Italian Sausage Pasta Soup is a delightful combination of creamy broth, savory sausage, and tender pasta. This hearty soup is perfect for cozy dinners and can be enjoyed on chilly nights or served at gatherings. Its unique blend of flavors from fresh vegetables and sun-dried tomatoes makes it a standout dish that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just one hour, making it a great option for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful Comfort: The rich, creamy broth combined with Italian sausage creates a comforting bowl of goodness that warms you from the inside out.
- Customizable Ingredients: You can easily swap out ingredients for what you have on hand, making it versatile for your pantry.
- Perfect for Leftovers: This soup tastes even better the next day, so it’s great for meal prep or enjoying as leftovers.
- Family-Friendly: With its mild flavors, this soup is sure to please even the pickiest eaters in your family.
Tools and Preparation
To make this Italian Sausage Pasta Soup, you’ll need some key kitchen tools to ensure everything goes smoothly.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Slotted spoon
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: A spacious pot allows for easy stirring and prevents spills while simmering the soup.
- Slotted spoon: This tool is perfect for removing cooked sausage while leaving behind any excess grease.
- Whisk: Using a whisk helps to combine ingredients smoothly, especially when creating a broth slurry.
Ingredients
Italian Sausage Pasta Soup brings together a creamy base, savory sausage, tender pasta, fresh veggies, and herby sun-dried tomatoes.
For the Soup Base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage (see note 1)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
For the Vegetables
- 2 cups finely diced yellow onion (1 large onion)
- 2 cups finely diced carrots (4–5 carrots)
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
For the Broth and Creaminess
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 7-1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1-1/2 cups heavy cream
For Additional Flavor
- 2 cups mini bowtie pasta (see note 2)
- 2-1/2 packed cups finely chopped kale
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (finely chopped)
- 1/2 packed cup grated Parmesan cheese (sandy texture, see note 3)
For Serving (Optional)
- Hearty buttered bread (optional)
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
How to Make Italian Sausage Pasta Soup
Step 1: Cook the Sausage
In a large pot over high heat, add olive oil. Once hot, add sausage, salt, and pepper. Sear for a minute on each side, then crumble and cook until browned. Remove sausage with a slotted spoon, leaving 1 tablespoon of grease in the pot while draining off the excess.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Reduce heat to medium. Add butter, onions, carrots, and garlic. Sauté until tender, about 7–9 minutes. Sprinkle flour on top and cook for another minute while stirring constantly.
Step 3: Create the Broth Base
Gradually add 1 cup of broth while whisking constantly to create a slurry. Add the remaining broth slowly while whisking and scraping the bottom of the pot.
Step 4: Add Pasta
Bring broth to a boil. Then add pasta and cook according to package instructions but reduce cooking time by one minute. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 5: Incorporate Creamy Ingredients
Reduce heat to low. Add cream, kale, and sun-dried tomatoes while stirring well. Gradually incorporate Parmesan cheese in small amounts to avoid clumping. Stir until melted before adding the cooked sausage back into the pot. Adjust seasoning with salt as needed or add more broth if you prefer a thinner consistency.
Step 6: Serve Hot
Serve hot with hearty buttered bread on the side. Sprinkle red pepper flakes on top if desired for an extra kick!
How to Serve Italian Sausage Pasta Soup
Serving Italian Sausage Pasta Soup is a delightful experience. The creamy and savory flavors pair well with various accompaniments, enhancing the overall meal.
With Hearty Buttered Bread
- Toast slices of your favorite bread with butter for a crunchy contrast.
Topped with Red Pepper Flakes
- Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick that pairs perfectly with the creamy soup.
Alongside a Fresh Salad
- A simple green salad with vinaigrette provides a refreshing balance to the rich soup.
Garnished with Fresh Herbs
- Top your soup with freshly chopped parsley or basil for added flavor and color.
Served in Bread Bowls
- Hollow out small loaves of bread to serve as edible bowls, making for an impressive presentation.
How to Perfect Italian Sausage Pasta Soup
Perfecting your Italian Sausage Pasta Soup can elevate it to restaurant-quality. Here are some tips to achieve the best results.
Use Quality Sausage: Choose high-quality ground Italian sausage for richer flavor. Fresh herbs in the sausage enhance the taste.
Adjust Creaminess: For a lighter soup, reduce the amount of heavy cream or substitute with half-and-half.
Incorporate Seasonal Vegetables: Feel free to add seasonal veggies like zucchini or bell peppers for extra nutrition and flavor.
Control Thickness: If you prefer a thicker soup, let it simmer longer or add more pasta. For a thinner consistency, simply add more broth.
