Description
Hearty Italian Sausage Soup with Tomato Pasta combines the rich, spicy flavor of Italian sausage with tender pasta simmered in a vibrant tomato broth. This comforting, flavorful soup is perfect for chilly evenings or anytime you crave a satisfying and cozy meal. Quick and easy to make, it balances zesty Italian spices with a fresh, home-cooked touch.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein & Oils
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casing removed)
- 1–2 tbsp olive oil
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Tomato Base & Liquids
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
Pasta & Seasonings
- 3/4 cup small pasta (ditalini or elbow macaroni recommended)
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh Herbs & Garnish
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional for serving)
Instructions
- Brown the Italian Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Remove sausage from casing and crumble into the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. This develops rich flavors essential for the soup.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add diced onions and minced garlic to the browned sausage. Sauté until onions are soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes, blending sweetness and aroma into the dish.
- Build the Tomato Broth: Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and broth. Season with dried basil, oregano, thyme, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer to meld the flavors and deepen the broth.
- Add Pasta and Simmer: Stir in the pasta once the broth is simmering. Cook according to the pasta package instructions, generally 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The pasta will absorb the flavorful broth.
- Finish and Garnish: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil and an optional dusting of grated Parmesan cheese to enhance both flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Browning the sausage well adds deep, caramelized flavor to the soup.
- Use high-quality canned crushed tomatoes for a naturally sweet and robust broth.
- Add pasta last to avoid mushiness and ensure it soaks up the broth perfectly.
- Fresh herbs at the end brighten flavors and provide a fresh finish.
- If broth is too thick, add more broth or water; if too thin, simmer uncovered to reduce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soups
- Method: Stovetop simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 50mg