Sausage Pasta Soup

Picture a bubbling pot of hearty Sausage Pasta Soup, where savory sausage melds with tender pasta and vibrant spinach.

This comforting Italian classic is a breeze to whip up, offering a cozy escape from the everyday.

As the ingredients marry, the aroma of oregano and garlic fills the air, transforming simple staples into something extraordinary.

Let’s bring this delightful dish to life and savor every spoonful together!

Kitchen Tools Required

• 1 large pot
• 1 cutting board
• 1 knife
• 1 wooden spoon
• 1 measuring cup
• 1 ladle

Ingredients

• 1 pound Italian sausage, casing removed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups water
• 8 ounces pasta, small shapes
• 2 cups spinach, fresh
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Cook & Prep Time

To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking Sausage Pasta Soup, follow this timeline:

1. Preparation Phase (Total: 10 minutes)
   • 0:00 – 2:00 minutes: Read through the recipe instructions to familiarize yourself with the steps and gather all ingredients and equipment.
   • 2:00 – 5:00 minutes: Dice the onion and mince the garlic.
   • 5:00 – 6:00 minutes: Remove the casing from the Italian sausage.
   • 6:00 – 7:00 minutes: Measure out the dried oregano, red pepper flakes, and pasta.
   • 7:00 – 10:00 minutes: Open the can of diced tomatoes and measure the chicken broth and water.
2. Cooking Phase (Total: 30 minutes)
   • 10:00 – 11:00 minutes: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
   • 11:00 – 15:00 minutes: Add Italian sausage to the pot and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon.
   • 15:00 – 18:00 minutes: Add diced onion and minced garlic to the pot and sauté until the onion is translucent.
   • 18:00 – 19:00 minutes: Stir in dried oregano and red pepper flakes.
   • 19:00 – 21:00 minutes: Pour in diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and water, then bring the mixture to a boil.
   • 21:00 – 26:00 minutes: Add pasta to the boiling soup and cook until al dente, stirring occasionally.
   • 26:00 – 28:00 minutes: Stir in fresh spinach and cook until wilted.
   • 28:00 – 30:00 minutes: Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Resting Phase (Total: 5 minutes)
   • 30:00 – 35:00 minutes: Ladle the soup into bowls, top with grated Parmesan cheese, and allow the soup to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Recipe Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Add Italian sausage to the pot and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon.

Add diced onion and minced garlic to the pot and sauté until onion is translucent.

Stir in dried oregano and red pepper flakes.

Pour in diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and water, then bring the mixture to a boil.

Add pasta to the boiling soup and cook until al dente, stirring occasionally.

Stir in fresh spinach and cook until wilted.

Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.

Ladle the soup into bowls and top with grated Parmesan cheese.

Allow the soup to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Serving Tips

• Crusty Bread: Serve with a side of crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth.
• Mixed Green Salad: Pair with a simple mixed green salad for a revitalizing contrast to the hearty soup.
• Garlic Bread: Enjoy with slices of garlic bread for an extra burst of flavor.
• Grilled Vegetables: Complement the soup with a side of grilled vegetables for added nutrition.
• Olive Tapenade: Offer a small dish of olive tapenade for a savory accompaniment.

Storage

Store Sausage Pasta Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Add extra broth or water when reheating, as pasta may absorb liquid during storage.

Freezing

To freeze Sausage Pasta Soup, cool completely.

Transfer to airtight containers and freeze for up to 3 months.

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Add broth if needed.

Reheating

When reheating Sausage Pasta Soup, add extra broth or water to maintain consistency.

Heat gently on the stove or microwave until warmed through.

Stir occasionally for even heating.

Final Thoughts

Sausage Pasta Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish that brings together the heartiness of Italian sausage with the freshness of spinach and the richness of Parmesan cheese.

It’s a versatile meal that can be easily adjusted to suit individual taste preferences.

For a spicier kick, consider adding more red pepper flakes. This soup is perfect for a cozy night in or a casual dinner with friends and family.

After preparing the soup, allow it to rest for a few minutes to let the flavors meld together.

The leftovers can be conveniently stored in the refrigerator for up to three days.

However, keep in mind that the pasta may absorb more liquid over time.

When reheating, you may need to add additional broth or water to maintain the desired consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Turkey Sausage Instead of Italian Sausage?

You can absolutely swap in turkey sausage for Italian sausage. It’ll offer a leaner protein, subtly altering the soup’s flavor. Expect a milder taste, so consider adding extra herbs or spices to maintain a robust, savory profile.

What Pasta Shapes Work Best in This Soup?

You’ll find that small pasta shapes like ditalini, orecchiette, or farfalle work best. They soak up the savory broth, maintaining their texture. Their size complements the hearty ingredients, making each spoonful perfectly balanced and deliciously satisfying.

Is There a Vegetarian Version of This Soup?

You can craft a vegetarian version by omitting sausage and using flavorful vegetable broth. Replace sausage with hearty mushrooms or chickpeas for texture. The aromatic oregano and garlic will still infuse a comforting, savory essence throughout.

How Can I Make the Soup Gluten-Free?

Swap regular pasta with gluten-free pasta. Verify your broth is gluten-free. Choose fresh herbs for a flavor burst. As you simmer, let the aroma guide you, and savor the hearty, satisfying taste of your creation.

Can I Add Other Vegetables to This Soup?

Absolutely, you can toss in vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers. They’ll add vibrant color and a delightful crunch. Just sauté them with the onion for best flavor integration. Adjust seasoning to complement these fresh additions.