Pasta And Sausage Soup
A hearty and flavorful sausage and pasta soup with tender macaroni, colorful peppers, and savory sausage, perfect for satisfying family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lb. hot or sweet Italian sausage links ⓘ
- water ⓘ
- 3 medium green peppers, cut into 1/4-inch wide strips ⓘ
- 2 medium onions, chopped ⓘ
- 1 small garlic clove, minced ⓘ
- 1 (28 oz.) can tomatoes ⓘ
- 3 cups bow tie macaroni ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon sugar ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 2 chicken flavored bouillon cubes or envelopes ⓘ
Instructions
- In a 5-quart Dutch oven or saucepan over medium heat, cook the sausages with 1/4 cup water until boiling.
- Cover and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove cover and cook, turning sausages frequently, until water evaporates and sausages are well browned, about 20 minutes.
- Remove sausages to paper towels to drain.
- Slice sausages into 1/4-inch thick slices.
- In the drippings remaining in the Dutch oven over medium heat, cook green peppers, onions, and garlic until tender, stirring occasionally.
- Return sausages to the Dutch oven; add tomatoes with their liquid, macaroni, sugar, Worcestershire, bouillon cubes or envelopes, and 6 cups of water.
- Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25 minutes until macaroni is very tender, stirring occasionally.
- Skim off fat from the soup and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using turkey sausage instead of Italian sausage, which can reduce the fat content significantly. If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute the sausage with plant-based sausage or mushrooms. Adding a handful of spinach or kale towards the end of cooking can boost the nutrition without altering the flavor. Make sure to taste and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Serving Suggestions
This Pasta And Sausage Soup is hearty enough to be a meal on its own but pairs beautifully with a simple side salad or crusty bread for dipping. For a complete dinner, consider serving it alongside garlic bread or a cheese platter. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving can elevate the flavors even more.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water to the soup and warm it slowly on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. If reheating in the microwave, use a microwave-safe container and heat in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pasta And Sausage Soup contains roughly 235 calories, with 19g protein, 19g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (74% of the Daily Value) and protein (37% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 855mg per serving (37% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute bow tie macaroni with any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne or rotini. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly, so check the package instructions for al dente cooking times.
Is it possible to freeze this soup?
Absolutely! This soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. After browning the sausage and sautéing the vegetables, transfer everything to the slow cooker with the rest of the ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the pasta is tender.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).