Oh boy, do I have a cozy recipe to share with you today! If you’re like me and believe that soup is a hug in a bowl, then this **Creamy Sausage and Pasta Soup with Tomatoes** is bound to become a staple in your kitchen. I stumbled upon this recipe during a chilly week when nothing sounded more comforting than a hearty bowl of soup. The smell that filled my kitchen as I cooked was enough to pull anyone off the couch and into the kitchen!
I vividly remember the first time I served this soup at a gathering. Friends dropped by for some casual weekend fun, and I wanted to impress them without spending the whole day cooking. This soup was a total win! It was creamy, packed with flavor, and everyone slurped it down like it was the best thing they had tasted all week. Plus, it’s super versatile, so you can switch up the flavors based on what you have on hand.
Now, let’s dive into what makes this soup so scrumptious!
What’s in Creamy Sausage and Pasta Soup with Tomatoes?
Italian sausage: The star of the show! You can choose between mild or spicy, giving you the flexibility to tailor the flavor to your taste buds. Personally, I usually go with mild and then spice it up with some red pepper flakes if I’m feeling adventurous.
Onion: A medium onion, finely chopped, adds a sweet and savory base flavor that’s essential for building layers in this dish.
Garlic: Three cloves of minced garlic elevate the taste so much! It brings that aromatic warmth that I can never get enough of.
Chicken broth: I like using low-sodium chicken broth for this recipe. It serves as the savory foundation of our soup without making it overly salty.
Diced tomatoes: One can of diced tomatoes (14.5 oz) adds a nice acidity and a pop of color, soaking up those delicious flavors from the sausage and broth.
Small pasta: Use uncooked small pasta like elbows or shells. Not only does it fit perfectly into the soup, but it also soaks up the rich creaminess wonderfully.
Heavy cream: The luxurious addition of heavy cream makes this soup irresistibly creamy. It really pulls everything together!
Shredded mozzarella cheese: Oh, yes! Melty cheese is a must for that gooey texture we love in soup!
Grated Parmesan cheese: A little sprinkle of this salty goodness adds depth to the flavor profile. I mean, can you even have creamy pasta without Parmesan?
Italian seasoning: A teaspoon of this blend is all you need to sprinkle on that Italian flair.
Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance everything, because we want this soup to be perfectly seasoned!
Fresh parsley: A touch of chopped parsley for garnishing adds a lovely fresh pop—plus, it makes the dish look even more appealing!
Is Creamy Sausage and Pasta Soup with Tomatoes Good for You?
Now let’s chat about whether this creamy delight is on the healthier side. While it’s definitely rich and indulgent, it does come with some benefits!
Italian sausage: Packed with protein, it helps to keep you feeling full. Just keep in mind that it can be a bit fatty, so moderation is key!
Onion and garlic: These aromatic veggies are not just flavor powerhouses; they also carry several health benefits, including boosting heart health and providing antioxidants.
Pasta: The pasta brings carbs for energy, but, if you want a lighter option, a higher fiber pasta or whole grain version could work just as well!
However, the heavy cream and cheese content can make it a bit rich. So if you’re in the mood for something lighter, consider reserving this recipe for special occasions or simply swapping heavy cream for half-and-half and using less cheese, though it will change the creamy texture.
What You’ll Need
– 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, based on preference)
– 1 medium onion, finely chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
– 1 cup uncooked small pasta (like elbows or shells)
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
**Servings:** About 6-8 generous bowls of soup.
How to Make Creamy Sausage and Pasta Soup with Tomatoes?
1. In a large pot over medium heat, add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks until it’s browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. You can drain excess fat if needed, but I usually keep a little for flavor!
2. Toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until you see that lovely translucent look on the onion, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Pour in the chicken broth and add the diced tomatoes (juice and all!). Give it a good stir and bring it to a boil.
4. Once it’s bubbling, add in the uncooked pasta and Italian seasoning. Lower the heat and let it simmer until the pasta is al dente—follow package instructions, which is usually about 7-10 minutes.
5. Turn the heat down to low and slowly stir in the heavy cream, mozzarella, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Stir until all the cheese is melted and creamy goodness is achieved.
6. Season with salt and pepper to your liking. Allow it to heat up thoroughly for an additional 2-3 minutes.
7. Serve it hot, garnished with the remaining Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley.
Delicious Tips & Variations!
– If you’re feeling frisky, swap the types of pasta based on what you have! It doesn’t have to be small; just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
– This soup is also perfect for meal prepping; it can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat gently.
– For extra spice, try using hot Italian sausage or toss in some red pepper flakes!
– A sprinkle of crushed red pepper on top can kick it up a notch if you like it hot!
I genuinely hope you give this **Creamy Sausage and Pasta Soup with Tomatoes** a try. It’s one of those recipes that not only warms your body but also your soul. Don’t forget to share your experience or any tweaks you made—I’d love to hear all about it! Happy cooking!
