Pasta-Sausage Soup
A hearty and flavorful pasta-sausage soup blending savory Italian sausage, tender pasta, and fresh vegetables in a rich tomato broth. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, this comforting dish offers a satisfying mix of spices and bold flavors that appeal to meat lovers and pasta enthusiasts alike.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb. hot or sweet Italian sausage ⓘ
- 1 medium onion ⓘ
- 1 medium green pepper ⓘ
- 1 garlic clove ⓘ
- 1 (28 oz.) can tomatoes ⓘ
- 2 to 2 1/2 cups uncooked bow tie pasta ⓘ
- 6 cups water ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. sugar ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
- 2 chicken bouillon cubes ⓘ
- 1 tsp. dried basil ⓘ
- 1 tsp. dried thyme ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
Instructions
- Remove casings from the sausages and cut into 1-inch pieces.
- In a Dutch oven, brown sausage over medium heat.
- Remove sausage and drain all but 2 tablespoons of the drippings.
- Saute onion, green pepper, and garlic until tender.
- Add sausage, tomatoes with liquid, water, sugar, Worcestershire sauce, chicken bouillon cubes, dried basil, dried thyme, and salt.
- Simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender, about 15 to 20 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth, consider using a mix of hot and sweet Italian sausage. If you're out of bow tie pasta, any short pasta like fusilli or penne will work well. You can also add chopped spinach or kale for extra nutrition. Adjust the seasoning according to your taste, especially if you prefer more heat or herbs. This dish is versatile and can easily incorporate leftover vegetables.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the pasta-sausage soup hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of chopped parsley. This hearty dish pairs well with crusty bread or a simple green salad. For a complete meal, try it alongside Italian recipes like Chicken Marsala or a light antipasto platter.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the soup if it thickens. It can also be reheated in the microwave, but stir occasionally for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pasta-Sausage Soup contains roughly 367 calories, with 15g protein, 61g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (106% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (73% of the Daily Value), and iron (60% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 758mg per serving (33% 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 sausage?
Absolutely! You can substitute with turkey sausage for a leaner option, or even use chicken sausage for a different flavor profile. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time if using a fully cooked variety.
Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, to make a vegetarian version, simply replace the sausage with plant-based sausage or sautéed mushrooms for a meaty texture. Use vegetable broth instead of water and add more vegetables like zucchini or carrots for extra flavor.
How can I make this soup spicier?
To amp up the heat, you can add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños when sautéing the vegetables. Additionally, using hot Italian sausage instead of sweet will give the soup a nice kick. Adjust the spice level to your preference!
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).