Pasta Soup is the ultimate family favorite with Italian sausage, fresh spinach, and plenty of pasta. Quick, hearty, and bursting with flavor!
author’s note
One Pot Pasta Soup That Always Hits!
My kids are pasta obsessed, so I’ve learned that if a soup doesn’t have something hearty like pasta or potatoes in it, they’re usually about half as excited about dinner.
That’s one of the reasons this Pasta Soup is such a win at our house. I get everything I want in a big pot of soup: plenty of veggies, a flavorful broth, Italian sausage and spinach. While that cooks, my kids see all that pasta and are immediately sold.
And possibly a reliable part? It all happens in one pot.
At our house, I’ll usually add a loaf of crusty buttered bread on the side too. With soup, pasta and bread involved, there are never many complaints at the dinner table!
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Swaps & Tips |
| Italian sausage | Mild sausage is great for a family-friendly soup, while hot Italian sausage adds a nice kick. |
| Carrots, celery & onion | This trio creates the flavor base of the soup. Dice everything fairly small so the vegetables soften quickly and you get a little of everything in each spoonful. |
| Diced tomatoes | I especially like fire-roasted tomatoes here because they add more depth without requiring any extra work. Regular diced tomatoes are fine too. |
| Beef broth | I prefer reduced-sodium broth so I can control the final seasoning myself. |
| Mini farfalle | Small pasta shapes are ideal for soup. Mini bowties are a reliable because they’re straightforward to eat and distribute nicely. |
| Fresh spinach | Stir it in at the very end. It only needs a minute or two to wilt. Kale can work too, but give it a little more time to soften. |
Cooking Tips for the Best Pasta Soup
- Brown sausage: Let it sit for a bit before stirring to develop rich, caramelized flavor.
- Stir: Prevent pasta from sticking to the bottom by stirring every few minutes.
- Add spinach last: It wilts fast, so toss it in right before serving.
- Taste before serving: The broth and sausage add salt, so adjust as needed.
- Brighten flavor: A squeeze of lemon or a bit of vinegar at the end adds some nice acidity.
- Add some heat: Red pepper flakes or spicy sausage if you like the heat!
chelsea’s recipe tip
What to Serve with Pasta Soup
- Bread: Crusty French bread or dinner rolls for dipping.
- Salad: A Caesar Salad is so great on the side! Or try an straightforward garden salad.
- Fruit: A side of in-season fruit or a fruit salad.
- Crackers: These soup crackers are my kids’ favorite!
- Bruschetta: The reliable appetizer!
Storage
Pasta Soup Is Best Enjoyed Fresh!
- Best fresh: Pasta keeps soaking up broth, so enjoy it right after making it.
- If you have leftovers: Keep the pasta and soup separate in the fridge, so the pasta doesn’t soak up too much liquid and turn mushy. You can use a wire skimmer to scoop out the pasta from the broth.
- Reheat with extra liquid: Add more broth if it’s too thick.
More Soup Recipes:
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Cheeseburger Soup
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Italian Stuffed Peppers
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Broccoli Cheddar Soup
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Couscous Soup (Cold-Buster!)
