Soup-er Mario Bros.
Italian Sausage and Tomato Ziti Soup with Fresh Basil
40 minutes
Serves 4
DinnerItalian
Herb's take
This rustic Italian soup blends the hearty charm of ziti pasta and crumbled Italian sausage with the bright acidity of whole peeled tomatoes, all finished with plenty of basil. You’ll learn why simmering the pasta in the broth (instead of separately) creates the kind of starchy, flavorful soup that Nonna would actually approve.
Equipment needed
- Dutch oven or large heavy pot
Ingredients
Yield
4
Instructions
- 01Heat the olive oil in a Dutch oven or large heavy pot over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and just cooked through, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a plate, leaving drippings in the pot.
- 02Add the onion, carrot, and celery to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and the onion turns translucent, about 5 minutes.
- 03Stir in the garlic and cook 1 minute, just until fragrant.
- 04Add the hand-crushed whole peeled tomatoes with their juices, stirring well to deglaze the pot and loosen any browned bits.
- 05Pour in the chicken broth and return the browned sausage to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer.
- 06Stir in the ziti, kosher salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente, about 10 to 12 minutes.
- 07Turn off the heat. Stir in most of the Parmesan and most of the basil, reserving a little of each for garnish.
- 08Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if desired. Ladle the soup into bowls, top with reserved Parmesan and basil, and serve hot.
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