Savory Sausage Pasta Soup

$- 1 pound Italian sausage - 1 medium onion, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 2 carrots, diced - 2 celery stalks, diced - 6 cups chicken broth - 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juice - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried basil - 1 cup small pasta (like ditalini or elbow macaroni) - Salt and pepper to taste To make a hearty sausage pasta soup, start with quality Italian sausage. I like to choose between mild or spicy based on my mood. Diced onion, carrots, and celery add great flavor and texture. The chicken broth and diced tomatoes form a rich base. Oregano and basil bring warmth and depth to the soup. Don't forget the small pasta, which makes it filling! Season it with salt and pepper to your taste. - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes for heat - 2 cups fresh spinach - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) - Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving) For an extra kick, I sometimes add red pepper flakes. Fresh spinach adds color and nutrition. It wilts nicely into the soup. Garnishing with parsley makes it look beautiful. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese enhances the flavor, too! You can mix and match these to fit your taste preferences. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, I take one pound of Italian sausage. I choose either mild or spicy, depending on my taste. I crumble the sausage into a large pot over medium heat. I cook it until it browns, which takes about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, I use a slotted spoon to remove the sausage. I set it aside for later, leaving the fat in the pot. This fat adds great flavor to the soup. Next, I add diced onion, carrots, and celery to the same pot. I sauté these vegetables for about 5-7 minutes until the onion turns translucent. The smell is amazing! After that, I stir in minced garlic, dried oregano, and dried basil. If I like a bit of heat, I add red pepper flakes too. I cook this mix for one more minute, letting the aromas fill my kitchen. Now, it’s time to bring everything together. I pour in six cups of chicken broth and one can of diced tomatoes with their juice. I bring this mixture to a boil. Once boiling, I add one cup of small pasta, like ditalini or elbow macaroni. I reduce the heat and let it simmer for 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente. After the pasta is cooked, I stir in the cooked sausage and two cups of fresh spinach. I let it cook for another 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts. Finally, I season with salt and pepper to taste. - How to avoid overcooking the pasta: Cook the pasta until it is just firm. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes, depending on the type. After you add it to the soup, remember that it will keep cooking in the hot broth. If you want to keep it firm, you can cook the pasta separately. Then, add it to the soup right before serving. - Best methods for seasoning: Start with salt and pepper. Add them at the end to taste. You can also taste as you cook. This way, you adjust the flavors to your liking. Fresh herbs like parsley add great flavor. Use them as a garnish right before serving. - How to store in the fridge or freezer: Let the soup cool before storing. Use airtight containers for the fridge. The soup lasts about 3-4 days in the fridge. For longer storage, freeze it. Use freezer-safe containers or bags. The soup can last up to 3 months in the freezer. - Reheating instructions: To reheat, thaw the soup overnight in the fridge. Heat it on the stove over low heat. Stir it often for even warming. If you used frozen pasta, it might soften more while reheating. If the soup is too thick, add a splash of broth or water. Pro Tips Use Quality Sausage: Opt for high-quality Italian sausage for the best flavor. Fresh sausage from a local butcher can elevate your soup significantly. Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables such as bell peppers or zucchini. This soup is versatile and can accommodate what you have on hand. Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a milder soup, choose mild sausage and omit the red pepper flakes. For extra heat, add more flakes or use spicy sausage. Perfect Pasta Cooking: To prevent overcooked pasta, cook it separately and add it to individual bowls before ladling the soup over. This helps maintain the pasta's texture. {{image_2}} You can change the sausage for more options. Try chicken or turkey sausage for a lighter dish. These swaps still give great flavor. For pasta, use any small type you like. Ditalini, elbow macaroni, or even shells work well. Each choice adds its own touch to this soup. If you want a meat-free meal, use plant-based sausage instead. This keeps the texture and taste. Also, switch the chicken broth for vegetable broth. It adds richness without meat. These options make the soup tasty for everyone. You can enjoy this dish no matter your diet. To keep your sausage pasta soup fresh, use an airtight container. Make sure it cools before sealing. This soup stays good in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. Always check for any bad smells or changes in color before eating. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. First, let the soup cool completely. Then, pour it into freezer-safe containers. Leave some space at the top for expansion. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. To reheat, warm it on the stove over low heat. Stir often to make it smooth and tasty again. If the soup is too thick, add a splash of broth or water. Enjoy your hearty meal! Can I use other types of sausage? Yes, you can use other types of sausage. Chicken sausage, turkey sausage, or even plant-based sausage work well. Each type will change the flavor a bit, but they all fit nicely in this soup. How do I make it spicier? To add spice, use hot Italian sausage. You can also add more red pepper flakes. If you want even more heat, try crushed chili peppers or hot sauce. Start slow, then taste as you go. Can I add more vegetables? Absolutely! This soup welcomes extra vegetables. Try zucchini, bell peppers, or even green beans. Just chop them small and add them when you cook the other veggies. They will add flavor and nutrition. Overview of calories, protein, and fat content This soup is hearty and filling. One serving has about 300 calories. It packs around 15 grams of protein and about 10 grams of fat. These numbers can change based on the sausage and cheese you choose. Health benefits of included ingredients This soup is full of good stuff. Spinach adds iron and vitamins A and C. Carrots bring beta-carotene, which is great for your eyes. Onions and garlic may help with heart health. Plus, the broth keeps you hydrated. Enjoy these tasty benefits with each bowl! This blog post covered a great recipe for sausage pasta soup. You learned about key ingredients, cooking steps, and helpful tips. I shared options for flavor changes and storing leftovers too. Making this soup can be fun and easy. It’s a meal you can enjoy in many ways. Whether you try new flavors or stick to the basics, this soup is a winner. Enjoy your cooking journey!$

Savory Sausage Pasta Soup

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, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 number 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
to taste salt
to taste pepper
for garnish fresh parsley, chopped
for serving grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

In a large pot over medium heat, crumble and cook the Italian sausage until browned. Use a slotted spoon to remove and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
In the same pot, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent.
Stir in the minced garlic, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. Cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes with their juice. Bring the mixture to a boil.
Once boiling, add the pasta and return to a simmer. Cook according to the pasta package instructions (usually about 8-10 minutes), until al dente.
After the pasta is cooked, stir in the cooked sausage and fresh spinach. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the spinach is wilted.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Notes

Ladle the soup into bowls, sprinkle with chopped parsley, and serve with grated Parmesan cheese on the side for topping. Add some crusty bread for a delightful meal!

Keyword Italian, pasta, sausage, soup