Italian Sausage Pasta Soup Recipe – Hearty, Flavorful, and Comforting

Warm, hearty, and bursting with flavor, Italian Sausage Pasta Soup is the perfect meal for a cozy dinner. Packed with Italian sausage, tender pasta, fresh vegetables, and a flavorful broth, this soup is easy to prepare and loved by the whole family.

This soup balances rich sausage flavor with light vegetables and pasta, creating a comforting yet satisfying bowl. It’s ideal for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or as a warming dish on chilly evenings.

Ingredients

• 1 lb Italian sausage, sliced or crumbled
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup small pasta (like ditalini or elbow)
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional: grated Parmesan for garnish

Instructions

1. Cook Sausage:
   In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add Italian sausage and cook until browned. Remove and set aside.
2. Sauté Vegetables:
   In the same pot, sauté onion, garlic, carrots, and celery for 5 minutes until softened.
3. Add Broth and Tomatoes:
   Stir in diced tomatoes, chicken broth, oregano, and basil. Bring to a boil.
4. Simmer Soup:
   Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. Cook Pasta and Combine:
   Add pasta to the pot and cook according to package instructions until tender. Return sausage to the soup and stir in fresh spinach until wilted. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Serve:
   Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with grated Parmesan if desired. Serve warm with crusty bread.

Tips for Perfect Italian Sausage Pasta Soup

• Pasta Timing: Cook pasta directly in the soup for flavor but avoid overcooking.
• Sausage Options: Use sweet or spicy Italian sausage depending on your preference.
• Vegetable Add-Ins: Zucchini, bell peppers, or kale can be added for extra nutrition.
• Make Ahead: Soup tastes even better the next day; store in airtight containers in the fridge.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with garlic bread or crusty baguette for dipping.
• Serve with a side salad for a complete meal.
• Add a splash of balsamic vinegar for a tangy finish.

Variations

• Spicy Version: Add crushed red pepper flakes for heat.
• Creamy Twist: Stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream for a creamier broth.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and broth for a safe alternative.

Fun Facts & Cultural Context

Italian sausage soups are a staple in Italian-American cuisine, celebrated for combining hearty proteins, vegetables, and pasta into a single comforting bowl. They are perfect for bringing families together around the table, especially during cooler months. This soup embodies traditional Italian flavors while remaining quick and easy for modern cooking.

Nutritional Notes

This Italian Sausage Pasta Soup is rich in protein from sausage, provides complex carbs from pasta, and essential vitamins from fresh vegetables. It’s a balanced, filling meal that is hearty enough to stand alone without additional sides.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hearty, flavorful, and comforting
• Easy to prepare in under an hour
• Versatile with vegetables and pasta types
• Ideal for weeknight dinners or meal prep
• Family-friendly and satisfying

Italian Sausage Pasta Soup

Hearty Italian sausage pasta soup with tender pasta, fresh vegetables, and flavorful broth, perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy meals.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Main Course, Soup

Cuisine: Comfort Food, Italian

Calories: 320

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Soup Ingredients

• 1 lb Italian sausage sliced or crumbled
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion diced
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 2 carrots diced
• 2 stalks celery diced
• 14.5 oz diced tomatoes canned
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup small pasta like ditalini or elbow
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• salt and pepper to taste
• grated Parmesan optional garnish

Equipment

• Large pot
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Wooden spoon

Method

 

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Cook Italian sausage until browned. Remove and set aside.
2. In the same pot, sauté onion, garlic, carrots, and celery for 5 minutes until softened.
3. Add diced tomatoes, chicken broth, oregano, and basil. Bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
5. Add pasta and cook until tender. Return sausage to pot and stir in spinach until wilted. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Serve warm, garnished with grated Parmesan if desired.

Notes

Soup can be made ahead and reheated; flavor improves overnight.