Pasta Soup

This Pasta Soup is a delightful blend of flavors and textures that will warm your heart and satisfy your cravings. Perfect for family dinners, cozy nights, or meal prep, this soup features tender pasta, fresh vegetables, and savory broth. It’s easy to make and can be customized with your favorite ingredients, making it a versatile choice for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe comes together in less than an hour.
• Packed with Flavor: The combination of herbs and spices ensures each spoonful is bursting with taste.
• Nutrient-Rich: Loaded with fresh vegetables and spinach, this soup is both hearty and healthy.
• Family-Friendly: A hit among kids and adults alike, it’s a great way to introduce veggies into your meals.
• Versatile: Swap out the pasta or add different proteins to suit your preferences.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the preparation smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large 6-quart pot
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups
• Cutting board
• Knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Large 6-quart pot: Ideal for making big batches of soup, ensuring all ingredients cook evenly.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring without scratching your pot’s surface.
• Measuring cups: Ensures accurate amounts of ingredients for consistent results.

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Ingredients

This Pasta Soup is packed with Italian sausage, veggies, fresh spinach, and mini farfalle. It’s hearty, easy to make, and sure to be a family favorite!

For the Base

• 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
• 1 pound Italian sausage
• 2-1/4 cups mirepoix (3/4 cup diced carrots, 3/4 cup diced celery, 3/4 cup diced yellow onion)
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic

For the Soup

• 2 (15-ounce) cans diced tomatoes (fire-roasted preferred)
• 2 (32-ounce) cartons reduced-sodium beef broth
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper

For Serving

• 2 cups uncooked miniature farfalle pasta
• 4 cups fresh baby spinach (coarsely chopped, lightly packed when measured)
• freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
• Crusty buttered bread (optional, for serving)

How to Make Pasta Soup

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Heat a large 6-quart pot over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once shimmering:
1. Add the sausage and let it cook undisturbed for about 1 minute per side.
2. Break it into crumbles and cook until deeply browned.
3. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Drain all but 1 tablespoon of grease from the pot. Add the remaining olive oil:
1. Stir in the mirepoix (carrots, celery, onion).
2. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until tender.
3. Add garlic; cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Pour in the diced tomatoes and broth along with seasonings:
1. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
2. Stir well to combine all ingredients.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Bring the soup to a boil:
1. Add uncooked farfalle pasta.
2. Cook uncovered for 7–9 minutes until pasta is tender.
3. Return sausage to the pot; add spinach cooking just until wilted.

Step 5: Serve Your Soup

Remove from heat; adjust salt and pepper as needed:
1. Ladle soup into bowls.
2. Serve immediately topped with Parmesan cheese if desired alongside warm crusty buttered bread.

Enjoy your delicious homemade Pasta Soup!

How to Serve Pasta Soup

Serving Pasta Soup can be a delightful experience for you and your guests. Here are some creative ways to enhance your meal and make it even more enjoyable.

With Fresh Herbs

• Basil or Parsley: Sprinkle freshly chopped basil or parsley on top for added flavor and a pop of color.
• Chives: A few snips of chives can give your soup a mild onion flavor that complements the dish well.

Accompanied by Bread

• Crusty Buttered Bread: Serve with warm, crusty bread slathered in butter for a comforting side.
• Garlic Bread: Pair with garlic bread for those who love a little extra zing with their soup.

Topped with Cheese

• Grated Parmesan: Offer freshly grated Parmesan cheese on the side to sprinkle over each bowl.
• Mozzarella Balls: Add small mozzarella balls for a creamy texture that melts slightly into the hot soup.

As a Starter

• Small Bowls: Serve Pasta Soup in small bowls as an appetizer before the main course to whet appetites.
• Soup Shooters: For a fun twist, serve in shot glasses as soup shooters at parties.

How to Perfect Pasta Soup

Making some simple adjustments can elevate your Pasta Soup to the next level. Keep these tips in mind as you prepare your dish.

• Bold Flavor Boost: Consider using homemade broth instead of store-bought for richer flavors.
• Veggie Variety: Add seasonal vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for more texture and nutrition.
• Pasta Cooking Time: Ensure you monitor the pasta closely; cook it just until tender to avoid mushiness.
• Seasoning Balance: Adjust seasonings gradually, tasting as you go to achieve the perfect balance of flavors.
• Leftover Magic: If you have leftovers, let them sit overnight; the flavors meld beautifully and enhance taste.
• Garnish Creatively: Experiment with different garnishes, such as toasted pine nuts or croutons for added crunch.

Best Side Dishes for Pasta Soup

Pairing side dishes with Pasta Soup can enhance your meal experience. Here are some delicious options to consider.

1. Garlic Bread: A classic choice, garlic bread is easy to prepare and complements the flavors of the soup wonderfully.
2. Mediterranean Salad: A fresh salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, feta cheese, and olives adds brightness to the meal.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables bring warmth and depth, balancing the soup’s flavors nicely.
4. Caprese Skewers: Skewers with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and fresh basil make for a fun finger food option.
5. Cheesy Breadsticks: Soft breadsticks sprinkled with cheese provide a comforting addition that pairs well with soup.
6. Stuffed Peppers: Colorful stuffed peppers filled with rice and beans add substance without overshadowing your main dish.
7. Antipasto Platter: An assortment of marinated veggies, cheeses, and olives makes an appealing starter before enjoying your soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Pasta Soup, it’s easy to fall into common traps that can affect the final dish. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Skipping the sauté step – Failing to sauté your vegetables properly can result in bland flavors. Always take the time to cook them until they’re tender and aromatic.

• Overcooking the pasta – If you cook the pasta for too long, it can become mushy. Check for doneness a minute before the recommended cooking time on the package.

• Ignoring seasoning adjustments – Not tasting your soup before serving might lead to an unbalanced flavor profile. Always taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.

• Using low-quality broth – A good broth is essential for a flavorful soup. Opt for homemade or high-quality store-bought broth to enhance the taste of your Pasta Soup.

• Forgetting to wilt spinach last – Adding spinach too early can make it overly wilted and lose its vibrant color. Stir it in just before serving for freshness.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Pasta Soup in an airtight container.
• It will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing Pasta Soup

• Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or bags.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Pasta Soup

• Oven – Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Heat for about 20 minutes or until warmed through.
• Microwave – Transfer soup into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, until hot.
• Stovetop – Pour soup into a pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally and heat until it reaches your desired temperature.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Pasta Soup:

Can I use different types of pasta in this Pasta Soup?

Yes, you can substitute mini farfalle with any small pasta shapes like ditalini or elbow macaroni, but adjust cook times accordingly.

How can I make this Pasta Soup vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the sausage and replace it with additional vegetables or plant-based protein options like lentils or chickpeas.

What are some great add-ins for Pasta Soup?

You can enhance your Pasta Soup by adding beans, zucchini, or bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor!

How do I prevent my pasta from soaking up all the broth?

To avoid this issue, consider cooking the pasta separately and adding it to individual servings of soup just before serving.

Final Thoughts

This Pasta Soup is not only hearty and delicious but also incredibly versatile! You can customize it with your favorite vegetables or proteins based on what you have on hand. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen!