One whiff of this soup and I’m ten again, standing in Grandma’s kitchen, steam fogging the windows and sausage sizzling away in her big, dented pot. This Italian Sausage Pasta Soup checks all the cozy boxesand it’s been taking over Pinterest with its creamy, comforting vibes.
This bowl is everything you want on a chilly weeknighthearty sausage, tender pasta, and a creamy broth that doesn’t skimp on comfort. It’s pantry-friendly, quick to make, and honestly? Like your favorite childhood soup, but with adult-level flavor. Full details in the blog!
We first made this during a kitchen clean-out week (read: chaos). I tossed in leftover noodles, half a sausage pack, and crossed my fingers. Let’s just sayit’s now a regular. I added a little tweak after testing four versions. You’ll love the secret!
Italian Sausage Pasta Soup is a comforting and creamy dish that combines savory sausage, tender pasta, fresh veggies, and herby sun-dried tomatoes. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this Creamy Italian Sausage Soup delivers rich flavors and hearty satisfaction.
Ingredients
Scale
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground Italian sausage see note 1
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 cups finely diced yellow onion 1 large onion
2 cups finely diced carrots 4–5 carrots
1 tablespoon minced garlic
2 tablespoons flour
7–1/2 cups chicken broth
2 cups mini bowtie pasta see note 2
1–1/2 cups heavy cream
2–1/2 packed cups finely chopped kale
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes finely chopped
1/2 packed cup grated Parmesan cheese sandy texture see note 3
Hearty buttered bread optional for serving
Red pepper flakes optional for serving
Instructions
In a large pot over high heat, add olive oil.
Once hot, add sausage, salt, and pepper.
Sear for a minute on each side, then crumble and cook until browned.
Remove sausage with a slotted spoon, leaving 1 tablespoon of grease in the pot and draining off the excess.
Reduce heat to medium.
Add butter, onions, carrots, and garlic.
Sauté until tender, about 7–9 minutes.
Sprinkle flour on top and cook for another minute, stirring constantly.
Gradually add 1 cup of broth, whisking constantly to create a slurry.
Add the remaining broth slowly, whisking and scraping the bottom of the pot.
Bring broth to a boil, then add pasta.
Cook according to package instructions, minus one minute.
Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Reduce heat to low.
Add cream, kale, and sun-dried tomatoes, stirring well.
Add Parmesan gradually, a few tablespoons at a time, to avoid clumping.
Stir until melted, then add the sausage back in.
Season with salt as needed.
Add more broth for a thinner consistency, if desired.
Serve hot with hearty buttered bread on the side.
Sprinkle red pepper flakes on top if you like some heat
Notes
Note 1: Quality matters! Choose mild or hot sausage based on your preference
If it’s in casings, slice the casing and squeeze out the sausage
Note 2: Any small pasta shape will work, as long as it cooks in 6–8 minutes
Avoid larger pasta shapes
Note 3: Use refrigerated sandy-textured Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and melt
Do not use the shelf-stable type! It’s very salty and has less flavor
Storage: If storing leftovers, keep pasta separate from the soup to prevent the pasta from absorbing too much liquid and turning mushy
Make ahead: If making ahead, prepare up to step 4, then remove cooked pasta and store in a separate container
Add cream, Parmesan, kale, and tomatoes to the broth
Stir through sausage
Store this mixture separately from pasta
Prep Time:30 minutes
Cook Time:30 minutes
Category:Dinner, Soup
Method:Stovetop
Cuisine:American
Nutrition
Serving Size:1 serving
Calories:754 kcal
Sugar:15 g
Sodium:1940 mg
Fat:56 g
Saturated Fat:26 g
Unsaturated Fat:5 g + 20 g
Trans Fat:0.2 g
Carbohydrates:43 g
Fiber:7 g
Protein:23 g
Cholesterol:148 mg
Why It’s a Family Favorite
This Italian Sausage Pasta Soup stands out in my kitchen as the ultimate comforting meal. Each spoonful delivers hearty flavors and just the right amount of creaminess, making it a dish that easily pleases everyone, from picky kids to discerning adults.
Beyond its deliciousness, this recipe is incredibly practical. Most ingredients are likely already in your pantry or fridge, eliminating last-minute grocery runs. If your week has been busy, you’ll appreciate that it comes together in about an hour without constant supervision. Plus, it’s highly customizable, adapting easily to what you have on hand.
Ideal for a casual family dinner or an impromptu gathering, this soup is sure to become a cherished tradition.
Ingredients Breakdown
Let’s explore the key ingredients that make this soup so special:
Italian Sausage: The flavorful foundation of the soup! Opt for mild or spicy based on your heat preference. The sausage adds bold, savory depth from the very start.
Mini Bowtie Pasta: Perfect for soaking up that creamy broth while staying bite-sized. Feel free to substitute other small pasta shapes like ditalini or small shells if needed.
Heavy Cream: This ingredient enriches the broth, giving it a signature luscious texture and luxurious mouthfeel.
Kale: Not only does it add a vibrant pop of green, but it also holds up beautifully in the creamy broth. Swap for spinach or Swiss chard if that’s what you have!
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These little bursts of flavor add tang and a touch of brightness to balance the richness. A fantastic ingredient to keep in your recipe rotation!
Pro Tip: Use high-quality, freshly grated Parmesan (often found in the refrigerated section with a finer, sandy texture) for the best flavor.
