Sausage Minestrone Soup

Sausage Minestrone Soup is a hearty and comforting dish packed with savory sausage, vegetables, beans, and pasta. It’s the perfect meal for a cozy evening or when you want something filling yet easy to make. The rich, flavorful broth, paired with Italian sausage, creates a satisfying soup that’s brimming with nutritious ingredients like spinach, zucchini, and carrots. This soup is a complete meal in itself and offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures with every bite.

The combination of tender vegetables, beans, and the deliciously seasoned broth makes it a crowd-pleaser, while the sausage adds a delicious depth of flavor that everyone will love. Plus, it’s a great way to enjoy a healthy dose of vegetables and lean protein in one meal. Serve it with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top for that final touch of richness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Hearty and Filling

Packed with Italian sausage, beans, pasta, and fresh vegetables, this soup is incredibly satisfying and will keep you full for hours.

2. Easy to Make

With a simple combination of ingredients and quick cooking steps, this soup comes together easily, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or meal prep.

3. Flavorful and Savory

The Italian sausage, combined with a mix of herbs and seasonings, gives this soup a rich and savory flavor that’s sure to please your taste buds.

4. Customizable

You can easily adjust the vegetables, beans, or pasta to suit your preferences, making this soup highly adaptable to your tastes and dietary needs.

5. Nutrient-Rich

With vegetables like zucchini, carrots, and spinach, this soup is full of vitamins and minerals, while the beans and sausage provide lean protein.

Ingredients

• ¾ pound Italian sausage (crumbled, about three links)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
• 1 cup zucchini (quartered and sliced, about a medium zucchini)
• ½ cup onion (diced)
• ½ cup carrots (peeled and sliced, about 2 small carrots)
• ½ cup celery (sliced, about 2 stalks)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• ¼ cup tomato paste
• 14-ounce can diced tomatoes
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning blend (or dried oregano)
• 15-ounce can kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
• 15-ounce can small white beans
• ½ cup cut green beans (frozen is fine)
• ½ cup small shell pasta
• 2 cups baby spinach leaves
• ¼ cup chopped parsley
• Parmesan cheese (for topping)

Variations

• Use Different Sausage: You can substitute Italian sausage with turkey sausage or chicken sausage for a lighter version of the soup.
• Add More Veggies: Feel free to add more vegetables like bell peppers, tomatoes, or even kale to the soup for extra nutrition.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta instead of the small shell pasta to make this soup gluten-free.
• Spicy Kick: If you enjoy a bit of heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to spice things up.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the crumbled Italian sausage and cook until browned and cooked through, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Remove the sausage and set it aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pot, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the diced onion, sliced carrots, celery, and zucchini. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Add Tomato Paste and Seasonings

Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another minute. Then, add the Italian seasoning (or dried oregano), salt, and pepper, stirring to combine.

Step 4: Add Broth and Tomatoes

Pour in the chicken broth and add the diced tomatoes. Stir to combine, then bring the soup to a simmer over medium heat.

Step 5: Add Beans and Pasta

Once the soup is simmering, add the kidney beans, white beans, green beans, and pasta. Continue to cook for 10-12 minutes until the pasta is tender.

Step 6: Add Spinach and Parsley

Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the baby spinach leaves and chopped parsley. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the spinach has wilted and everything is heated through.

Step 7: Serve

Ladle the soup into bowls and top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Serve hot, and enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Sauté the Vegetables Well: Sautéing the vegetables before adding the liquid helps bring out their flavors and adds depth to the soup.
• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Make sure to add the pasta toward the end of cooking to avoid it becoming mushy.
• Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Taste the soup before serving and adjust the salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning as needed.
• Make It Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño pepper if you like a spicy kick.

How to Serve

Sausage Minestrone Soup is perfect on its own as a filling meal. Serve it with a side of crusty bread or a simple salad for a complete meal. You can also pair it with garlic bread or a light vinaigrette salad to balance out the richness of the soup.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This soup keeps well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Store it in an airtight container and reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a bit of broth if needed to loosen the soup.

Freezing

Sausage Minestrone Soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. To freeze, let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove.

Reheating

To reheat, place the soup in a pot and heat over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup has thickened, you can add a little extra broth to reach your desired consistency.

FAQs

Can I use different types of beans?

Yes, you can substitute kidney beans and white beans with other beans like chickpeas or black beans if you prefer.

Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?

Yes, you can easily swap chicken broth for vegetable broth to make this soup vegetarian.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, this soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. The flavors actually improve after a day or two.

Is this soup gluten-free?

If you use gluten-free pasta, the soup can be made gluten-free. Just be sure to check all ingredients for gluten.

How can I make this soup spicier?

Add crushed red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño pepper for extra heat.

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make this soup in a slow cooker by browning the sausage and sautéing the vegetables first, then adding them to the slow cooker with the rest of the ingredients. Cook on low for 4-6 hours.

Can I use fresh spinach instead of baby spinach?

Yes, fresh spinach can be used instead of baby spinach, just chop it before adding it to the soup.

How do I store leftover soup?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze the soup for up to 3 months.

Can I use store-bought pasta sauce instead of tomato paste?

Yes, you can substitute tomato paste with pasta sauce, though it will slightly change the flavor.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can omit the Parmesan cheese and use a dairy-free cheese substitute to make it dairy-free.

Conclusion

Sausage Minestrone Soup is the ultimate comfort food, packed with flavor, protein, and plenty of veggies. It’s a quick and easy meal that’s perfect for any occasion, from a weeknight dinner to a hearty lunch. Whether you enjoy it as a light meal or pair it with some crusty bread for a more filling dinner, this soup is sure to become a family favorite.

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