What makes a perfect weeknight dinner? A hearty sausage and pasta soup like this one, loaded with juicy sausage and homemade noodles, is a quick and easy family favorite – save this idea for a cozy night in.

two bowls filled with sausage and pasta soup

Introduction

Imagine a cold winter evening, and you’re craving something warm, comforting, and flavorful. Look no further than a delicious sausage and pasta soup, perfectly portioned in two bowls, ready to satisfy your hunger and warm your heart. This recipe is a masterclass in ease, flavor, and creativity, using everyday ingredients that you likely have in your pantry. With its rich, savory broth, tender pasta, and spicy sausage, this soup is a true comfort food classic that’s sure to become a staple in your household. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal effort for a truly impressive result.

Why This Works

Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: This recipe strikes the perfect balance between the savory flavor of sausage, the heartiness of pasta, and the comfort of a warm, brothy soup. Plus, all the ingredients are easily accessible at your local grocery store.
Ease of preparation: With a simple and straightforward preparation process, you can have this soup ready in no time. Just chop, sauté, simmer, and serve – it’s that easy!
Impressive results with minimal effort: Despite its simplicity, this soup is sure to impress your family and friends with its rich, depthful flavor and satisfying texture. It’s the perfect dish for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Key Ingredients

The star of the show in this recipe is, of course, the sausage. You can use any variety you like, but we recommend a spicy Italian sausage for its bold flavor and juicy texture. Other key ingredients include pasta (we like to use a small, tubular shape like penne or macaroni), onions, garlic, carrots, celery, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth. For a bit of creaminess, we add some heavy cream or half-and-half towards the end of cooking. Feel free to substitute or add ingredients to suit your tastes – this recipe is highly adaptable.

Instructions

Step 1: Begin by chopping your onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. These aromatics will form the base of your soup’s flavor, so be sure to chop them finely and sauté them in a bit of olive oil until they’re soft and fragrant.
Step 2: Next, add your sliced sausage to the pot and cook until it’s browned and crispy on the outside. Then, add your diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and pasta. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until the pasta is tender.
Step 3: As the soup simmers, you can add some extra flavor with a bit of dried basil, oregano, or thyme. You can also add some red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat. Finally, stir in your heavy cream or half-and-half to give the soup a rich, creamy texture.
Step 4: To finish, season the soup with salt and pepper to taste, then ladle it into two bowls. You can garnish with some chopped fresh herbs, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, or a bit of crusty bread on the side.

Handy Tips

If you want to make this recipe ahead of time, you can sauté the aromatics and cook the sausage, then let it cool and refrigerate or freeze it until you’re ready to finish the soup.
Be sure to use high-quality ingredients, like fresh vegetables and good-quality sausage, to get the best flavor out of your soup.
Don’t overcook the pasta – you want it to retain a bit of bite and texture. If you’re using a very small shape, you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Heat Control

When cooking the soup, be sure to keep an eye on the heat. You want to bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. This will help the flavors meld together and the pasta cook evenly. If you’re using a thermometer, aim for a temperature of around 180°F to 190°F (82°C to 88°C). You can also check the soup’s doneness by tasting it – when the pasta is tender and the flavors are rich and depthful, you know it’s ready.

Crunch Factor

This soup is all about comfort and heartiness, so you want to aim for a tender, soothing texture. The sausage should be cooked until it’s browned and crispy on the outside, but still juicy on the inside. The pasta should be cooked until it’s al dente, with a bit of bite and texture. And the vegetables should be soft and fragrant, but still retain a bit of crunch. To achieve this, be sure to cook the soup slowly and gently, and don’t overcook the ingredients.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

Use a mixture of chicken and beef broth for added depth of flavor.
Add a bit of acidity, like a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, to balance out the richness of the soup.
Use a variety of colorful vegetables, like bell peppers or zucchini, to add visual interest to the soup.

Storage Tips

Let the soup cool, then refrigerate or freeze it for later. It will keep for up to 3 days in the fridge or 3 months in the freezer.
Reheat the soup gently over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s hot and steaming.
Consider portioning the soup into individual containers, like mason jars or containers, for easy lunches or dinners on-the-go.

Gift Packaging Ideas

If you want to share this soup with friends or family, consider portioning it into individual containers and topping it with a bit of fresh herbs or a sprinkle of grated cheese. You could also add some crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. For a more rustic touch, try serving the soup in a hollowed-out bread bowl or a ceramic mug.

Flavor Variations

Try using different types of sausage, like chorizo or andouille, for a spicy kick.
Add some diced bell peppers or zucchini for extra flavor and nutrients.
Use a variety of cheeses, like Parmesan or cheddar, for added richness and depth.

Troubleshooting

If the soup is too thick, try adding a bit more broth or water. If it’s too thin, try simmering it for a few minutes to reduce the liquid.
If the flavors are dull or uninspiring, try adding a bit more salt, pepper, or herbs to taste.
If the pasta is overcooked or mushy, try cooking it for a shorter amount of time or using a different shape.

FAQs

Can I freeze it? Yes, this soup freezes beautifully. Just let it cool, then portion it into individual containers and freeze for up to 3 months.
Is it gluten-free? This recipe contains pasta, which typically contains gluten. However, you can substitute gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free option.
Can I double the recipe? Yes, this recipe can be easily doubled or tripled to feed a larger crowd. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Conclusion

This sausage and pasta soup is a true comfort food classic, perfect for a cold winter evening or a special occasion. With its rich, savory broth, tender pasta, and spicy sausage, it’s sure to become a staple in your household. So go ahead, get creative, and make it your own – and don’t be afraid to share it with friends and family. Happy cooking!

Hearty Sausage Pasta Soup