner! It’s easy to make, customizable, and incredibly flavorful. It’s perfect for a cozy night in, a family dinner, or a potluck gathering. So, grab your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy a bowl of this comforting and delicious soup. You won’t be disappointed!
Enjoy your culinary adventure and happy cooking! We hope this recipe becomes a staple in your household.
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