Hearty Pasta Soup

Pasta Soup is a heartwarming, flavorful dish that quickly becomes a cherished family favorite. This robust recipe features savory Italian sausage, fresh green spinach, and tender pasta swimming in a rich, aromatic broth. It’s the perfect blend of quick preparation, hearty satisfaction, and vibrant flavor, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or comforting weekend meals.

Discover the Ease of This One-Pot Pasta Soup

There are countless reasons to fall in love with this incredible one-pot pasta soup. It delivers big, bold flavors with remarkably minimal effort, all conveniently prepared in a single pot. This not only streamlines your cooking process but also simplifies cleanup – a true win for any home cook!

Beyond its ease, this Italian sausage pasta soup is a brilliant way to incorporate more vegetables into your family’s diet. Even the pickiest eaters, like my own kids, delight in its rich taste and satisfying texture. It’s genuinely hearty, offering deep comfort with every spoonful, making it perfectly satisfying as a stand-alone meal. Plus, its versatility is unmatched; feel free to toss in any extra vegetables you have on hand that need using up, adapting it to your family’s preferences or what’s fresh in your fridge.

And speaking from experience, there’s truly nothing better than dipping a piece of crusty, buttered bread into a generous, steamy bowl of this wholesome and delicious soup. It’s the ultimate comfort food experience!

Essential Ingredients for Your Pasta Soup

Crafting this flavorful Pasta Soup starts with selecting quality ingredients. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need, along with tips for the best results:

• Italian Sausage: The star of this soup! Choose spicy Italian sausage for a delightful kick of heat, or opt for mild Italian sausage for a more classic, mellow flavor profile. If you’re using links, remember to remove them from their casings before browning to ensure even cooking and distribution throughout the soup.
• Mirepoix: This foundational aromatic blend of diced carrots, celery, and onion forms the savory base of your soup. Dicing them small and evenly ensures they cook through consistently and blend seamlessly into the broth, creating a rich depth of flavor without overwhelming the texture.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic delivers the most pungent and aromatic flavor, truly elevating the soup. However, for convenience, jarred minced garlic can also be used effectively.
• Diced Tomatoes: Regular diced tomatoes work perfectly, adding a pleasant acidity and sweetness. For an added layer of smoky depth and a slightly richer flavor, fire-roasted diced tomatoes are highly recommended.
• Beef Broth: This provides the liquid base for your soup. Opt for reduced-sodium beef broth if you’re mindful of your salt intake, as you’ll be adjusting seasonings later. Alternatively, use regular broth and adjust salt accordingly.
• Dried Basil, Italian Seasoning, Dried Oregano: These classic Italian herbs are crucial for imparting the authentic, comforting flavors that define this soup. Their blend creates a harmonious and aromatic profile.
• Salt and Pepper: These essential seasonings allow you to fine-tune the flavor. Always add them slowly and adjust to taste, keeping in mind the sodium content of your chosen broth and sausage.
• Mini Farfalle Pasta: The small, delicate shape of mini farfalle (bow-tie pasta) is ideal for this soup. Its size ensures you get plenty of pasta in every single spoonful, adding wonderful texture without overpowering the other ingredients. Other small pasta shapes like ditalini or elbow macaroni can also be used.
• Fresh Spinach: This vibrant green adds a beautiful pop of color, a refreshing, slightly earthy flavor, and a boost of nutrients. It wilts quickly, so it’s added at the very end. If you prefer a slightly heartier green, chopped kale can be a wonderful alternative.
• Olive Oil: Used for browning the sausage and sautéing the vegetables, providing a flavorful fat base.
• Parmesan Cheese (Optional): A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese before serving adds a salty, umami finish that perfectly complements the rich flavors of the soup.

Expert Cooking Tips for the Most Flavorful Pasta Soup

Achieving a truly exceptional bowl of pasta soup is all about mastering a few simple techniques. Follow these expert tips to ensure your soup is bursting with flavor and perfectly textured:

• Brown the Sausage Thoroughly: This is a crucial step for developing deep flavor. Don’t rush it! Let the Italian sausage sit undisturbed for a minute or two before stirring. This allows a rich, caramelized crust to form, intensifying its savory notes. The browned bits at the bottom of the pot (fond) will add incredible depth to your broth.
• Stir Regularly While Cooking Pasta: To prevent the pasta from clumping together or sticking to the bottom of your pot, make sure to stir the soup every few minutes after adding the pasta. This ensures even cooking and keeps your pasta perfectly al dente.
• Add Spinach Last: Fresh spinach wilts incredibly fast. To maintain its vibrant color and slightly firm texture, always toss it into the soup right before you plan to serve. Overcooking spinach can make it mushy and diminish its fresh flavor.
• Taste and Adjust Seasoning Before Serving: The saltiness of your broth and Italian sausage can vary significantly. Always taste the soup towards the end of cooking and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. A perfectly seasoned soup makes all the difference.
• Brighten the Flavor with Acidity: A small squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a splash of apple cider vinegar (or red wine vinegar) at the very end of cooking can remarkably brighten the soup’s flavors. The acidity cuts through the richness, creating a more balanced and dynamic taste.
• Boost the Heat (Optional): If you enjoy a bit of spice, enhance the heat by using a hot Italian sausage or by stirring in a pinch of red pepper flakes along with your dried herbs.
• Dice Vegetables Evenly: For a cohesive texture and consistent cooking, ensure your carrots, celery, and onions are diced into roughly the same small size.
• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Pasta continues to cook even after being removed from the heat. Cook it until it’s just al dente, especially if you anticipate having leftovers, to prevent it from becoming overly soft or mushy.

Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Pasta Soup

While this hearty Italian Sausage Pasta Soup can certainly stand alone as a complete meal, pairing it with a few complementary dishes can elevate your dining experience. Here are some fantastic serving suggestions:

• Bread: A classic pairing! Crusty French bread, warm dinner rolls, or even a garlic bread will be perfect for soaking up every last drop of the flavorful broth.
• Salad: A crisp, refreshing salad provides a wonderful contrast to the warmth and richness of the soup. A hearty Caesar Salad is always a hit on the side, or opt for an easy, vibrant garden salad with a light vinaigrette.
• Fruit: For a light and healthy accompaniment, a side of fresh, in-season fruit or a colorful fruit salad can be a delightful addition.
• Crackers: Simple and satisfying! A bowl of your favorite soup crackers offers a delightful crunch and is often a big hit with children.
• Bruschetta: For a more sophisticated touch or as a delightful appetizer, homemade bruschetta with fresh tomatoes, basil, and garlic offers a burst of fresh Italian flavor that complements the soup beautifully.

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4.58 from 14 votes

Pasta Soup

By
Chelsea Lords

This Pasta Soup is packed with Italian sausage, a medley of fresh veggies, vibrant spinach, and delightful mini farfalle pasta. It’s incredibly hearty, simple to prepare, and guaranteed to become a cherished family favorite!

Prep Time:
30 minutes minutes

Cook Time:
20 minutes minutes

Total Time:
50 minutes minutes

Servings:
6 servings

Video

Equipment

• Large pot 6-quart

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil divided
• 1 pound Italian sausage
• 2-1/4 cups mirepoix 3/4 cup diced carrots, 3/4 cup diced celery, 3/4 cup diced yellow onion
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 2 (15-ounce) cans diced tomatoes fire-roasted preferred
• 2 (32-ounce) cartons reduced-sodium beef broth
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper
• 2 cups uncooked miniature farfalle pasta
• 4 cups fresh baby spinach coarsely chopped, lightly packed when measured
• freshly grated Parmesan cheese optional, for serving
• Crusty buttered bread optional, for serving

Instructions

• Heat a large 6-quart pot over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil is shimmering, add the Italian sausage. Allow it to cook undisturbed for about 1 minute per side to develop a rich, caramelized crust. Then, break the sausage into crumbles with a spoon and continue to cook until deeply browned, stirring occasionally. Remember to let it sit between stirs to allow it to brown thoroughly and absorb its own rendered fat, which adds significant flavor. Once cooked, transfer the browned sausage to a paper towel-lined plate to drain, and set aside.
• Drain all but 1 tablespoon of the rendered sausage grease from the pot, then add the remaining 1 tablespoon of fresh olive oil. Stir in the diced carrots, celery, and yellow onion (mirepoix). Sauté these vegetables, stirring often, for 5–7 minutes until they are tender and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, or until it becomes fragrant. Pour in the diced tomatoes (fire-roasted if using), beef broth, dried basil, Italian seasoning, and dried oregano. Stir everything together thoroughly. Taste the broth and adjust salt and pepper to your preference. (A good starting point is ¼ teaspoon of salt and ½ teaspoon of pepper, but this may vary based on the natural saltiness of your broth and sausage).
• Bring the soup mixture to a rolling boil, then add the uncooked miniature farfalle pasta. Return the soup to a boil and cook uncovered for 7–9 minutes, or according to package directions, stirring often to prevent the pasta from sticking, until the pasta is tender to your liking (al dente). Return the reserved browned sausage to the pot. Add the fresh baby spinach, cooking just until the spinach wilts, which typically takes about 1–2 minutes. Remove the soup from the heat and perform a final taste test, adjusting salt and pepper if necessary.
• Serve this delicious Italian Sausage Pasta Soup immediately, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional) and accompanied by warm, crusty buttered bread for dipping. Enjoy your hearty and comforting homemade meal!

Recipe Notes

Storage: For optimal taste and texture, this soup is truly at its best when enjoyed freshly made, as pasta tends to continually absorb broth over time, potentially leading to mushiness. If you have leftovers, to preserve the pasta’s texture, it’s highly recommended to store the cooked pasta and the soup broth separately in the refrigerator. A wire skimmer is helpful for easily removing pasta from the broth. When reheating, if the soup appears too thick, simply add a bit more broth to reach your desired consistency.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving |
Calories: 456kcal |
Carbohydrates: 37g |
Protein: 22g |
Fat: 24g |
Saturated Fat: 9g |
Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g |
Monounsaturated Fat: 11g |
Cholesterol: 57mg |
Sodium: 1388mg |
Potassium: 983mg |
Fiber: 5g |
Sugar: 7g |
Vitamin A: 2470IU |
Vitamin C: 14mg |
Calcium: 89mg |
Iron: 3mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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