This rich and hearty Italian sausage and tomato soup is the ultimate comfort food. Packed with flavorful sausage, tender pasta, and a savory tomato broth, this soup is perfect for chilly nights or when you’re craving something warm and satisfying.
The combination of Italian herbs, garlic, and a hint of spice makes every spoonful burst with bold, cozy flavors.
Finished with a sprinkle of melty cheese and fresh basil, this soup is easy to prepare and sure to be a family favorite. Serve it with a slice of crusty bread, and you have a meal that’s both rustic and irresistible.
Ingredients
The beauty of this soup lies in its simple yet bold ingredients. Each component adds depth, making every bite more delicious than the last.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional, for a creamy version)
- 1 cup ditalini or elbow pasta
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese, for topping
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
This soup comes together in just a few simple steps, making it an easy yet incredibly flavorful dish to prepare.
- Brown the sausage:
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it into crumbles, until browned and cooked through. Remove excess grease if necessary. - Sauté the aromatics:
Stir in the chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. Cook for another minute until fragrant. - Build the broth:
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth, stirring well to combine. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 10–15 minutes to allow the flavors to develop. - Cook the pasta:
Stir in the ditalini pasta and continue to simmer for another 8–10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender. If using heavy cream, stir it in at this stage for a richer texture. - Season and serve:
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed. Ladle into bowls, top with shredded mozzarella or Parmesan, and garnish with fresh basil. - Enjoy:
Serve hot with crusty bread or garlic toast for an extra comforting meal.
Tweaks and Additions
This soup is easily customizable, so feel free to adapt it to your preferences.
- Make it extra creamy:
Stir in 1/2 cup of ricotta or mascarpone cheese along with the heavy cream for an ultra-rich texture. This addition creates a velvety mouthfeel and enhances the luxurious quality of the broth, making it even more comforting. - Go gluten-free:
Swap the pasta for gluten-free noodles or even use white beans for a hearty, nutritious twist. White beans not only add extra protein and fiber but also give the soup a slightly creamy texture without the need for dairy. - Boost the veggies:
Add spinach, kale, or zucchini for an extra serving of greens. These will wilt beautifully into the soup while adding a fresh contrast to the rich broth. Bell peppers and mushrooms are also great choices for extra depth and variety. - Make it spicier:
Use hot Italian sausage and increase the red pepper flakes for a bolder kick of heat. A few dashes of hot sauce or a spoonful of Calabrian chili paste can also elevate the spice level for those who love an extra punch. - Cheese lovers’ dream:
Mix in extra Parmesan or shredded mozzarella to create an even cheesier and more indulgent soup. Stirring in some cheese while the soup is still hot allows it to melt into the broth, creating a rich, cheesy base that coats every bite. - Lighten it up:
Use turkey or chicken sausage for a leaner version while still keeping all the delicious flavors. You can also use a light broth base with more vegetables and omit the cream for a fresher, lower-calorie option.
This Italian sausage and tomato soup is the perfect combination of comforting, hearty, and easy to make.
Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight dinner, meal prepping for the week, or serving it to guests, it’s sure to be a hit. The flavors meld beautifully over time, making leftovers even better the next day.
Have you tried making this soup? What’s your favorite way to customize it? Do you prefer a creamy or brothier version? I’d love to hear your thoughts and any creative twists you’ve tried. Let’s swap ideas in the comments and inspire each other with more delicious variations!