Season Gradually: Taste and adjust seasonings as you cook. Adding salt gradually helps achieve the perfect flavor balance.
Best Side Dishes for Italian Sausage Pasta Soup
Pairing side dishes with your Italian Sausage Pasta Soup can enhance your dining experience. Here are some excellent options:
Garlic Bread: Crisp and buttery, garlic bread is always a favorite alongside any soup.
Caesar Salad: This classic salad adds crunch and tang, complementing the richness of the soup.
Caprese Skewers: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil on skewers offer a light and tasty bite.
Vegetable Crudités: A platter of raw vegetables served with hummus provides a healthy, crunchy addition.
Cheesy Biscuits: Soft biscuits loaded with cheese are perfect for dunking into your creamy soup.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Seasoned and roasted Brussels sprouts add a deliciously caramelized flavor that pairs well with pasta soup.
Stuffed Peppers: Colorful stuffed peppers filled with rice and veggies make a hearty companion dish.
Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges seasoned with herbs create a satisfying side that complements the soup’s flavors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Italian Sausage Pasta Soup, it’s easy to overlook a few key details that can affect the final dish. Here are some common mistakes to keep in mind.
- Bold ingredient choices: Using low-quality or old ingredients can ruin the flavor. Always opt for fresh vegetables and quality sausage.
- Bold overcooking pasta: Cooking pasta too long can lead to mushy results. Follow the package instructions and subtract one minute for perfect bite.
- Bold insufficient seasoning: Not seasoning adequately can make your soup bland. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed throughout the cooking process.
- Bold rushing the broth addition: Adding broth too quickly may not allow for proper thickening. Gradually whisk in broth to ensure a smooth consistency.
- Bold ignoring cream incorporation: Adding cream too fast can cause clumping. Gradually stir in cream, allowing it to blend smoothly with the soup.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Consume within 3–4 days for best taste and freshness.
Freezing Italian Sausage Pasta Soup
- Use a freezer-safe container or bag for storage.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Label with date for reference.
Reheating Italian Sausage Pasta Soup
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake in an oven-safe dish until heated through, about 20-25 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring between each, until hot throughout.
- Stovetop: Warm over medium heat, stirring frequently until heated thoroughly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Italian Sausage Pasta Soup that might help you while making this delicious dish.
What can I substitute for ground Italian sausage?
You can use ground turkey or beef as a substitute for ground Italian sausage while still keeping that savory flavor.
Can I make this soup vegan?
Yes! Replace sausage with plant-based alternatives and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a vegan version.
How do I thicken my Italian Sausage Pasta Soup?
If you desire a thicker soup, you can add more flour or cornstarch mixed with water, or simply let it simmer longer to reduce the liquid.
How do I customize my Italian Sausage Pasta Soup?
Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini. You can also experiment with different types of pasta!
Final Thoughts
Italian Sausage Pasta Soup is a comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its creamy base and hearty ingredients, it appeals to many tastes. Don’t hesitate to customize this recipe with your favorite veggies or pasta shapes to make it truly your own!
Italian Sausage Pasta Soup
Italian Sausage Pasta Soup is a heartwarming dish that combines a rich, creamy broth with savory sausage and tender pasta. This comforting soup is perfect for chilly nights or casual gatherings, offering a delightful medley of flavors from fresh vegetables and sun-dried tomatoes. It’s quick to prepare, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights, and its versatility allows for easy adjustments based on your pantry staples. This soup not only satisfies but also warms you from the inside out, making it a family favorite that’s sure to impress.
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves 6 people 1x
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground turkey (as a substitute for ground Italian sausage)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cups finely diced yellow onion
- 2 cups finely diced carrots
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 7–1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1–1/2 cups heavy cream (or coconut cream for a dairy-free option)
- 2 cups mini bowtie pasta
- 2–1/2 packed cups finely chopped kale
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (finely chopped)
- 1/2 packed cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- In a large pot over high heat, warm olive oil. Add ground turkey and season with salt and pepper. Cook until browned, then remove and set aside.
- Lower the heat to medium and sauté diced onion, carrots, and garlic in the same pot until tender.
- Sprinkle flour over the vegetables, stirring for about one minute.
- Gradually whisk in chicken broth to create a smooth broth base. Bring to a boil.
- Add pasta and cook according to package instructions, reducing the time by one minute.
- Lower the heat; stir in heavy cream, kale, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese until well combined. Return cooked turkey to the pot.
- Serve hot with bread on the side.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 860mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: For extra flavor, consider adding herbs like thyme or basil during cooking. If you prefer a lighter soup, reduce the amount of cream or use half-and-half instead. Feel free to incorporate other seasonal vegetables like spinach or zucchini.