Tuscan Sausage Pastina Soup

This Tuscan Sausage Pastina Soup is a comforting and hearty dish that warms the soul with every spoonful. Packed with savory sausage, tender vegetables, and delicate pastina, it’s the perfect blend of flavors and textures. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a cozy weekend dinner, this soup is easy to make and incredibly satisfying. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a deliciously filling meal that the whole family will love!

Ingredients:

1 teaspoon olive oil

1 pound of your favorite sausage, casings removed

1 medium onion, chopped

2-3 garlic cloves, minced

1 teaspoon dried oregano

Salt and pepper, to taste (season to preference)

1 large can diced tomatoes

4 cups chicken broth

10 ounces frozen mixed vegetables

½ cup pastina (or other small pasta like orzo)

Instructions:

Sauté the Sausage:

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently and breaking it up into smaller pieces with a wooden spoon.

Drain Excess Oil:

Remove the pot from heat and drain most (or all) of the excess oil rendered from the sausage. You can tilt the pot over the sink while straining with a lid.

Cook the Onions:

Return the pot to medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes, stirring often.

Add Garlic and Oregano:

Stir in the minced garlic and oregano, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes while stirring.

Incorporate Tomatoes and Broth:

Add the diced tomatoes and chicken broth, stirring to scrape up any bits stuck to the bottom of the pot.

Bring to a Boil:

Increase the heat to high and bring the soup to a boil. Then, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Add Pastina and Vegetables:

Stir in the pastina and mixed vegetables. Increase the heat to bring the liquid back to a boil.

Cook the Pasta:

Lower the heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for about 10 minutes or until the pasta is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Season and Serve:

Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Tips: When reheating, you may need to add water or more broth to thin the soup, as the pasta will absorb liquid over time.

Notes:

Sausage Options: You can use any type of sausage, such as Italian, turkey, or chicken sausage. For a spicier kick, choose hot Italian sausage.

Vegetable Variations: Feel free to customize the mixed vegetables. Fresh vegetables like spinach, kale, or zucchini can be added for extra nutrition. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Pasta Substitutes: If you can’t find pastina, orzo or small macaroni work well as substitutes. Just be mindful of the cooking time, as different pastas may require more or less time.

Seasoning: Taste the soup before adding additional salt and pepper, as the sausage, broth, and canned tomatoes may already contain sodium.

Storage: The soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, you may need to add extra broth or water, as the pasta absorbs liquid over time.

Freezing: If you plan to freeze the soup, consider undercooking the pasta slightly, as it will continue to cook when reheated.

Garnishing: Serve with freshly grated Parmesan cheese or a sprinkle of fresh herbs, like parsley or basil, for added flavor.

Nutrition Information:

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use fresh sausage instead of pre-cooked?

Yes, you can use fresh sausage, but you’ll need to cook it fully before adding the other ingredients.

Just break it apart as it cooks to achieve a crumbled texture.

What can I substitute for chicken broth?

You can use vegetable broth for a vegetarian option, or even water with a bit of seasoning.

Just be aware that it may alter the flavor slightly.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

For longer storage, freeze the soup in individual portions for up to 3 months.

Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to add more vegetables like spinach, kale, or bell peppers.

Just adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure everything is tender.

How can I make this soup thicker?

To thicken the soup, you can add a bit more pastina or some grated Parmesan cheese.

Another option is to blend a portion of the soup and then mix it back in for a creamier texture.

How do I ensure the sausage is evenly cooked?

Make sure to break the sausage into smaller pieces as it cooks.

Stir frequently to promote even browning and prevent sticking to the bottom of the pot.

What’s the best way to char the tomatoes if I want to enhance their flavor?

If you’d like a deeper flavor, you can roast the diced tomatoes in the oven or in a skillet over medium heat until they caramelize slightly before adding them to the soup.

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes! Brown the sausage and sauté the onions and garlic first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker along with the remaining ingredients.

Cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.

How can I prevent the pastina from becoming mushy?

To prevent the pastina from becoming mushy, add it toward the end of the cooking time and monitor the soup closely.

Cook it just until tender, and serve immediately.

Is this soup suitable for freezing?

Yes, but consider freezing the soup without the pasta.

When reheating, you can add fresh pastina to maintain its texture.

If the soup is already frozen with pasta, add extra broth when reheating, as the pasta will absorb liquid.