Why You'll Love It
- - Hearty and comforting, perfect for any meal
- - Packed with savory Italian sausage and tender pasta
- - Rich tomato broth that's full of flavor
- - Easy to make and customizable with your favorite ingredients
This soup is a family favorite! The flavors are rich and comforting, perfect for a cozy night in.
Essential Ingredient Guide
- Italian sausage: Choose a high-quality sausage for the best flavor. Remove the casing before cooking.
- Pasta: Use a small pasta shape like ditalini or small shells that will hold up well in the soup.
- Tomato broth: A combination of tomato sauce and broth creates a rich and flavorful base.
- Garlic and onions: These aromatics form the flavor foundation of the soup. Sauté them until soft and fragrant.
- Herbs: Fresh basil and oregano add a touch of freshness and depth to the soup.
- Parmesan cheese: A sprinkle of grated Parmesan on top adds a salty, umami finish.
Complete Cooking Process
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Ingredient Readiness:
Before you start cooking, make sure all your ingredients are prepped and ready to go. Dice the onions, mince the garlic, and remove the sausage from its casing. Measure out your pasta and broth to streamline the cooking process.
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Flavor Development:
The key to a flavorful soup is building layers of taste. Start by browning the sausage to develop a rich, meaty flavor. Then, sauté the onions and garlic until they are soft and fragrant, which will add depth to the broth.
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Texture Control:
To ensure the pasta is perfectly tender, cook it separately and add it to the soup just before serving. This prevents the pasta from becoming mushy and absorbing too much broth.
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Finishing Touches:
Just before serving, stir in fresh herbs like basil and oregano. These add a bright, fresh flavor that balances the richness of the soup. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top adds a final touch of umami.
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Serving Timing:
This soup is best served hot, straight from the pot. The flavors meld together beautifully when the soup is freshly made, so try to serve it immediately after cooking.
- Brown the sausage well for maximum flavor.
- Use a good quality tomato sauce for the broth.
- Cook the pasta separately to avoid mushiness.
- Garnish with fresh herbs and Parmesan for the best presentation.
Pro Tips
One of the things I love most about this soup is how it fills the kitchen with the most incredible aromas. The scent of garlic and onions sautéing, the rich smell of browning sausage, and the fresh herbs all come together to create a sensory experience that's almost as good as the soup itself. I remember the first time I made this soup; the kitchen was steamy, the air was thick with the smell of tomatoes and herbs, and the first spoonful was like a warm hug on a cold day. It's the kind of meal that brings people together, that makes you want to linger at the table and savor every bite. Honestly, it's one of those recipes that I turn to again and again, not just for the flavor, but for the comfort and joy it brings.
The essence of the dish:
A fun fact or historical angle:
Flavor or sensory focus:
You Must Know
- Use high-quality Italian sausage for the best flavor.
- Cook the pasta separately to avoid mushiness.
- Don't skip the fresh herbs—they add a crucial layer of flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
→ Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use any small pasta shape you like. Just make sure to cook it separately and add it to the soup just before serving.
→ Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! This soup actually tastes even better the next day. Just store it in the fridge and reheat it gently on the stove. You may need to add a little extra broth when reheating.
→ Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, you can freeze this soup for up to 3 months. Just be aware that the pasta may soften a bit upon thawing. To avoid this, you can freeze the soup without the pasta and add freshly cooked pasta when you reheat it.
→ What can I serve with this soup?
This soup is hearty enough to stand on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a simple green salad and some crusty bread for dipping.
→ Can I use a different type of sausage?
Yes, you can use any type of sausage you like. Just keep in mind that the flavor of the soup will change depending on the type of sausage you use.
→ Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by omitting the sausage and using vegetable broth. You can add extra vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms to make it more hearty.
Chef's Tips
For a creamier soup, stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream at the end.,If you prefer a spicier soup, add 1/2 tsp of red pepper flakes along with the dried herbs.,This soup tastes even better the next day, so consider making it ahead of time.
Nutrition Facts
per serving
350
Calories
20g
Protein
25g
Carbs
18g
Fat
Taste Profile
A rich, savory, and comforting flavor profile with a balance of meaty, tangy, and herby notes.
Ingredient Substitutions
Don't have an ingredient? Try these alternatives
Adjust the seasoning to taste, as the flavor will be different.
Cook separately and add to the soup just before serving.
Use for a vegetarian version of the soup.
Recipe Variations
Try these delicious twists on the original
Spicy Version
Use spicy Italian sausage and add 1/2 tsp of red pepper flakes for a kick.
Creamy Version
Stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream at the end for a richer, creamier soup.
Vegetarian Version
Omit the sausage and use vegetable broth. Add extra vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Learn from others' mistakes for perfect results
- Overcooking the pasta in the soup, which can make it mushy.
- Not browning the sausage well, which can result in less flavor.
- Skipping the step of sautéing the onions and garlic, which are essential for building flavor.
Meal Prep & Storage
Make Ahead Tips
You can make this soup ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just reheat it gently on the stove before serving. You may need to add a little extra broth when reheating.
Leftover Ideas
Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a little extra broth if needed.
Perfect Pairings
Serve this with...
Cooking Timeline
Prep all ingredients - dice onion, mince garlic, remove sausage from casing.
Brown the sausage in the pot, then remove and set aside.
Sauté onions and garlic until soft and fragrant.
Add tomatoes, broth, and herbs. Simmer for 15 minutes.
Cook pasta separately until al dente.
Add sausage back to the pot, add pasta, and garnish with herbs and Parmesan.
Italian Sausage Pasta Soup Recipe
Italian sausage pasta soup is a hearty and flavorful dish, perfect for a cozy meal. Packed with savory sausage and tender pasta.
Timing
Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
30 Minutes
Total Time
45 Minutes
Recipe Details
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 01 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casing removed)
- 02 1 cup ditalini pasta or small shells
- 03 1 onion, diced
- 04 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 05 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 06 4 cups chicken broth
- 07 1 tsp dried oregano
- 08 1 tsp dried basil
- 09 Salt and pepper to taste
- 10 2 tbsp olive oil
- 11 Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
- 12 Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Optional Add-ins
- 01 1 cup spinach or kale, chopped
- 02 1/2 cup heavy cream for a creamier soup
- 03 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes for a spicy kick
Instructions
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Remove the sausage from the pot and set it aside.
In the same pot, add the diced onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth. Stir in the dried oregano and basil. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
While the soup is simmering, cook the pasta separately according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Add the cooked sausage back into the pot and stir to combine. If using, add the spinach or kale and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
Just before serving, add the cooked pasta to the soup and stir to combine. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh basil or parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. Serve hot with crusty bread on the side.
Notes & Tips
- 1 For a creamier soup, stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream at the end.
- 2 If you prefer a spicier soup, add 1/2 tsp of red pepper flakes along with the dried herbs.
- 3 This soup tastes even better the next day, so consider making it ahead of time.
Tools You'll Need
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Large pot or Dutch oven
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Wooden spoon
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Cutting board
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Sharp knife
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Measuring cups and spoons
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Separate pot for cooking pasta
Must-Know Tips
- Brown the sausage well for maximum flavor.
- Cook the pasta separately to avoid mushiness.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Professional Secrets
- Use a good quality tomato sauce for the broth.
- Let the soup simmer for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Garnish with fresh herbs and Parmesan for the best presentation.
Recipe by
Lucas BennettChef Lucas Bennett specializes in rich and hearty beef dishes inspired by traditional steakhouse cooking. He is passionate about slow-cooked stews, ju ...
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