Rustic Italian Sausage Pasta Soup – A hearty, cozy bowl with tender pasta, herbs, and rich tomato broth

Rustic Italian Sausage Pasta Soup – A hearty, cozy bowl with tender pasta, herbs, and rich tomato broth

Rustic Italian Sausage Pasta Soup is the kind of comforting, soul-warming meal that feels like it came straight from a countryside kitchen. Savory Italian turkey sausage, aromatic vegetables, tender pasta, and a rich tomato-based broth come together to create a soup that’s hearty enough for dinner yet cozy enough for chilly nights. This recipe delivers bold Italian flavors without being heavy, making it perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or feeding a crowd. Every spoonful is packed with protein, vegetables, and comforting pasta — the ultimate one-pot soup everyone loves.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Servings: 6 Servings

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

Sausage & Aromatics

1 lb Italian turkey sausage casings removed
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion diced
3 cloves garlic minced
2 carrots diced
2 celery stalks diced

Soup Base

1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon dried basil
½ teaspoon dried oregano
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
Salt and black pepper to taste

Liquids & Pasta

1 can 28 oz crushed tomatoes
6 cups chicken broth
1 cup small pasta ditalini, rotini, or shells

Finishing Touches

2 cups fresh spinach or kale
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese plus more for serving
Fresh basil or parsley chopped

Equipment

Large soup pot or Dutch oven
Cutting board
Sharp knife
Wooden spoon
Measuring cups & spoons
Ladle

Method

Step 1: Brown the sausage

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add turkey sausage and cook, breaking it up, until fully browned and cooked through.
Remove excess grease if needed.

Step 2: Build the flavor base

Add onion, carrots, and celery to the pot.
Cook 4–5 minutes until softened.
Stir in garlic and tomato paste; cook 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Season

Add Italian seasoning, basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
Stir well to coat everything evenly.

Step 4: Simmer the soup

Pour in crushed tomatoes and chicken broth.
Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer.
Simmer uncovered for 15 minutes to let flavors develop.

Step 5: Cook the pasta

Add pasta directly to the soup.
Simmer 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.

Step 6: Finish

Stir in spinach and let wilt 1–2 minutes.
Add Parmesan cheese and adjust seasoning to taste.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.

For best texture, add a splash of broth when reheating, as pasta absorbs liquid. ❄️

Freeze without pasta for up to 2 months; add fresh pasta when reheating.

🥄 Variations

Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta Soup
Stir in ½ cup heavy cream or coconut cream at the end.

Spicy Version
Use spicy turkey sausage and extra red pepper flakes.

Low-Carb Option
Skip pasta and add zucchini noodles or cauliflower florets.

Bean-Boosted Soup
Add 1 can white beans or cannellini beans for extra protein.

Extra Veggie Loaded
Add bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini with the onions.

❓ 10 FAQs

Can I use beef sausage instead of turkey?
Yes — beef Italian sausage works perfectly.

Why turkey sausage?
It keeps the soup lighter while still flavorful.

Can I make this ahead?
Yes — flavors deepen overnight.

What pasta works best?
Small shapes that hold broth well.

Can I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta or rice.

Will the pasta get mushy?
Slightly over time — add fresh pasta when reheating if preferred.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes — add pasta during the last 30 minutes.

Is this spicy?
Mild by default; spice is adjustable.

Can I add cheese on top?
Absolutely — Parmesan or mozzarella are great.

Is this filling enough for dinner?
Yes — it’s a full, hearty meal.

🏁 Conclusion

Rustic Italian Sausage Pasta Soup is everything a cozy soup should be — hearty, flavorful, comforting, and easy to make in one pot. With savory turkey sausage, tender pasta, and rich tomato broth, it’s a crowd-pleasing recipe that works just as well for weeknight dinners as it does for leftovers the next day. This is the kind of soup that warms you from the inside out and keeps everyone coming back for seconds.