Sausage Delight Pasta Soup

$- 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed - 1 medium onion, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 carrot, diced - 1 celery stalk, diced - 6 cups chicken broth - 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes - 2 cups fresh spinach - 1 cup small pasta (such as ditalini or elbow macaroni) - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried basil - Salt and pepper - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Grated Parmesan cheese for serving To create a warming bowl of sausage pasta soup, gather all these fresh ingredients first. The Italian sausage gives a rich flavor. Diced onions and garlic add depth. Carrots and celery provide a nice crunch. Chicken broth is the base of the soup, while diced tomatoes bring brightness. Fresh spinach adds color and nutrients. Small pasta makes the soup hearty and filling. Dried oregano and basil provide classic Italian flavor. Don't forget salt and pepper to taste. Lastly, some olive oil helps everything cook nicely. - Vegetables (e.g., bell peppers, zucchini) - Beans (e.g., cannellini or kidney beans) - Different types of sausage You can personalize your soup! Add bell peppers or zucchini for extra veggies. Beans like cannellini or kidney can boost the fiber. If you want a twist, try different types of sausage. Each choice will change the flavor and texture. Enjoy creating your own unique version! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 pound of Italian sausage to the pot. Cook the sausage for about 5 to 7 minutes. You want it browned and fully cooked. Use a spoon to break it up as it cooks. This helps the sausage mix well with the soup later. Next, it’s time to add the diced onion, minced garlic, diced carrot, and diced celery. Sauté these vegetables for about 5 minutes. Look for them to soften and start to smell good. This step builds a strong base for your soup’s flavor. Once the vegetables are ready, pour in 6 cups of chicken broth. Then, add a can of diced tomatoes. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon each of dried oregano and dried basil. Stir everything to mix. Bring this mixture to a boil. This will create a rich soup base. When the broth is boiling, add 1 cup of small pasta, like ditalini or elbow macaroni. Reduce the heat to let it simmer. Cook the pasta for about 8 to 10 minutes. Keep an eye on it to ensure it cooks to al dente, which means it should be firm but not hard. After the pasta is done, stir in 2 cups of fresh spinach. Let the spinach wilt in the soup for about 2 minutes. Finally, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. This step is key to perfecting the flavor. Serve your soup hot. I recommend garnishing with grated Parmesan cheese on top. It adds a nice finish. You can also enjoy it with some crusty bread or a fresh salad on the side. This makes for a hearty, satisfying meal! To balance spices in your sausage pasta soup, start with less and add more. Taste as you go. This helps you find the right mix. For fresh herbs, use basil and parsley. They brighten the soup and add freshness. You can add them at the end for the best flavor. To avoid overcooked pasta, add it later in the cooking process. This keeps it firm. Cook it just until al dente, then remove the pot from heat. For vegetables, cut them small so they cook evenly. Sauté them until they are soft but still hold their shape. This adds texture and color to your soup. Prep ingredients in advance. Chop your vegetables and store them in the fridge. This saves time on busy days. You can also use leftover ingredients. If you have extra veggies or meats from other meals, toss them in. This is a great way to reduce waste and add flavor. Pro Tips Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs like basil and oregano elevate the flavor of the soup significantly compared to dried herbs. Customize Your Pasta: Feel free to swap out the small pasta for whole grain or gluten-free options for a healthier twist. Add Spice: For a kick, add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the soup when seasoning. Make It Ahead: This soup holds up well in the fridge, making it perfect for meal prep. Just add fresh spinach before serving. {{image_2}} You can switch the sausage type for a healthier meal. Turkey or chicken sausage works well. They offer a lighter taste without losing flavor. If you prefer a meat-free dish, consider using plant-based sausage. These veggie options give the same great taste and texture. The pasta shape you choose can change the soup's feel. Small pasta shapes like ditalini or elbow macaroni hold the broth well. You can also use larger shapes if you prefer. If you need gluten-free options, use gluten-free pasta. They cook similarly and still taste great. To spice things up, try using spicy sausage. It adds heat and depth to the soup. If you want a creamier soup, add a splash of heavy cream at the end. This makes the soup rich and comforting. Adjust flavors as you like to make it your own. To store your leftover Sausage Pasta Soup, first let it cool. Then, pour it into an airtight container. This keeps air out and helps the soup stay fresh. You can keep it in the fridge for up to four days. Just make sure to check for any off smells before eating. If you want to freeze the soup, follow these steps: - Let it cool completely. - Use freezer-safe containers or bags. - Leave some space at the top for expansion. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it on the stove over medium heat. Stir it well to ensure it heats evenly. You can make Sausage Pasta Soup ahead of time for easy meals. Cook a big batch and store it in the fridge or freezer. Portion it out into single servings for quick access. This way, you always have a hearty meal ready when you need it. Just heat and enjoy! Sausage Pasta Soup can last in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. When reheating, make sure it’s hot all the way through. Yes, you can make Sausage Pasta Soup in a slow cooker. Brown the sausage first, then add it to the slow cooker with the other ingredients. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours. Add the pasta and spinach in the last 30 minutes of cooking. You can use vegetable broth or beef broth as a substitute for chicken broth. If you want a lighter flavor, use water with added herbs. This keeps the soup tasty and still rich. Sausage Pasta Soup is not gluten-free if you use regular pasta. To make it gluten-free, choose a gluten-free pasta option. Ensure that all other ingredients are also gluten-free, including the broth. Yes, you can use frozen spinach instead of fresh. Just thaw it and drain excess water before adding it to the soup. Frozen spinach works well and saves prep time, giving you a hearty meal fast. This article detailed how to make a tasty Sausage Pasta Soup. We covered all the main ingredients needed, from sausage to spinach, and discussed optional add-ins for extra flavor. I provided step-by-step cooking instructions, tips for flavor, and ideas for variations. Lastly, we explored storage methods and answered common questions about the soup. Now you can create your own hearty soup with these simple steps and tips! Enjoy your cooking!$

Sausage Delight Pasta Soup

A hearty and flavorful soup with 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, casings removed
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium carrot, diced
1 stalk celery, diced
6 cups chicken broth
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
2 cups fresh spinach
1 cup small pasta (such as ditalini or elbow macaroni)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
to taste salt and pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
for serving grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes.
Once the sausage is browned, add the diced onion, garlic, carrot, and celery to the pot. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened.
Pour in the chicken broth and add the diced tomatoes, dried oregano, and dried basil. Stir to combine, and bring the mixture to a boil.
Once boiling, add the small pasta of your choice. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente.
Stir in the fresh spinach and let it wilt in the soup for about 2 minutes. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese on top.

Notes

Feel free to add other vegetables or adjust the seasonings to your taste.

Keyword comfort food, Italian sausage, pasta, soup