Pasta Soup

This Pasta Soup is a delightful dish that brings warmth and comfort to any table. With its rich flavors and hearty ingredients, it’s perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in. This recipe showcases how simple ingredients can create a satisfying meal that everyone will love. Ready in under an hour, this Pasta Soup is both easy to prepare and packed with nutrition, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This Pasta Soup takes just 50 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for a weeknight meal.
• Flavor-Packed: The combination of fresh vegetables, spices, and sausage creates a savory taste that warms the soul.
• Versatile: Customize your soup by adding your favorite vegetables or swapping out pasta shapes to suit your preferences.
• Nutritious: Packed with veggies and lean protein, this soup is not only delicious but also nourishing.
• Family-Friendly: Kids will love the mini farfalle pasta, and the whole family can enjoy a comforting bowl together.

Tools and Preparation

To make this delicious Pasta Soup, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment can make cooking easier and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large 6-quart pot
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Ladle

Importance of Each Tool

• Large 6-quart pot: Ideal for making large batches of soup, ensuring everything cooks evenly.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring without scratching your pot’s surface while mixing ingredients thoroughly.
• Measuring cups: Help you accurately portion out ingredients for consistent results every time.

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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 Broth

• 2 (15-ounce) cans diced tomatoes (fire-roasted preferred)
• 2 (32-ounce) cartons reduced-sodium beef broth

Seasonings

• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper

For the Pasta

• 2 cups uncooked miniature farfalle pasta

For the Greens

• 4 cups fresh baby spinach (coarsely chopped, lightly packed when measured)

Optional Toppings

• freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
• Crusty buttered bread (optional, for serving)

How to Make Pasta Soup

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

1. Heat a large 6-quart pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once shimmering, add the sausage.
3. Cook undisturbed for about 1 minute per side until browned.
4. Break it into crumbles and continue cooking until deeply browned. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

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

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

1. Pour in diced tomatoes and beef broth; stir in seasonings.
2. Adjust salt and pepper to taste as needed.

Step 4: Add Pasta & Spinach

1. Bring soup to a boil; add uncooked mini farfalle pasta.
2. Cook uncovered for 7–9 minutes until pasta is tender.
3. Return cooked sausage to the pot; add spinach until wilted (about 1–2 minutes).

Step 5: Serve

Serve immediately with optional Parmesan cheese on top and warm crusty buttered bread on the side. Enjoy!

How to Serve Pasta Soup

Serving Pasta Soup is a delightful experience, as it can be enjoyed in many ways. From adding garnishes to pairing with sides, there are numerous options to enhance your meal.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• Basil or Parsley: Sprinkle fresh basil or parsley on top before serving for a burst of flavor and color.
• Cracked Black Pepper: A light dusting of cracked black pepper adds a spicy kick that elevates the soup’s taste.

Add a Flavorful Cheese

• Grated Parmesan: Top each bowl with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a rich, savory finish.
• Feta Crumbles: For a tangy twist, sprinkle feta cheese on your soup right before serving.

Accompany with Bread

• Crusty Buttered Bread: Serve warm, buttered bread on the side for dipping and soaking up the delicious broth.
• Garlic Bread: Toasted garlic bread pairs perfectly and adds an aromatic touch to your meal.

Offer a Salad

• Mixed Green Salad: A light mixed green salad with vinaigrette complements the hearty nature of the soup.
• Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad brings crunch and creaminess that balances the soup’s warmth.

How to Perfect Pasta Soup

Perfecting your Pasta Soup involves simple techniques that enhance its flavor and texture. Here are some tips to achieve the best results.

• Use Quality Ingredients: Start with fresh vegetables and high-quality broth. This will elevate the overall taste.
• Cook Pasta Al Dente: For the best texture, cook pasta just until al dente. It will continue cooking when added to the soup.
• Adjust Seasonings Gradually: Taste as you go; adjust salt and pepper slowly so you can control the flavors effectively.
• Let It Rest Before Serving: Allowing the soup to sit for about 10 minutes after cooking helps meld the flavors together beautifully.

Best Side Dishes for Pasta Soup

Pairing side dishes with your Pasta Soup can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options to consider.

1. Garlic Bread: Crunchy and buttery, this classic is perfect for dipping into your flavorful soup.
2. Mixed Green Salad: Fresh greens tossed in vinaigrette add a refreshing contrast to the warm, hearty soup.
3. Cheesy Breadsticks: Soft breadsticks topped with cheese make for a delightful addition that kids will love.
4. Caprese Salad: Slices of fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze provide a light, flavorful side.
5. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add nutritious bulk and complement the flavors of your pasta soup nicely.
6. Stuffed Peppers: Flavorful stuffed peppers can serve as a filling side that pairs well with Italian flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking pasta soup can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Boldly ignore salt: Not seasoning your broth and veggies can lead to a bland soup. Always taste as you go and adjust the salt accordingly.
• Boldly overcook pasta: Adding pasta too early or cooking it too long can make it mushy. Follow the cooking time closely for al dente texture.
• Boldly skip fresh herbs: Relying solely on dried herbs can limit flavor depth. Use fresh herbs when possible and add some at the end for brightness.
• Boldly disregard broth quality: Using low-quality broth can affect your soup’s taste. Opt for homemade or high-quality store-bought options for better flavor.
• Boldly overlook the spinach: Adding spinach too soon can lead to a wilted mess. Stir it in just before serving to keep its vibrant color and nutrients.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store any leftover pasta soup in an airtight container.
• It will last for 3–4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Pasta Soup

• Place cooled soup in freezer-safe containers or bags.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months; label with the date for easy tracking.

Reheating Pasta Soup

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and reheat in an oven-safe dish covered with foil until warm.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every minute until heated through.
• Stovetop: Reheat over medium heat in a pot, stirring often until hot, adding water or broth if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making pasta soup.

How do I make my Pasta Soup richer?

You can enhance richness by using homemade broth or adding more vegetables and spices during cooking.

Can I customize my Pasta Soup?

Absolutely! Feel free to add other veggies, beans, or different types of pasta based on your preferences.

What type of pasta works best in Pasta Soup?

Mini farfalle is great, but you can use any small pasta like ditalini or elbow macaroni.

How do I prevent my Pasta Soup from becoming too thick?

If your soup thickens after storing, add a little broth or water when reheating to reach your desired consistency.

Final Thoughts

This Pasta Soup is not only hearty and delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables and proteins. Give it a try; it’s bound to become a family favorite!