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This Spicy Italian Pesto Noodle Soup is my go-to dinner on nights when I am craving Italian, but also want something warming. Spicy Italian sausage simmered in a basil pesto broth with carrots, kale, a little lemon, and plenty of noodles. Finish each bowl off with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese and serve with crusty bread. It’s hearty, full of colorful veggies, and so delicious. Great for just about any night of the week. And the leftovers the next day, they make for the best lunch!
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Happy Halloween!
I’ve been so exited for Halloween this year. Something about Halloween is just the best. It’s such a fun day of the year. I mean it’s pretty much expected that we go for all the candy, cookies, and pizza we like…no excuses necessary. Or at least that’s how I see it.
Except over here we’ll be swapping the pizza for soup. Because it’s cold and snowing here, and I just need a bowl of (cheesy) soup in my life. Not going to sugar coat it, my week has been hard. Monday just started off on the wrong foot. I don’t know If I woke up on the wrong side of the bed or what, but man oh man, it was not an easy day. You know those days when one thing goes wrong and then every other thing decides to go wrong with it? Well, that was my Monday. Just looking back on it makes me cringe.
All I have to say is that technology is the best…and technology is also the absolute worst. When technology fails you, it’s not fun. And that was a big part of why my Monday was so rough.
But it’s all ok. First world problems. Nothing major. Just a bad day. It happens.
My week is already back on track and I’m looking at the positive side of things. It’s Halloween, it’s snowing, Thanksgiving is coming, and the next two months are my favorite of the entire year. Focusing on all the good things…
Like this soup, which is very, very good.
Not sure if this recipe is really Halloween appropriate, but it’s pretty delicious any night you decide to make it. And I don’t know, coming home to a bowl of this tonight after trick-or-treating sounds pretty great to me. Thinking you should try it.
Here’s the deal. I’ve been on a real soup kick this fall. In the last two weeks alone I’ve made a coconut sweet potato lentil soup, a butternut squash soup, and a French inspired shallot soup. Today it’s Italian Noodle Soup, and next week?
Something pumpkiny, and perfect for Thanksgiving.
Sure, hope you guys like soup!
Right now though, let me tell you about this Italian sausage soup.
It’s a little spicy (but not overly so), full of vegetables (the good ones), has spicy chicken sausage, lots of noodles (mine are pumpkin shaped and I am so obsessed with them), and topped off with cheese (provolone to be exact).
It’s simple, it’s pretty quick, and it’s one of the better bowls of Italian soup that I’ve ever had. The secret? A parmesan rind, basil pesto, lemon, and cheese. Ok, and pasta – lots of pasta.
The parmesan rind and basil pesto add a salty, herby flavor to the broth. The lemon adds a nice zing of freshness. And the cheese and pasta? Well, those don’t need much explaining, they’re always good.
Whether you end up making this tonight, sometime this week, or even in the next couple of weeks, it’s sure to become a favorite. I’m loving serving this up on bitter cold nights like tonight, with a good loaf of crusty bread. Normally I’m either making chili or pizza on Halloween, but this soup is the perfect switch up!
PS. I feel bad for all the trick-or-treaters out in my town tonight. It’s SO cold and snowy…hoping it’s a little warmer for the rest of you! Have fun tonight!
If you make this soup please be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to also tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
Spicy Italian Pesto Noodle Soup
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3/4 pound ground spicy Italian chicken sausage
- 2 small shallots, chopped
- 4 carrots, chopped
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- kosher salt and pepper
- 6 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 1/3 cup basil pesto, homemade or store-bought
- 1 parmesan rind (the end knob of the parmesan wedge)
- juice of 1 lemon
- 1 bunch Tuscan kale, roughly chopped
- 1 pound short cut pasta
- 1 1/2 cups shredded provolone cheese
Instructions
- 1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over high heat. When the oil shimmers, add the chicken sausage and shallots, and brown all over, about 5 to 8 minutes. Reduce the heat to low, add the carrots, sage, thyme, and a pinch each of salt and pepper. Cook another 5 minutes. Add the broth, pesto, parmesan rind, and lemon juice. Simmer over medium heat for 15-20 minutes. 2. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat and boil the pasta until al dente according to package directions.3. Stir the kale into the soup, cooking another five minutes. Remove the parmesan rind. Taste and season with salt and pepper. 4. Divide the noodles among bowls and pour the soup overtop. Top each bowl off with cheese and allow the cheese to melt slightly. Enjoy!
