Italian Sausage Pasta Soup
Highlighted under: Comfort Food
A comforting and hearty soup featuring Italian sausage, pasta, and fresh vegetables, perfect for a cozy dinner.
This Italian Sausage Pasta Soup combines the rich flavors of Italian sausage with the comforting essence of homemade soup. It's the perfect meal for any night of the week!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Bursting with flavor from Italian herbs and spices
- Hearty and filling, perfect for chilly evenings
- Easy to prepare and ready in under an hour
The Perfect Comfort Food
There’s something irresistibly comforting about a warm bowl of soup, especially when it’s packed with hearty ingredients like Italian sausage and fresh vegetables. This Italian Sausage Pasta Soup is not just a meal; it's an experience that warms the soul. On a chilly evening, there’s nothing quite like it to bring the family together around the table.
The rich flavors of the Italian sausage meld beautifully with the vibrant vegetables, creating a symphony of taste in every spoonful. This soup is a reminder that simple ingredients can create something extraordinary, making it a fantastic choice for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
Nutritional Benefits
This pasta soup is not only delicious but also offers a range of nutritional benefits. Packed with protein from the Italian sausage and fiber from the vegetables, it provides a balanced meal that keeps you satisfied. The addition of fresh spinach adds essential vitamins and minerals, enhancing the overall healthiness of the dish.
Using whole grain pasta can further boost the fiber content, making it a wholesome option for those looking to maintain a healthy diet. This soup is perfect for those chilly days when you need a meal that warms you from the inside out while nourishing your body.
Serving Suggestions
To elevate your dining experience, consider pairing this Italian Sausage Pasta Soup with a side of crusty bread or a fresh green salad. The combination of flavors will complement each other beautifully, and the bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious broth.
For a touch of extra flavor, drizzle a bit of olive oil on top before serving or sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes for those who enjoy a spicy kick. Don't forget to offer grated Parmesan cheese at the table for guests to add their desired amount; it adds a delightful creaminess that enhances the overall flavor.
Ingredients
For the Soup
- 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup small pasta (like ditalini or elbow)
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Enjoy your delicious Italian Sausage Pasta Soup!
Instructions
Cook the Sausage
In a large pot over medium heat, add the Italian sausage. Cook until browned, breaking it into smaller pieces with a spatula. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Add Vegetables
Add the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables are softened.
Combine Ingredients
Stir in the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, dried basil, and oregano. Bring to a boil.
Cook Pasta
Add the pasta to the boiling soup and cook according to package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes.
Finish the Soup
Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the fresh spinach and season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat and serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.
Serve and enjoy your hearty bowl of soup!
Storage Tips
If you happen to have leftovers, this Italian Sausage Pasta Soup stores quite well in the refrigerator for up to three days. Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. The flavors will continue to meld, making it even tastier the next day.
For longer storage, consider freezing the soup. Portion it into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion, and it can last up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop.
Customization Ideas
One of the great things about this soup is its versatility. Feel free to swap out the vegetables based on what you have on hand or what’s in season. Zucchini, bell peppers, or kale would all be excellent additions that can enhance the flavor and nutrition of the soup.
If you're looking for a lighter version, you can use turkey or chicken sausage instead of Italian sausage. It will still pack a punch in terms of flavor while reducing the overall fat content. Similarly, gluten-free pasta can be used to make this dish suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use ground turkey instead of sausage?
Yes, ground turkey is a great leaner alternative to Italian sausage.
→ How can I make this soup vegetarian?
You can omit the sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
→ Can I freeze the soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well. Just make sure to cool it completely before transferring to an airtight container.
→ What type of pasta works best?
Small pasta shapes like ditalini or elbow macaroni work best in this soup.
Italian Sausage Pasta Soup
A comforting and hearty soup featuring Italian sausage, pasta, and fresh vegetables, perfect for a cozy dinner.
Created by: Charlotte Wilson
Recipe Type: Comfort Food
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
For the Soup
- 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup small pasta (like ditalini or elbow)
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
How-To Steps
In a large pot over medium heat, add the Italian sausage. Cook until browned, breaking it into smaller pieces with a spatula. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Add the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables are softened.
Stir in the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, dried basil, and oregano. Bring to a boil.
Add the pasta to the boiling soup and cook according to package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes.
Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the fresh spinach and season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat and serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Total Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 45g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 6g
- Protein: 20g