Ingredients
Sausage and Base
- 5 mild Italian sausage links
- 5 tbsp olive oil
- 2 heaping tbsp Better Than Bouillon roasted chicken base
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 10 garlic cloves, chopped
- 1 large white onion, chopped
Seasonings
- 2 tsp dried basil
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- Salt & pepper to taste
Liquids and Tomato
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 4 cups water
- ½ cup water (for crushed tomato can)
- 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups heavy cream
Cheeses and Herbs
- 1 lb frozen cheese raviolis
- 1 oz hunk of Pecorino Romano
- ⅛ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 8 basil leaves, ripped
- Fresh mozzarella, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the sausage: Remove the casings from the 5 mild Italian sausage links. In a large pot, heat 5 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and brown for about a minute, then use a meat masher or wooden spoon to break the sausage into smaller pieces. Sauté for a few minutes until evenly browned.
- Sauté aromatics and seasonings: Add the chopped garlic (10 cloves), chopped white onion (1 large), 2 teaspoons dried basil, 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, 2 teaspoons garlic powder, 1 teaspoon oregano, 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, and salt & pepper to taste to the pot. Cook together on medium heat for 5-7 minutes until the sausage is browned and the onions and garlic are translucent and fragrant.
- Add flavor base: Stir in 2 heaping tablespoons of Better Than Bouillon roasted chicken base and 2 tablespoons tomato paste. Cook for 1-2 minutes to brown and develop flavor.
- Add liquids and bring to boil: Pour in 4 cups of water, stir well, and bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
- Add crushed tomatoes with additional water: Add the 28 oz can of crushed tomatoes, then fill the can with ½ cup water and add that liquid to the pot as well. Stir and bring the soup back to a boil.
- Add cheese and cream: Add a 1-ounce hunk of Pecorino Romano cheese and 2 cups heavy cream. Adjust salt and pepper as needed. Bring the soup back up to a boil.
- Add raviolis and fresh herbs: Add 1 pound of frozen cheese raviolis, 8 ripped basil leaves, and ⅛ cup chopped fresh parsley to the boiling soup. Stir gently and cook the raviolis for 4-5 minutes until tender and heated through.
- Garnish and serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh mozzarella and additional fresh parsley. Serve hot and enjoy your flavorful one-pot meal!
Notes
- If the sausage, onions, garlic, and seasonings look dry during sautéing, drizzle in some additional olive oil to keep the mixture moist and flavorful.
- The dish relies on the cheese inside the raviolis, so no extra ricotta balls are needed as in some similar recipes.
- Using a good quality chicken base and Pecorino Romano enhances the savory depth of the soup.
- This soup freezes well; store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat gently on the stovetop.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian