May be an image of pasta

Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta Soup

There is something especially comforting about a bowl of homemade soup that combines savory sausage, tender pasta, vegetables, and a rich, creamy broth. Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta Soup brings all of those elements together in one satisfying meal. The Italian sausage adds plenty of flavor, while the tomatoes provide a subtle acidity that keeps the creamy broth from feeling too heavy. Small pasta shapes soak up the flavorful broth as they cook, creating a hearty soup that is perfect for a cozy lunch or dinner.

This soup is also wonderfully practical. It comes together in one pot, uses simple ingredients, and can be adjusted easily depending on what you have available. Serve it with warm crusty bread, garlic bread, or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Ingredients

1 pound Italian sausage, mild or hot
1 tablespoon olive oil, if needed
1 small yellow onion, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
2 celery stalks, diced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, optional
1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
4 cups chicken broth
2 cups water
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 cup small pasta, such as ditalini, small shells, or elbow macaroni
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups fresh baby spinach, optional
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for serving
Additional Parmesan cheese, for serving

Step 1: Brown the Italian Sausage

Place a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook for about 5–7 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it browns.

Continue cooking until the sausage is no longer pink and has developed some golden-brown edges. Those browned bits are important because they add extra depth to the soup.

If the sausage releases a large amount of grease, carefully drain some of it from the pot. If the sausage is particularly lean, add a tablespoon of olive oil before moving on to the vegetables.

Step 2: Cook the Vegetables

Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot with the sausage. Stir everything together and cook for approximately 4–5 minutes.

The onion should begin to soften, while the carrots and celery should start becoming tender. Scrape the bottom of the pot occasionally to loosen any browned sausage pieces.

Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30–60 seconds, just until fragrant. Avoid cooking the garlic for too long because it can become bitter.

Step 3: Add the Seasonings

Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, dried oregano, smoked paprika, and crushed red pepper flakes if you want a little heat.

Stir the seasonings into the sausage and vegetables for about 30 seconds. Briefly cooking the dried herbs and spices helps release their aromas and allows their flavor to spread throughout the soup.