Step into the heart of Tuscany with this Sausage Pastina Soup, a comforting and flavorful dish that celebrates the rich culinary heritage of Italy. Bursting with savory sausage, tender pastina, and vibrant vegetables, this soup is perfect for cozy evenings, family gatherings, or as the star of a dinner party. Each spoonful transports you to the sun-drenched hills of Tuscany, offering a symphony of flavors that reflect the simplicity and richness of Italian cuisine.
Whether you’re seeking comfort on a cold day or looking to impress guests with an elegant yet easy-to-make dish, this soup is sure to deliver. It’s a beautiful combination of hearty ingredients, aromatic herbs, and the perfect balance of flavors—just like a meal you’d find in an Italian trattoria.
Ingredients
To bring Tuscany into your kitchen, gather these carefully selected ingredients that work harmoniously together to create a delicious and satisfying soup.
- 1 teaspoon Olive Oil: For sautéing the sausage and vegetables, adding a touch of richness to the base.
- 1 pound Italian Sausage (casings removed): The star ingredient, providing depth and savory flavor to the soup.
- 1 Medium Onion, diced: Adds a subtle sweetness and savory undertone to the soup.
- 2-3 Garlic Cloves, minced: Infuses the soup with aromatic goodness and enhances the flavor profile.
- 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano: A fragrant herb that brings a burst of Italian essence to the soup.
- Salt and Pepper to taste: Season at the end to balance the flavors of the broth and sausage.
- 1 Large Can Diced Tomatoes: Provides vibrant color and tangy sweetness, creating a rich base for the soup.
- 4 Cups Chicken Broth: A nourishing base that brings all the flavors together.
- 10 ounces Frozen Mixed Vegetables: A colorful, nutritious addition that enhances the texture and flavor of the soup.
- ½ Cup Pastina (or small pasta like stars or orzo): Adds the perfect texture and absorbs the flavors of the broth, making the soup heartier.
Instructions
Follow these easy steps to prepare a bowl of Tuscan comfort that is sure to warm both your heart and your home.
1. Sauté the Sausage
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the sausage. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently to break it up into bite-sized pieces. As the sausage browns, it will release its savory juices, filling your kitchen with a delicious aroma. This step is essential for developing the base flavor of the soup.
Once the sausage is fully cooked and beautifully browned, remove the pot from the heat. Carefully drain any excess fat or oil, keeping only a small amount for the next steps. This helps keep the soup balanced and prevents it from becoming greasy.
2. Cook the Vegetables
Return the pot to medium heat and add the diced onion. Sauté the onions for 2-3 minutes until they become translucent and fragrant. Stir occasionally to ensure they cook evenly. The onions will release their natural sweetness, which complements the savory sausage beautifully.
Next, add the minced garlic and dried oregano. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring continuously. This will allow the garlic to release its aroma and the oregano to infuse the soup with its earthy, aromatic flavor.
3. Add the Tomatoes and Broth
Once the garlic and oregano are fragrant, it’s time to add the diced tomatoes and chicken broth. Stir gently to combine and scrape up any flavorful bits from the bottom of the pot. These little bits are packed with flavor, so don’t let them go to waste!
Raise the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and allow the soup to simmer for 15-20 minutes. This simmering time helps the flavors meld together, creating a rich, savory broth.
4. Add the Vegetables and Pastina
After the soup has simmered, it’s time to add the frozen mixed vegetables and the pastina (or small pasta like orzo or stars). Stir well to incorporate all the ingredients. Raise the heat to bring the liquid to a gentle boil again, allowing the pasta to cook and the vegetables to become tender.
Once the liquid is boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and cook for 10 minutes, or until the pastina is tender. Be sure to stir occasionally to ensure the pasta doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pot and that everything cooks evenly.
5. Adjust the Seasoning
Once the pasta and vegetables are cooked to perfection, taste the soup and add salt and pepper as needed. The sausage and broth already contribute a lot of flavor, so you may find that minimal seasoning is required. But feel free to adjust according to your taste.
6. Serve and Garnish
Ladle the hot soup into serving bowls, ensuring each bowl has a generous amount of sausage, pasta, and vegetables. For an added touch of freshness and color, garnish each bowl with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley. You can also drizzle a little extra-virgin olive oil on top for added richness.
Tips and Variations
Customize the Sausage:
While Italian sausage is a classic choice, feel free to experiment with other types of sausage. Spicy sausage adds a nice kick, while mild sausage lets the other flavors shine. You can also use turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter version.
Vegan or Vegetarian Version:
To make this soup vegetarian, swap the sausage for plant-based sausage or a hearty protein like lentils or beans. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a completely vegan version.
Add Fresh Herbs:
For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like basil or thyme in addition to or in place of the dried oregano. Fresh herbs bring a bright, aromatic quality to the soup that complements the richness of the sausage.
Try Different Vegetables:
Feel free to experiment with other vegetables. Kale, spinach, or zucchini make great additions, especially if you want to add more greens to the soup. Fresh tomatoes can also be used in place of canned for a brighter flavor.
Use Homemade Broth:
For an even richer flavor, consider using homemade chicken or vegetable broth. It will elevate the soup and give it a more robust, hearty taste.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, this soup can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. In fact, the flavors deepen and improve as it sits. Reheat it gently on the stove, adding a bit of water or broth if needed.
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, this soup freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove, adding extra broth as needed.
What type of pasta can I use?
If you don’t have pastina, you can substitute other small pasta shapes like orzo, stelline (little stars), or even ditalini. Just adjust the cooking time based on the pasta shape you use.
How do I store leftover soup?
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally.
Conclusion
Tuscany Sausage Pastina Soup is the epitome of comfort and flavor. Rich, savory sausage, tender pastina, and colorful vegetables combine in a fragrant broth that offers a taste of Italy with every spoonful. Whether you’re enjoying it on a quiet night or serving it at a dinner party, this soup will leave everyone satisfied and craving more.
The simplicity of the ingredients combined with the depth of flavors makes this soup a perfect weeknight dinner or a special dish for family gatherings. It’s a reminder that the best meals often come from using fresh, wholesome ingredients and a bit of love. Buon appetito!