Nutrition
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Did you make this recipe? Please rate & comment below.
Made last night, by recommendation of my sister and will definitely be making again! Couldn’t find ground chicken Italian sausage, so I used sliced pre-cooked links of Italian sausage. A couple things I think I’ll change next time: use ground pork Italian sausage (the chicken one I used seemed almost too lean), add a little more broth, add some red pepper flakes for more spice! Overall, it was a hit and is a great way to use my frozen pesto from the garden over the winter!
I am so glad you both loved this Emmaline! Thank you so much!
I made this soup and it was delicious! Thanks?
Thank you Lela!
This soup is really delicious! It definitely hit the spot on these chilly Indiana days. So far, I’ve loved ever recipe I’ve made of yours. Thank you!!
Thank you so much Ceceil! I am so glad you loved this soup!
Just had this for dinner tonight and it was delicious! Perfect for a cool Canadian fall 🙂 Will definitely be adding this to my arsenal!
I am so glad you like this! Thank you Elaine!
Can not wait to make this tonight on this chilly day In Denver! Can you advise on how to cook the sausage? I’m nervous with the ground meat I won’t get good chunks like I see in your pics! Love your page btw! So so cozyyy
Hey Jen! I brown the sausage just like you would ground chicken or beef. Does that makes sense? You want to get the sausage crisp, then add ingredients as directed. Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe. Thanks so much! xTieghan
I just made this, sitting down to enjoy a bowl. I forgot the pesto and added cannelloni beans. My kids are loving it!!
I am so glad they are liking this and I hope you loved it as well! Thank you Jamie!
Made this tonight and it was greatly enjoyed by the fam! It’s quick, easy, healthy and lots of flavor. I used turkey sausage and broth. Just delish! It will go into rotation for us. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Thank you for a great winter soup! Will post a photo on IG @pixiegoes2market.
I cant wait to check it out! Thank you so much!
This is one of the most delicious soups I’ve ever made! Warms you up but isn’t heavy. Moving this to the Tried and True box!
I am so glad this turned out perfectly for you! Thank you so much Laura!
I literally just finished making and eating this soup and it’s going on my favorite recipes list, It was so easy to make yet so flavorful, the hints of sage, thyme, lemon juice, parmesan, every spoonful was like the first one! Thank you for yet another amazing recipe!
I am so glad you loved this Nicole! Thank you!
This soup is amazing! Not too many ingredients and simple to make but the flavor is perfect! I’ve already sent this to my mom and girlfriends!
Thank you so much Britt! I am so glad this turned out well for you and thank you for sharing it! I hope your mom and friends love this as well!
Sounds delicious. Will definitely try it soon! How Necessary is the sage? Does that flavor stand out?
Hi! The sage is a nice flavor and does add to the soup, but you can omit if you’d like. Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe. Thanks so much! xTieghan
Absolutely Wonderful!!! Will make again!
Thank you so much Marie!
Where did you find spicy Italian ground chicken sausage?
My local kroger grocery store and whole foods both carry it. Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe. Thanks so much! xTieghan
I really really want to make this. I love pesto and pasta and soup and the flavor sound just perfect. I’m not a big lover of italian sausage, but that can be easily substituted. I absolutely can’t wait to give this recipe a try!
I hope you love this recipe, Danielle! Thank you!
Sounds delicious!! What if I swapped out sausage for regular chicken? Should I add more spice? Also, what’s your favorite pesto?
HI! You can use regular chicken with a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes. that will be great! Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe. Thanks so much! xTieghan