Savory Sausage Pasta Soup

$- 1 pound Italian sausage (choose between mild or spicy) - 1 medium onion, finely diced - 2 medium carrots, diced - 2 celery stalks, diced - 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped - 1 cup small pasta (such as ditalini or elbow macaroni) Italian sausage is the star here. You can choose mild for a gentle flavor or spicy for a kick. Both work well. Next, we have the veggies: onion, carrots, and celery. They add a nice crunch and depth to the soup. Don’t forget about the spinach! It wilts nicely and boosts the soup's nutrition. For pasta, I love ditalini, but elbow macaroni is also good. - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried basil - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste) - Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish) - Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving) Seasoning is key to flavor. Dried oregano and basil bring warmth and richness. Red pepper flakes add just the right amount of heat. For garnish, I recommend fresh parsley for color and taste. Grated Parmesan cheese makes each bowl extra special. - 6 cups chicken broth (low sodium recommended) - 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juice For the broth, I always suggest low-sodium chicken broth. It allows you to control the saltiness. Diced tomatoes add sweetness and body to the soup. Their juice mixes beautifully with the broth, enhancing the flavor. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by crumbling the Italian sausage into a large pot over medium heat. Cook it for about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir often until the sausage is brown and cooked through. This step is key. The sausage releases its fat, which adds flavor. Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to take out the sausage. Make sure to leave the fat in the pot. Removing excess fat is crucial. Too much fat can make your soup greasy. Next, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté them for about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir occasionally. You want the onion to become soft and see-through. This shows they are done. The carrots and celery should also be tender. Then, add minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes. Stir again and cook for an extra minute. This lets the garlic and herbs release their aroma. Now it’s time to pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes with their juice. Increase the heat to high. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add your small pasta. Stir it in well. Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, usually around 8 to 10 minutes. You want the pasta to be al dente, which means firm to the bite. After the pasta is ready, bring back the cooked sausage to the pot. Then add the fresh chopped spinach. Stir everything together and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes. The spinach should wilt nicely. Lastly, taste your soup and add salt and black pepper as needed. This final step lets you adjust the flavor to your liking. To make your sausage pasta soup truly shine, consider adding some spices and herbs. You can try these options: - Thyme: This herb adds a nice earthiness. - Rosemary: A little goes a long way for a bold flavor. - Bay leaves: Add one or two while cooking for depth. For cooking tips, always brown the sausage well. This step builds a rich flavor base. When you sauté the vegetables, let them get soft. This caramelizes their sugars, which will enhance the taste of the soup. If you want to thicken your soup, try these simple methods: - Add more pasta: This will absorb some broth. - Use a cornstarch slurry: Mix cornstarch with water, then stir it in. To lighten the soup, you can add more broth or water. This will make it less heavy. Also, consider adding these extra ingredients for variety: - Canned beans: They add protein and fiber. - Zucchini: Cut it into small pieces for a fresh crunch. Serve your soup hot for the best taste. Use big bowls, so everyone gets enough. Garnish each bowl with fresh parsley. This adds color and flavor. For a complete meal, pair the soup with: - Crusty bread: Perfect for dipping. - Simple salad: A light side balances the soup’s heartiness. These tips will help you create a delicious bowl of sausage pasta soup that everyone will love! Pro Tips Use Quality Sausage: For the best flavor, choose a high-quality Italian sausage that’s made with real spices. This will enhance the overall taste of your soup. Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrition and flavor. Just make sure to adjust cooking times accordingly. Cook Pasta Separately: For a thicker soup, consider cooking the pasta separately and adding it to individual bowls. This prevents the pasta from soaking up too much broth if you have leftovers. Fresh Herbs Matter: Adding fresh herbs like basil or parsley just before serving will bring a burst of freshness to your soup, making it even more delicious. {{image_4}} You can easily change this soup to fit your diet. For gluten-free options, choose gluten-free pasta like rice or quinoa pasta. These alternatives work well and still taste great. If you want a different protein, swap the Italian sausage for chicken or turkey sausage. Both options are leaner but still provide that hearty flavor. For a vegetarian version, use plant-based sausage. It gives a similar taste and keeps the soup filling. Feel free to play with the soup’s flavor. Adding different vegetables can change everything. You might try bell peppers, corn, or mushrooms. Each vegetable adds its unique taste and texture. Also, you can use different types of broth. While chicken broth is classic, beef or vegetable broth can give the soup a new twist. Each broth brings its own essence, so pick what you enjoy most. If you want to give your soup an Italian flair, add a scoop of pesto. It adds richness and depth. For a Southern twist, consider using cajun spices. A sprinkle of cayenne or paprika can bring some heat. These regional touches will make the soup feel fresh and exciting. You can enjoy different versions of this comforting dish with just a few simple changes. To keep your sausage pasta soup fresh, store it in the fridge. Use airtight containers to prevent spills and keep out air. Glass or plastic containers with tight lids work best. Let the soup cool to room temperature before sealing it. This helps avoid condensation, which can make the soup watery. You can freeze portions of the soup for later. Divide it into smaller, freezer-safe containers. Leave some space at the top, as the soup will expand when frozen. To thaw, move the soup to the fridge overnight. For quick thawing, place the container in a bowl of cold water. Reheat on the stove over low heat. Stir often to keep the texture smooth. In the fridge, the soup stays good for about 3 to 4 days. If you freeze it, it can last for up to 3 months. To know if the soup has gone bad, check for off smells or mold. If it smells sour or looks strange, it's best to throw it away. Always trust your senses when it comes to food safety. To add spice, use more red pepper flakes. Start with one teaspoon. Taste the soup after mixing. If you want more heat, add more flakes. You can also use spicy Italian sausage instead of mild. Another option is adding hot sauce at the end. Yes, you can use a slow cooker! First, brown the sausage in a pan. Then, transfer it to the slow cooker. Add the diced onion, carrots, celery, garlic, and herbs. Pour in the chicken broth and tomatoes. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. About 30 minutes before serving, add the pasta and spinach. This soup pairs well with crusty bread. Serve it with a side salad for some crunch. You can also add cheese toast for a cheesy touch. Grilled cheese sandwiches are another tasty option. Yes, this soup is great for meal prep! It stores well in the fridge for up to three days. You can also freeze it for up to three months. Just cool it down and use airtight containers. This makes it easy to enjoy later on busy days. Absolutely! Parmesan cheese is a great choice. Add it while serving for a creamy finish. You can also try mozzarella or cheddar for a different flavor. Just sprinkle it on top before serving. Cheese makes the soup extra rich and tasty. This blog post covered key steps to make Sausage Pasta Soup. You learned about main ingredients like sausage, vegetables, and pasta. I shared tips on cooking, flavor enhancements, and dietary options. Remember, you can adapt the recipe to fit your tastes and needs. This soup is versatile, satisfying, and perfect for any meal. Enjoy experimenting with different flavors and ingredients to make it your own. Happy cooking!$

