Is there anything more comforting than a bowl of warm, hearty soup on a cool evening? We all crave that feeling of cozy satisfaction, but sometimes homemade soups can be a little…underwhelming. Fear no more! This Creamy Sausage Pasta Soup recipe is here to banish bland broths forever. Packed with flavor and incredibly easy to make, this soup will quickly become a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Sausage Pasta Soup
This isn’t your average soup recipe. Here’s why you’ll be making this Creamy Sausage Pasta Soup again and again:
- Unbelievably Flavorful Broth: The secret’s in building the flavor from the ground up.
- Hearty and Filling: Sausage and pasta make this a satisfying meal.
- Creamy Dreamy Texture: The addition of heavy cream and Parmesan cheese creates a luxurious, comforting bowl.
- Easy to Customize: Add your favorite veggies or pasta shapes for a personalized touch.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This soup tastes even better the next day!
Gathering Your Ingredients for Creamy Sausage Pasta Soup
Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s talk about the ingredients that make this Creamy Sausage Pasta Soup so special. The key to a truly outstanding soup is using high-quality ingredients and understanding their roles. Think of it as building a flavor symphony, where each element plays a crucial part.
Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious soup:
- Ground Sausage: One pound of your favorite ground sausage is the star of the show. Choose a sausage with a good flavor profile.
- Olive Oil: A tablespoon of olive oil will help us sauté those veggies and build the flavorful base.
- Onion, Carrots, and Celery: This classic trio, known as mirepoix, forms the foundation of many great soups. We’ll need one medium diced onion, two peeled and diced carrots, and two diced celery stalks.
- Garlic: Four cloves of minced garlic add that pungent, aromatic kick. Don’t be shy!
- Chicken Broth: Six cups of chicken broth provide the liquid base. For the richest flavor, use a good-quality broth.
- Italian Seasoning: A teaspoon of dried Italian seasoning brings together all those classic Italian flavors.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Seasoning is key! We’ll need half a teaspoon of salt and a quarter teaspoon of black pepper, or more to taste.
- Small Shell Pasta: One cup of small shell pasta adds heartiness and fun to the soup. Feel free to experiment with other small pasta shapes.
- Heavy Cream: One cup of heavy cream gives the soup its signature creaminess.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: A quarter cup of grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty, savory note.
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish, adds a pop of color and freshness.
Crafting Your Creamy Sausage Pasta Soup: Step-by-Step
Now for the fun part! Don’t be intimidated – this Creamy Sausage Pasta Soup is surprisingly simple to make. The key is to follow the steps carefully and allow the flavors to develop as you go. The technique we use to build the broth is what truly sets this soup apart from the rest.
- Brown the Sausage: In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground sausage over medium-high heat. Make sure to break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Browning the sausage not only cooks it through but also creates those delicious browned bits that are crucial for building a flavorful broth. Once browned, drain off any excess grease and set the sausage aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add the olive oil to the pot, then add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté these vegetables over medium heat until they’re softened, about 5-7 minutes. This step is important because it mellows out the harshness of the raw vegetables and releases their natural sweetness, creating a flavorful base for the soup.
- Add Garlic and Seasonings: Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter. Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, ensuring everything is well combined.
- Deglaze with Broth: This is where the magic happens! Pour in the chicken broth, and here’s the really important part: scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot with your spoon. These browned bits are packed with flavor – they’re the secret ingredient that will take your broth from bland to amazing. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer and Cook Pasta: Add the cooked sausage and pasta to the pot. Reduce the heat and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked through and tender.
- Stir in Cream and Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until everything is well combined and heated through. It’s important not to boil the soup at this stage, as the cream can curdle.
- Garnish and Serve: Ladle the Creamy Sausage Pasta Soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley before serving. The fresh parsley adds a bright, vibrant finish to the rich soup.
Tips for Perfect Creamy Sausage Pasta Soup Every Time
Want to take your Creamy Sausage Pasta Soup to the next level? Here are a few tips and tricks to ensure success every time:
- Don’t Skip the Browning: Browning the sausage and vegetables is crucial for developing a deep, rich flavor.
- Season Generously: Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning to your liking.
- Use High-Quality Broth: The better the broth, the better the soup.
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: Nobody likes mushy pasta! Cook the pasta until it’s just tender to the bite.
- Don’t Boil the Cream: Boiling the cream can cause it to curdle.
- Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs add a burst of flavor and freshness.
What to Serve With Creamy Sausage Pasta Soup
This Creamy Sausage Pasta Soup is a meal in itself, but it’s also delicious served with a simple side. A crusty loaf of bread for dipping is always a good choice. You could also try pairing it with a light salad, like our Golden Vegetable Rice Pilaf, for a balanced meal. For a heartier option, consider our Savory Sausage and Bread Bake. These complements the soup’s savory notes without overwhelming the palate.
Your Creamy Sausage Pasta Soup Questions Answered (FAQ)
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different types of sausage, such as Italian sausage, spicy sausage, or even chicken sausage. Each type will add its own unique flavor to the soup.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, you can! Simply omit the sausage and add more vegetables, such as mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. For a similar heartiness and depth, try our creamy paneer rice bowl recipe.
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, you can freeze Creamy Sausage Pasta Soup. However, the pasta may become a bit softer after freezing and thawing. To minimize this, cook the pasta slightly less than al dente before adding it to the soup. Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop.
How long does this soup last in the refrigerator?
Creamy Sausage Pasta Soup will last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Store it in an airtight container.
Can I add other vegetables to this soup?
Of course! Feel free to add any of your favorite vegetables, such as spinach, kale, peas, or corn. Just add them during the last few minutes of cooking, so they don’t become overcooked.
Enjoy Your Homemade Creamy Sausage Pasta Soup!
There you have it – a simple, flavorful, and comforting Creamy Sausage Pasta Soup that’s guaranteed to become a family favorite. With its rich broth, hearty ingredients, and creamy texture, this soup is the perfect way to warm up on a chilly day. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and get ready to enjoy a bowl of pure comfort. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let us know how your Creamy Sausage Pasta Soup turned out! We love hearing from you.
Creamy Sausage Pasta Soup (No More Bland Broth)
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground sausage
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup small shell pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Directions
- Brown the Sausage: In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground sausage over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain off any excess grease and set the sausage aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add olive oil to the pot. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté over medium heat until softened, about 5-7 minutes. This creates a flavorful base for the soup.
- Add Garlic and Seasonings: Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Deglaze with Broth: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. This is where the technique comes in! Those browned bits are packed with flavor and will make your broth taste amazing. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer and Cook Pasta: Add the cooked sausage and pasta to the pot. Reduce heat and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked through.
- Stir in Cream and Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until well combined and heated through. Do not boil.
- Garnish and Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.