Sally Roberts
When the temperature drops and you’re craving something warm and hearty, this Sausage and Tomato Pasta Soup is the answer. With tender pasta, rich tomato broth, and savory Italian sausage, it delivers all the cozy comfort of a classic pasta dish in a bowl. It’s like your favorite pasta night and soup night decided to team up and create the ultimate cold-weather meal.
The creamy, tomato-rich broth clings to every piece of pasta and sausage, while hints of garlic, Italian herbs, and a sprinkle of cheese pull it all together. It’s family-friendly, ready in under 40 minutes, and perfect for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays. One spoonful is all it takes to win over everyone at the table.
Why You’ll Love This Sausage and Tomato Pasta Soup
- Hearty and Filling: Packed with pasta and sausage, this soup is satisfying enough to be a full meal.
- Quick and Easy: It comes together in less than an hour with minimal prep.
- Comfort in a Bowl: The creamy tomato base makes it soul-warming and rich.
- One-Pot Wonder: Fewer dishes, more flavor!
- Customizable: Swap the pasta, use spicy sausage, or add extra veggies.
What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?
Short-cut pasta is best for this soup. Shells, ditalini, or elbow macaroni soak up the broth beautifully while still holding their shape. You want a pasta that complements the sausage and fits easily on a spoon. Avoid long noodles like spaghetti or fettuccine, as they don’t mix as well in the soup texture.
Ingredients for the Sausage and Tomato Pasta Soup
Each ingredient in this soup plays an essential role in building rich layers of flavor and texture.
- Italian Sausage: Adds bold, savory flavor and a satisfying meaty bite. Mild or spicy varieties both work depending on your preference.
- Onion: Provides a sweet, aromatic base that deepens the overall flavor of the broth.
- Garlic: Essential for depth and that comforting Italian flavor.
- Canned Diced Tomatoes: These add a sweet-tart tomato taste and rustic texture to the broth.
- Tomato Paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and helps thicken the soup.
- Chicken Broth: Forms the base of the soup, rich and flavorful.
- Heavy Cream: Creates a creamy, velvety broth that balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Small Pasta (like shells or ditalini): The pasta soaks up the broth, making the soup hearty and satisfying.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings everything together with warm, earthy notes.
- Salt & Black Pepper: Enhances all the natural flavors in the soup.
- Parmesan Cheese: Optional, but adds a salty, nutty finish.
- Fresh Parsley: A pop of color and freshness to brighten the soup before serving.
How To Make the Sausage and Tomato Pasta Soup
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the Italian sausage over medium heat until browned and cooked through. Break it into crumbles as it cooks. Once done, remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same pot with the sausage drippings, add chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Build the Tomato Base
Add the tomato paste and stir it into the onions and garlic for 1-2 minutes to deepen its flavor. Then add the diced tomatoes and stir to combine.
Step 4: Add Broth and Simmer
Pour in the chicken broth and return the sausage to the pot. Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for 15 minutes.
Step 5: Cook the Pasta
Add the small pasta to the pot and cook according to the package directions, usually 8-10 minutes, until al dente.
Step 6: Finish with Cream
Once the pasta is tender, stir in the heavy cream. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes, then taste and adjust seasonings if needed.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Ladle the soup into bowls and top with grated Parmesan and chopped fresh parsley. Serve hot!
How to Serve and Store Sausage and Tomato Pasta Soup
This hearty soup serves about 6 people generously. It’s best served hot straight from the stove, garnished with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and a bit of fresh parsley. A slice of crusty bread or garlic toast on the side takes it to the next level.
To store leftovers, let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. The pasta may absorb more broth over time, so consider adding a splash of water or broth when reheating.
To freeze, we recommend storing without the pasta (which can get mushy when frozen). Freeze the soup base for up to 3 months, and add freshly cooked pasta when ready to serve.
What to Serve With Sausage and Tomato Pasta Soup?
Crusty Bread
Thick slices of toasted sourdough or artisan bread are perfect for dipping into the flavorful broth.
Grilled Cheese Sandwich
A gooey grilled cheese sandwich is a comforting and satisfying pairing.
Caesar Salad
The crisp romaine and tangy dressing balance the richness of the soup.
Roasted Vegetables
Add some roasted carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers for a well-rounded meal.
Caprese Skewers
Cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil make a light, fresh appetizer.
Garlic Knots
Soft, buttery garlic knots bring extra flavor and a touch of indulgence.
Antipasto Platter
Serve a mix of olives, cured meats, and marinated veggies to start your meal with Italian flair.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
They offer a crunchy, slightly bitter contrast that complements the savory soup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different kind of meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles work well as a substitute for Italian sausage. Just adjust the seasoning to your taste, as sausage tends to be more flavorful.
Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Yes. Simply omit the heavy cream or replace it with coconut milk or a dairy-free alternative like oat cream. Skip the Parmesan or use a vegan cheese.
How do I prevent the pasta from getting too soft?
To avoid mushy pasta, cook it separately and add it to individual servings instead of simmering it in the soup. This is especially helpful for leftovers.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the sausage and aromatics first, then transfer everything (except pasta and cream) to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 hours. Add cooked pasta and cream just before serving.
Save This Pin For Later
Save this recipe to your Pinterest soup or dinner board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you make it spicy? Did you add extra veggies?
I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too, let’s help each other cook smarter.
Check out more comforting meals and cozy dishes on my Pinterest page: Meals We Share By Sally
Conclusion
Sausage and Tomato Pasta Soup is a crowd-pleaser for good reason. It’s rich, satisfying, and easy enough for a weeknight dinner but special enough to serve guests. The layers of tomato, herbs, and cream with hearty pasta and sausage make every spoonful a delight. Keep this one in your meal rotation when you need something nourishing and delicious with minimal effort.
Print
Sausage and Tomato Pasta Soup
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
This Sausage and Tomato Pasta Soup is the perfect comfort dish for busy nights or cozy weekends. With hearty Italian sausage, tender pasta, and a creamy tomato broth, it’s a one-pot wonder that satisfies every craving. Ideal for quick dinners, family meals, or even make-ahead lunches. Think of it as a mashup between your favorite pasta dish and a rich, soul-warming soup — full of flavor and incredibly easy to make. A must-try for those searching for quick dinner ideas, easy recipes, family-friendly meals, or a comforting cold-weather soup. It’s also perfect for those looking for dinner ideas, easy pasta soups, or cozy food ideas that work for any season.
Ingredients
1 lb Italian sausage
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
2 tbsp tomato paste
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 ½ cups small pasta (shells or ditalini)
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated (optional)
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the sausage over medium heat until browned and cooked through. Break into crumbles. Remove and set aside.
2. In the same pot, add diced onion. Cook for 3–4 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook 1 more minute.
3. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1–2 minutes. Add the diced tomatoes and mix well.
4. Pour in chicken broth, add the cooked sausage, and season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for 15 minutes.
5. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, 8–10 minutes, depending on the type.
6. Stir in the heavy cream and simmer for 2–3 more minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
7. Ladle into bowls. Garnish with Parmesan and fresh parsley. Serve hot!
Notes
Use spicy Italian sausage if you like more heat in your soup.
For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
If making ahead, cook the pasta separately to avoid soggy leftovers.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: easy recipe, pasta soup, sausage tomato soup, comfort food, dinner ideas, one-pot meal
