Hearty Sausage and Pasta Soup Recipe: A Comforting Dish You’ll Love

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There’s nothing quite like coming home after a busy day and having a warm, hearty meal waiting for you. If you’ve ever craved the perfect bowl of comfort food, this Hearty Sausage and Pasta Soup Recipe is the answer. This dish brings together savory sausage, tender pasta, and creamy cheese for a meal that’s not only delicious but also easy to make. Whether you’re cooking for your family or preparing a cozy dinner for yourself, this recipe is sure to please.

Packed with rich flavors and comforting ingredients, this soup is more than just a meal; it’s a hug in a bowl. Best of all, it’s ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. So, if you’re looking for a quick, satisfying dish to enjoy, look no further.  Indulge in gourmet dining at home with our Baked Spinach Mushroom Quesadillas

Why You’ll Love This Hearty Sausage and Pasta Soup Recipe

You might wonder what makes this particular sausage and pasta soup so special. After all, there are plenty of soup recipes out there, right? Well, this one stands out for a few key reasons:

Comforting and Filling

The combination of Italian sausage, pasta, and creamy cheeses makes this soup both hearty and satisfying. It’s the type of meal that leaves you feeling full without being overly heavy.

Quick and Easy to Prepare

With a prep time of just 10 minutes and a cook time of 20 minutes, this soup is the perfect weeknight meal. You don’t need hours to create something that’s packed with flavor.

Customizable for Your Taste

This recipe is incredibly flexible. If you prefer spicier flavors, add more red pepper flakes. If you’re not a fan of fennel, you can leave it out. Plus, you can easily swap out ingredients like the sausage or pasta to suit your dietary needs.

Perfect for Any Season

Whether you’re in the middle of winter or enjoying a cool fall evening, this soup works year-round. It’s hearty enough for colder months but light enough to enjoy during warmer weather.

Ingredients for Hearty Sausage and Pasta Soup

Before we get into the cooking process, let’s take a look at what you’ll need to make this delicious soup. Below is a list of the main ingredients, along with some optional additions.

Table: Ingredients List

Ingredient	Quantity	Notes
Italian sausage	1 pound	Casings removed
Onion	1 medium	Diced
Garlic	2 cloves	Chopped
Ground fennel (optional)	1/2 teaspoon	Adds depth of flavor
Red pepper flakes (optional)	1/2 teaspoon	Adds a hint of heat
Chicken broth	4 cups
Petite diced tomatoes	14.5 oz can
Pasta (such as ditalini)	8 ounces	Gluten-free option available
Italian seasoning (or oregano)	1 teaspoon
Grated parmesan cheese	1/2 cup
Cream cheese (warmed)	4 ounces
Heavy cream (whipping cream)	1/2 cup
Salt and pepper	To taste
Fresh parsley (optional)	1 tablespoon	Chopped, for garnish

Key Ingredient Tips:

• Italian sausage: The star of the soup. Make sure to remove the casings so it can break apart into smaller pieces as it cooks.
• Fennel: This adds a mild, slightly sweet flavor that complements the sausage. It’s optional, but highly recommended if you enjoy a more complex taste.
• Pasta: Ditalini is the traditional choice, but you can use other types like elbow macaroni or even gluten-free pasta if you have dietary restrictions.
• Cream cheese and heavy cream: These ingredients provide the creamy texture that makes this soup indulgent and satisfying.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Hearty Sausage and Pasta Soup

Now that you’ve got your ingredients, let’s dive into the cooking process. Don’t worry—this soup is straightforward and easy to follow.

Step 1: Brown the Sausage and Onion

Start by heating a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and diced onion, cooking them together until the sausage is browned and the onion is softened. Use a spatula to break the sausage into smaller pieces as it cooks.

Tip: Be sure to drain any excess grease after browning the sausage. This keeps the soup from becoming too greasy and allows the flavors to shine.

Step 2: Add Garlic, Fennel, and Red Pepper Flakes

Next, stir in the chopped garlic, ground fennel (if using), and red pepper flakes (if you like a bit of spice). Cook everything together for about 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant and the spices have had a chance to bloom.

Tip: If you prefer a milder soup, you can skip the fennel and red pepper flakes or reduce the amount to suit your taste.

Step 3: Add Broth, Tomatoes, and Pasta

Pour in the chicken broth and the can of petite diced tomatoes (juice and all). Then, stir in the pasta and Italian seasoning. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.

Let the soup cook for about 6-8 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente. The pasta will absorb some of the broth, thickening the soup slightly.

Tip: Keep an eye on the soup while it’s simmering. You don’t want the pasta to overcook and turn mushy, so check it after 6 minutes.

Step 4: Stir in the Cream Cheese, Parmesan, and Heavy Cream

Once the pasta is cooked, it’s time to add the creamy goodness. Stir in the grated parmesan cheese, warmed cream cheese, and heavy cream. The cream cheese will melt into the soup, creating a luscious, velvety texture.

Let the soup simmer for another 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cheeses are fully melted and the soup is thickened to your liking.

Tip: If you want an even creamier soup, you can add more cream cheese or heavy cream. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning accordingly.

Step 5: Season and Serve

Finally, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. If you like, stir in some fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor.

Serve the soup hot, and enjoy the rich, comforting taste!

Tips and Variations

This Hearty Sausage and Pasta Soup is incredibly versatile, so feel free to customize it to fit your preferences. Here are some ideas for making it your own:

• Gluten-Free: If you’re following a gluten-free diet, simply swap out the pasta for gluten-free pasta. There are many excellent options available that work perfectly in this soup.
• Extra Flavor: If you like a little more spice, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
• Vegetarian Version: To make this soup vegetarian-friendly, omit the sausage and replace it with extra vegetables, like zucchini, carrots, or bell peppers. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Add More Veggies: You can boost the nutritional value of the soup by adding more vegetables. Kale, spinach, or even broccoli would be great additions. Just make sure to chop them into bite-sized pieces for easy eating.

Storage Tips:

• Fridge: Leftover soup will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Be sure to let it cool completely before storing it in an airtight container.
• Freezer: You can freeze the soup for up to 2 months. Store it in a freezer-safe container, and when you’re ready to eat, simply reheat it on the stove over low heat.

Nutrition Information for Hearty Sausage and Pasta Soup

If you’re curious about the nutritional breakdown of this recipe, here’s a quick overview:

Table: Nutrition Per Serving

Nutrient	Amount
Servings	6
Calories	450 kcal
Protein	25g
Carbohydrates	45g
Fat	20g
Fiber	2g
Sodium	650mg

Health Tips:

• This soup provides a good balance of protein from the sausage and pasta, as well as healthy fats from the cream cheese and heavy cream.
• To make the soup lighter, you can reduce the amount of cream or opt for a lower-fat cream cheese alternative.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Hearty Sausage and Pasta Soup

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! This soup actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. You can make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Can I use a different type of sausage?

Yes, you can. If you prefer a leaner option, try using turkey sausage or chicken sausage. You can also experiment with different flavors, such as spicy sausage or sausage with herbs.

How do I make this recipe dairy-free?

To make this soup dairy-free, you can use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and a dairy-free cream cheese alternative. Skip the parmesan or use a plant-based parmesan for a similar flavor.

Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, this soup freezes well. Be sure to cool it completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Conclusion

There you have it! The Hearty Sausage and Pasta Soup Recipe is an easy, comforting, and delicious dish that will quickly become a family favorite. With its rich flavors, creamy texture, and the ability to be customized to suit your tastes, it’s a meal you’ll want to make again and again.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients and get cooking. This soup is sure to warm your heart and fill your belly with joy!

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