Italian Sausage Pasta Soup Recipe

If you’re craving a warm, comforting bowl that’ll make you feel like you’re sitting in a cozy Italian kitchen, then this Italian Sausage Pasta Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s hearty, creamy, and packed with flavors that hit just the right spot, especially on a chilly evening. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll become one of those recipes you pull out time and time again!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Italian Sausage Pasta Soup Recipe has a special role that makes the soup shine. From the rich sausage to the fresh basil on top, it all comes together beautifully. I’ll share a few tips along the way to make sure your shopping trip is quick and your soup turns out perfect!

• Italian sausage: I like to use sweet or mild Italian sausage, but spicy works if you want a little kick. Fresh sausage links or bulk sausage both work fine.
• Olive oil: Adds a lovely subtle fruitiness to sauté the aromatics; extra virgin is preferred for the best flavor.
• White onion: Choose a small, sweet one for gentle sweetness that balances the spice.
• Garlic: Fresh cloves minced give the best fragrance and depth; garlic powder won’t cut it here.
• Crushed red pepper: Just a touch to build heat without overwhelming the soup.
• Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning at different steps so the flavors build gradually.
• Chicken broth (low-sodium): Using low-sodium lets you control salt levels; homemade broth is a bonus if you have it.
• Diced tomatoes (canned): Adds a nice acidity and texture to the broth—no need to drain the juice!
• Short pasta (like casarecce): I love casarecce because the shape holds onto the broth and sausage pieces well.
• Heavy cream: This gives the soup its creamy richness; bring it to room temp so it blends smoothly.
• Fresh basil and parmesan cheese: The finishing touches that elevate the whole dish with freshness and umami.

Variations

This Italian Sausage Pasta Soup Recipe is super adaptable—I’ve played around with a few tweaks over time to suit different tastes and diets, and I encourage you to do the same! Don’t hesitate to make it your own.

• Vegetable boost: I sometimes toss in chopped spinach or kale near the end for extra greens, which adds freshness and nutrition without messing up the creamy texture.
• Spicier version: If you like heat, swap the mild sausage for spicy Italian sausage and add an extra pinch of crushed red pepper; my family can never get enough of this kick!
• Gluten-free option: I’ve used gluten-free rotini pasta before, and it worked perfectly—just watch the cooking time closely to avoid mushiness.
• Lower fat alternative: You can swap heavy cream with half-and-half or a creamy non-dairy milk, but it won’t be quite as rich, which is fine for lighter eaters.

How to Make Italian Sausage Pasta Soup Recipe

Step 1: Cook and Set Aside the Sausage

Start by crumbling the Italian sausage in a large soup pot over medium heat. Cook it thoroughly until no pink remains and you see a nice browning on the edges—that’s flavor! Avoid rushing this, as properly browning the meat adds depth to your soup. Once cooked, drain the fat to keep the broth from getting greasy, then use a slotted spoon to remove the sausage and set it aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same pot, add a splash of olive oil if needed and sauté the diced onion over medium heat until it turns translucent—about 3 minutes. This step softens the onions so they melt into the soup seamlessly. Next, stir in the minced garlic, crushed red pepper, salt, and black pepper. Cook everything just for about 30 seconds until you can smell the aroma—don’t let the garlic burn or it’ll taste bitter!

Step 3: Build Your Broth

Turn the heat up to high and add the chicken broth and diced tomatoes, including their juices. Bring the mixture to a boil—this allows the flavors to start marrying. I usually give it a quick taste here to adjust seasoning early, but don’t worry; final adjustments are coming later.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta Right in the Soup

Once the broth is boiling, add your pasta. This is one of my favorite things about this recipe—you don’t have to cook the pasta separately, which means less cleanup! Cook the pasta according to the package instructions but keep an eye on it to reach al dente so it maintains a nice bite without turning mushy. If the soup thickens too much, add a little extra broth or water to loosen it.

Step 5: Bring It All Together with Cream

Lower the heat to a gentle simmer, then stir in your cooked sausage and room-temperature heavy cream. This step transforms the soup into a silky, luscious bowl of goodness. Let it simmer for a couple more minutes so everything heats through and flavors meld. Be sure not to boil after adding cream to prevent curdling.

Step 6: Serve Up with Fresh Toppings

Ladle the soup into bowls and top with torn fresh basil leaves and a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. These simple garnishes add brightness and rich umami that take your soup over the top.

How to Serve Italian Sausage Pasta Soup Recipe

Garnishes

I’m a huge fan of topping this soup with torn fresh basil leaves because the herbaceous notes brighten up the creamy base. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is non-negotiable in my book—it adds that savory, nutty depth that takes the soup from good to irresistible. Sometimes, I add a couple of chili flakes on top for those who want an extra kick at the table.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs beautifully with a crusty baguette or garlic bread for dipping. I also love serving it alongside a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance out the richness. If I’m really indulging, some roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts round out the meal nicely.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to ladle this Italian Sausage Pasta Soup into rustic mini bread bowls. It’s an easy way to impress guests and makes cleanup a breeze since the bowl is edible! Another idea is layering fresh basil and a Parmesan crisp on top for an elevated look that’s as tasty as it is pretty.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in a tightly sealed airtight container in the fridge, and they stay good for up to 4 days. I find the flavors actually deepen overnight, so it’s perfect for lunch the next day. Just give it a good stir when reheating as the pasta may soak up some of the broth.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this soup a few times with decent results, but I recommend undercooking the pasta before freezing to keep it from turning mushy. Freeze in portion-sized containers for easy thawing. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and then reheat gently on the stove.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer warming it slowly on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally so it doesn’t stick or scorch. If the soup feels too thick, stir in a splash of broth or water to loosen it back up. Microwaving works in a pinch, but stirring halfway through helps heat it evenly.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Italian Sausage Pasta Soup Recipe brings so many favorite flavors into one cozy bowl. When I first tried making it, I was amazed how easy it was to get that rich, homemade taste without a ton of effort. I hope you’ll enjoy making it as much as I do—and don’t be surprised if it becomes a regular in your weeknight rotation. Serve it up with friends or family, and let me know which variations become your go-to!

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