A hearty and flavorful soup featuring Italian sausage, pasta, and fresh vegetables.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 6

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

1 pound Italian sausage
1 medium onion, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 medium carrots, diced
2 stalks celery, diced
6 cups chicken broth
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juice
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 cup small pasta
2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
to taste salt
to taste black pepper
for garnish fresh parsley, finely chopped
for serving grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

In a large pot over medium heat, crumble the Italian sausage into the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is nicely browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Once done, use a slotted spoon to remove the sausage from the pot and set aside, ensuring to leave the rendered fat in the pot for added flavor.
In the same pot, add the diced onion, diced carrots, and diced celery. Sauté the vegetables for approximately 5-7 minutes until they are tender and the onion becomes translucent, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Add the minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes to the pot. Stir well and cook for an additional minute until the garlic is fragrant and the herbs are aromatic.
Carefully pour in the chicken broth along with the can of diced tomatoes and their juice. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
Once boiling, add the small pasta of your choice. Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and cook according to the pasta package instructions, typically around 8-10 minutes, until the pasta is cooked al dente. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
After the pasta is done, return the cooked sausage to the pot and add the fresh chopped spinach. Stir together and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the spinach has wilted and integrated nicely into the soup.
Finally, taste the soup and season with salt and black pepper as desired.

Notes

Serve hot with grated Parmesan cheese and crusty bread.

Keyword comfort food, hearty, pasta, sausage, soup