Pasta Soup

This Pasta Soup is a delicious and comforting meal that brings warmth to any table. Packed with lean protein, fresh veggies, and mini farfalle pasta, it’s perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings. The blend of spices and the rich broth make this recipe stand out as a savory delight. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or just enjoy a hearty bowl on a chilly day, this pasta soup will satisfy your cravings!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and common ingredients, making this pasta soup is quick and hassle-free.
• Flavorful Ingredients: Each bowl bursts with rich flavors from the spices, veggies, and broth.
• Versatile Dish: You can customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or proteins, making it suitable for everyone.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This soup stores well in the fridge or freezer, making it an excellent choice for planned meals.
• Comforting and Hearty: Ideal for chilly evenings, this pasta soup will warm you up from the inside out.

Tools and Preparation

To get started with your pasta soup, gather your essential tools that will make cooking easier and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Large 6-quart pot: Provides ample space for all ingredients to cook evenly without spilling over.
• Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring without scratching your pot’s surface while allowing you to break up ingredients easily.
• Measuring cups & spoons: Ensure accurate ingredient proportions for consistent flavor in every batch.

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 Soup 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
• 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 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: Cook 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. Let it cook undisturbed for about 1 minute per side.
4. Break it into crumbles and cook until deeply browned, stirring occasionally.
5. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and set aside.

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 carrots, celery, and onion; sauté for 5–7 minutes until tender.
4. Add the garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

1. Pour in the tomatoes and broth along with seasonings.
2. Adjust salt and pepper to taste; stir well.

Step 4: Cook Pasta & Finish Soup

1. Bring the soup to a boil; add uncooked pasta.
2. Cook uncovered for 7–9 minutes until pasta is tender.
3. Return cooked sausage to the pot; add spinach.
4. Cook just until spinach wilts, about 1–2 minutes.
5. Remove from heat; adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 5: Serve

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

How to Serve Pasta Soup

Pasta soup is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner or a cozy gathering, these suggestions will enhance your meal.

With Fresh Herbs

• Basil or Parsley: Sprinkle freshly chopped basil or parsley on top just before serving for a burst of flavor and color.

Accompanied by Cheese

• Parmesan Cheese: Grate some Parmesan cheese over the soup for a rich, nutty flavor that complements the ingredients beautifully.

Pair with Bread

• Crusty Buttered Bread: Serve with slices of warm, crusty bread spread with butter. This adds a delightful crunch and makes the meal more filling.

As Meal Prep

• Store in Containers: If you have leftovers, portion them into airtight containers. This makes for an easy grab-and-go meal during busy days.

How to Perfect Pasta Soup

To achieve the ultimate pasta soup experience, follow these simple tips to enhance its flavor and texture.

• Use Quality Broth: Start with a good-quality broth as it forms the base of your soup. A richer broth will elevate the overall taste.
• Sauté Vegetables Well: Take time to sauté your mirepoix until tender. This step adds depth and sweetness to your soup.
• Cook Pasta Separately: For best results, cook pasta separately if you’re making this in advance. This prevents it from becoming mushy when reheated.
• Adjust Seasonings: Always taste and adjust seasonings before serving. A pinch of salt or dash of pepper can make a world of difference.
• Add Spinach Last: Stir in fresh spinach at the end of cooking to maintain its vibrant color and nutrients.

Best Side Dishes for Pasta Soup

Pairing your pasta soup with complementary side dishes can round out your meal perfectly. Here are some great options:

1. Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread provides a flavorful contrast and is perfect for dipping into the soup.
2. Caesar Salad: A crisp Caesar salad adds freshness and crunch, balancing the richness of the soup.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables bring additional flavors and nutrients to your meal.
4. Caprese Salad: Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil create a light side that complements the Italian flavors in the soup.
5. Stuffed Peppers: Flavorful stuffed peppers can serve as a hearty addition alongside your pasta soup.
6. Bruschetta: Topped with diced tomatoes and basil, bruschetta offers a refreshing bite that pairs well with the warmth of the soup.
7. Antipasto Platter: Create an antipasto platter with olives, cheeses, and cured meats for variety.
8. Zucchini Fritters: Lightly fried zucchini fritters add a unique twist and pair wonderfully with pasta dishes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Pasta Soup, there are a few common mistakes that can affect the flavor and texture of your dish. Here are some tips to help you avoid them.

• Skipping the sauté step: Sautéing your vegetables before adding liquids helps enhance their flavors. Make sure to take the time to cook them until they’re tender.
• Overcooking the pasta: If you add your pasta too early or cook it too long, it can become mushy. Keep an eye on the cooking time and add it at the right moment.
• Using low-quality broth: The broth is a key component of any soup. Opt for reduced-sodium beef broth or homemade broth for better taste.
• Neglecting seasoning adjustments: Broths vary in saltiness, so always taste your soup before serving and adjust seasoning as needed.
• Not incorporating fresh ingredients: Fresh spinach adds great flavor and nutrition. Don’t skip this step; add it just before serving for optimal freshness.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Pasta Soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Let the soup cool completely before sealing it in a container.

Freezing Pasta Soup

• Freeze Pasta Soup in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 3 months.
• Leave some space at the top of containers, as liquids expand when frozen.

Reheating Pasta Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat covered in an oven-safe dish until warmed through.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in intervals of 1-2 minutes, stirring in between.
• Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat in a pot, stirring occasionally until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Pasta Soup that might help you.

How do I make my Pasta Soup more flavorful?

You can enhance the flavor by using high-quality broth and fresh herbs. Adding spices like red pepper flakes also gives it a kick!

Can I use different types of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While mini farfalle is used here, any small pasta shape will work well in Pasta Soup.

Is there a vegetarian version of Pasta Soup?

Yes! You can replace meat with beans or lentils and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a hearty vegetarian option.

What if I don’t have fresh spinach?

If you don’t have fresh spinach, you can use frozen spinach instead. Just thaw it and add it towards the end of cooking.

Can I customize this Pasta Soup recipe?

Definitely! Feel free to add or substitute vegetables based on your preference, like zucchini or bell peppers for added flavor and nutrition.

Final Thoughts

This versatile Pasta Soup is not only hearty but also easy to customize based on your preferences. Whether you’re feeding a family or just looking for a comforting bowl of soup, this recipe is sure to please everyone. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different vegetables or seasonings!