Italian sausage and pasta soup​

Introduction

There’s nothing quite as comforting as a warm bowl of hearty soup, and this Italian Sausage and Pasta Soup is no exception. Bursting with bold Italian flavors, tender pasta, and savory sausage, this dish is a crowd-pleaser perfect for cozy weeknights or casual family gatherings. This recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare, making it a favorite for both novice and seasoned cooks.

Whether you’re looking to impress dinner guests or whip up a quick, satisfying meal, this soup checks all the boxes. It’s versatile, comforting, and packed with wholesome ingredients that make every spoonful a delight.

Why You’ll Love This Italian Sausage and Pasta Soup

1. Packed with Flavor

This soup features the perfect balance of zesty Italian sausage, aromatic herbs, and robust vegetables, delivering a rich and savory taste in every bite.

For another rich and creamy recipe, check out Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup.

2. Quick and Easy to Make

With minimal prep and less than an hour of cooking time, this recipe is ideal for busy weeknights or when you’re short on time but still crave a home-cooked meal.

3. Adaptable for Any Occasion

Whether you’re serving it as a light main course, pairing it with crusty bread for a filling dinner, or offering it as a starter at a dinner party, this soup is as versatile as it is delicious.

4. Family-Friendly

Kids and adults alike will love the hearty combination of pasta, sausage, and veggies. Plus, it’s easy to customize for picky eaters by adjusting the ingredients to suit everyone’s taste.

Explore more family-friendly meals like this Sausage Pasta Bake.

Key Ingredients for Italian Sausage and Pasta Soup

1. Italian Sausage

The star of the dish, Italian sausage adds a robust and savory flavor to the soup. You can choose sweet or mild sausage for a balanced taste or opt for spicy sausage if you like a little heat.

Substitution Tip: Use turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter option or plant-based sausage for a vegetarian version.

2. Pasta

Small pasta shapes like ditalini, orzo, or elbow macaroni work best in this soup. They cook quickly and complement the other ingredients without overpowering the dish.

Substitution Tip: Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta can be used for a healthier or allergen-friendly twist.

3. Vegetables

A mix of diced tomatoes, carrots, celery, and onions creates a flavorful base, while spinach or kale adds a burst of freshness and nutrients.

Substitution Tip: Feel free to swap spinach for other leafy greens like Swiss chard or add extra veggies like zucchini or bell peppers for added variety.

4. Broth

A rich chicken or vegetable broth is the backbone of this soup, providing a savory depth of flavor.

Substitution Tip: For added creaminess, replace half of the broth with unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk.

5. Herbs and Spices

A combination of Italian seasoning, garlic, and red pepper flakes enhances the flavor of the soup, making it aromatic and irresistible.

Substitution Tip: Fresh basil, oregano, or parsley can be used instead of dried herbs for a more vibrant taste.

Ingredients List

Here’s a quick checklist of all the ingredients you’ll need for this hearty Italian Sausage and Pasta Soup:

• 1 pound Italian sausage (sweet, mild, or spicy)
• 1 cup small pasta (ditalini, orzo, or elbow macaroni)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can of diced tomatoes
• 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 cups fresh spinach or kale, chopped
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients

• Before starting, make sure all your ingredients are ready. This includes:
  • Dicing vegetables like onion, carrots, and celery. Cutting them into uniform pieces ensures they cook evenly.
  • Mincing garlic finely so it distributes flavor evenly throughout the soup.
  • Chopping spinach or kale into bite-sized pieces for easier incorporation into the soup.
  • Measuring out spices and broth so everything is within reach as you cook.

Pro Tip: Keep all your prepped ingredients in separate bowls or on a large cutting board for easy access while cooking. This step saves time and reduces stress during the cooking process.

Brown the Sausage

• Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
• Add the Italian sausage, breaking it into small crumbles using a wooden spoon or spatula.
• Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the sausage is browned and fully cooked. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
• Once browned, use a slotted spoon to remove the sausage from the pot and set it aside on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess grease.

Pro Tip: If there’s too much grease left in the pot, drain some of it, but leave about 1-2 tablespoons for added flavor when cooking the vegetables.

Sauté the Vegetables

• In the same pot with the sausage drippings, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. These vegetables form the “mirepoix,” which is a classic soup base that adds depth and sweetness to the dish.
• Sauté the vegetables for 5-7 minutes until they become soft and slightly translucent.
• Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds to 1 minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.

Pro Tip: Stirring frequently during this step helps release the natural sugars in the vegetables, creating a caramelized, flavorful base for the soup.

Add the Tomatoes and Broth

• Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juices) and stir to combine with the sautéed vegetables.
• Add the chicken or vegetable broth, along with the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.
• Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer uncovered for 10-15 minutes.

Pro Tip: Simmering the soup allows the flavors to meld together. Taste as it simmers and adjust the seasoning as needed by adding more herbs, salt, or pepper.

Cook the Pasta

• While the soup simmers, cook the pasta in a separate pot. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente.
• Drain the pasta and rinse it briefly under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set it aside.

Pro Tip: Cooking the pasta separately prevents it from absorbing too much liquid from the soup, ensuring the broth remains flavorful and the pasta doesn’t turn mushy.

Combine and Finish the Soup

• Add the browned sausage back to the pot along with the cooked pasta. Stir to combine.
• Gently fold in the chopped spinach or kale and simmer for another 5 minutes, or until the greens are wilted and tender.
• Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning at this stage.

Pro Tip: Avoid overcooking the spinach or kale to preserve its vibrant green color and fresh taste.

Serve and Garnish

• Ladle the soup into bowls while it’s still hot.
• Garnish each serving with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, a sprinkle of chopped parsley, or even a drizzle of olive oil for extra richness.
• Serve with crusty bread or crackers for a complete meal.

Pro Tip: Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor. If reheating later, add a splash of broth or water to the soup to refresh the consistency.

Variations for Italian Sausage and Pasta Soup

1. Make It Vegetarian

Swap out the sausage for plant-based sausage or hearty legumes like cannellini beans or chickpeas. Use vegetable broth for a completely vegetarian option.

2. Add Creaminess

Stir in a splash of heavy cream, coconut milk, or unsweetened almond milk for a richer texture.

3. Gluten-Free Option

Replace the pasta with gluten-free pasta or cooked quinoa for a celiac-friendly variation.

4. Spice It Up

For a spicier kick, use hot Italian sausage and add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.

5. More Veggies

Boost the nutritional value by adding zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the soup.

Serving Suggestions

This soup pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas:

• Crusty Bread: Serve with a slice of garlic bread or a warm baguette for dipping.
• Side Salad: A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup.
• Cheese Platter: Pair the soup with a small cheese platter featuring mild cheeses like mozzarella or provolone.

Tips for the Best Italian Sausage and Pasta Soup

• Cook Pasta Separately: To prevent the pasta from becoming mushy, cook it separately and add it to the soup just before serving.
• Make Ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day! Store it in the refrigerator and reheat gently over low heat.
• Freeze Friendly: Omit the pasta before freezing the soup, then cook fresh pasta when ready to serve.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs, vegetables, and high-quality sausage will elevate the flavor of this dish.

Benefits of This Italian Sausage and Pasta Soup

This recipe is a standout thanks to its ease of preparation, nutritional benefits, and irresistible taste. Packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins, it’s a well-rounded meal in a bowl. Its versatility also means you can adapt it to fit your dietary preferences or available ingredients, making it a practical choice for any home cook.

Should Italian sausage be cooked before adding to sauce?

Why You Should Cook Italian Sausage First

Cooking Italian sausage before adding it to the sauce is highly recommended. Here’s why:

• Safety: Italian sausage contains raw pork or poultry, which needs to reach an internal temperature of 160°F (for pork) or 165°F (for poultry) to be safe to eat.
• Flavor Enhancement: Browning the sausage before adding it to the sauce enhances its flavor through caramelization.
• Texture Control: Pre-cooking ensures the sausage remains juicy and doesn’t release excess grease into the sauce.

How to Cook Italian Sausage Before Adding to Sauce

• Pan-Frying: Sear the sausages in a skillet over medium heat until browned on all sides, then finish cooking them in the sauce.
• Oven-Baking: Bake the sausages at 375°F for 20-25 minutes until cooked through, then slice or crumble them into the sauce.
• Grilling: Grill the sausages for 6-8 minutes per side, then add them to your sauce for a smoky flavor.

What pairs well with Italian sausage?

Best Side Dishes for Italian Sausage

• Pasta Dishes: Pair Italian sausage with spaghetti, penne, or rigatoni, using a marinara, Alfredo, or spicy arrabbiata sauce.
• Vegetables: Roasted vegetables like bell peppers, onions, zucchini, and broccoli complement the sausage’s rich flavor.
• Salads: A fresh arugula or spinach salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the sausage.

Bread and Grains

• Garlic Bread: Serve sausage with crusty garlic bread for dipping into sauces.
• Polenta: Creamy polenta creates a hearty, comforting base for Italian sausage.
• Risotto: A mushroom or Parmesan risotto pairs wonderfully with sausage’s savory notes.

Cheeses and Wine Pairings

• Cheeses: Pair with Parmesan, Pecorino Romano, or fresh mozzarella.
• Wine: Enjoy Italian sausage with a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Montepulciano.

What is the Italian soup called?

Popular Italian Soups

• Minestrone: A hearty vegetable soup made with beans, pasta, or rice.
• Zuppa Toscana: A creamy soup with Italian sausage, kale, and potatoes.
• Stracciatella: A simple egg-drop soup with chicken broth and Parmesan cheese.

Regional Italian Soups

• Ribollita: A Tuscan bread soup made with vegetables and beans.
• Acquacotta: A rustic soup from central Italy, often made with tomatoes, onions, and poached eggs.

Should you boil Italian sausage before cooking?

Benefits of Boiling Italian Sausage

• Even Cooking: Boiling ensures the sausage cooks through evenly, reducing the risk of raw spots.
• Moisture Retention: It keeps the sausage juicy and prevents it from drying out.
• Flavor Infusion: Boiling in seasoned water, broth, or beer can enhance the sausage’s flavor.

How to Boil Italian Sausage

1. Place sausages in a pot and cover them with water or broth.
2. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes.
3. Finish by pan-frying or grilling for a crisp, browned exterior.

Conclusion

This Italian Sausage and Pasta Soup is the perfect blend of comfort, flavor, and simplicity. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or new to the kitchen, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation. Try it today, and don’t forget to share your results with friends and family—tag us on social media or leave a comment below!

Enjoy your hearty, flavorful soup!