Simple Steps to Make It
You’re just a few straightforward steps away from a delicious bowl of this soup. Here’s the process:
Cook the Sausage: Begin by browning the Italian sausage in a tablespoon of olive oil with salt and pepper for 5-7 minutes. This builds a robust flavor base. Once browned and crumbled, remove with a slotted spoon, leaving about a tablespoon of rendered fat in the pot.
Sauté the Veggies: To the same pot, add 1 tablespoon of butter, chopped onions, carrots, and minced garlic. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until fragrant and softened, creating an aromatic foundation.
Build the Broth: Sprinkle in 1-2 tablespoons of flour to thicken, stirring for one minute. Gradually whisk in 4-6 cups of chicken broth until smooth. Bring to a boil, then add your pasta and cook according to package directions until just al dente.
Add Creamy Goodness: Reduce heat to low. Stir in heavy cream, chopped kale, and sun-dried tomatoes. Off the heat, gradually mix in grated Parmesan until melted and smooth, then return the cooked sausage to the pot for the final blend.
Serve and Enjoy: Ladle into bowls, pair with buttered bread on the side, and add red pepper flakes for a bit of heat if you like a little kick!
Shortcut: Prep the veggies ahead of time to save yourself a few minutes during the cooking process.
Easy Customizations
This soup is incredibly versatile. Here are some simple ways to adapt it to your preferences:
Want it lighter? Swap out heavy cream for half-and-half or even milk, though the broth will be thinner.
Vegetarian twist: Skip the sausage and use veggie broth. Amp up the flavors with extra sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan.
No kale? No problem: Sub in spinach or Swiss chard for a softer texture.
Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta and check that your broth and Parmesan are GF-friendly.
Pro Tip: If you like a thinner broth, add an extra splash of chicken broth toward the end!
How to Serve & Store
This Italian Sausage Pasta Soup is best enjoyed freshbut don’t worry if you have leftovers, because they reheat beautifully. Here’s how to store and reheat like a pro:
Storage Option
Tips
Fridge:
Keep cooked pasta separate from the soup broth to prevent it from soaking up too much liquid and becoming mushy. Store both in airtight containers for up to 3 days. When reheating, add freshly cooked pasta or combine stored pasta just before serving.
Freezer:
Freeze just the broth with sausage and veggies for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating:
Gently warm the soup on the stove over low heat, adding extra broth or cream to loosen it up as needed. Stir the pasta in at the last minute.
Pro Tip: Make the soup base ahead of time and cook the pasta fresh for the best texture every time!
Expert Insight: The Appeal of Italian Sausage Pasta Soup
From a culinary perspective, this Italian Sausage Pasta Soup masterfully balances rich and bright notes. The savory Italian sausage, with its inherent spices, infuses the broth with deep umami. This richness is elegantly cut by the vibrant acidity of sun-dried tomatoes and the earthy freshness of kale. The flour and heavy cream create a velvety texture that coats the pasta beautifully, ensuring each spoonful is satisfying without being overly heavy. It’s a testament to how simple, quality ingredients, when thoughtfully combined, can yield a complex and deeply comforting experience.
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Perfecting My Italian Sausage Pasta Soup
Developing this Italian Sausage Pasta Soup involved a fair share of kitchen experimentsa few splashes, some simmering adjustments, and several flavor tweaks. Through careful testing of seasonings and cooking times, I finally discovered the perfect harmony where the sausage, pasta, and creamy broth truly shine. This refined version is the one that truly feels like a comforting bowl of home.
FAQs ( Italian Sausage Pasta Soup )
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld nicely. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove to avoid breaking the creaminess in this creamy Italian sausage soup.
What type of pasta works best?
Small pasta shapes like ditalini, elbow macaroni, or small shells hold up well and complement this dish’s texture. Avoid large or delicate pasta as they can become mushy or overshadow the hearty sausage and broth.
Can I substitute the Italian sausage?
Yes, you can swap with ground pork or turkey if you want a lighter option. Just season well with fennel seeds, garlic, and crushed red pepper to mimic the sausage’s flavor profile in this recipe.
How do I thicken the soup if needed?
To thicken, simmer uncovered until it reduces slightly. Alternatively, stir in a slurry of cornstarch and cold water, cooking until thickened. This keeps the creamy texture while enhancing the soup’s body.
Can I freeze leftovers of this meal?
Freezing is possible but may affect pasta texture after thawing. To maintain quality, freeze the soup without pasta and add freshly cooked pasta when reheating.
Conclusion
This Italian Sausage Pasta Soup comes together in under an hour, yet it delivers rich, comforting flavors that linger long after the last spoonful. You’ll love how the creamy broth envelops tender pasta and savory sausage, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma – truly a soothing meal for any chilly evening.
Feel free to experiment with different greens or use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter touch. A valuable tip for leftovers, passed down from my mom: store the broth and pasta separately to maintain perfect texture and freshness. And don’t forget that final sprinkle of Parmesan; it’s the simple touch that elevates every bowl.
Now I’d love to hear from you – what cozy soup brings back your fondest memories? Please share your photos or any creative twists you try with this recipe in the comments below. Pin it, save it, and prepare a bowl for someone special – you’ve just discovered a new comfort classic to enjoy.
Sharing a handpicked collection of easy, healthy recipes made in our family kitchen. Rachel brings comforting classics, while Emily adds fresh, modern ideas together creating meals that are simple, flavorful, and family-friendly.
