Description
Welcome to this cozy and hearty recipe for Sausage and Pesto Minestrone Soup! Whether you’re looking to warm up on a cold day or want to enjoy a delicious meal packed with flavor and nutrients, this soup is the perfect choice. It combines rich Italian sausage, fresh vegetables, beans, and a swirl of pesto for a comforting yet vibrant dish. Read on to discover how to create this tasty and satisfying soup.
Ingredients
- 16 ounces mild Italian sausage
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 1/2 cups celery, chopped
- 1 1/2 cups carrots, chopped
- 1 6-ounce can tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 15-ounce can Italian-style diced tomatoes
- 5 cups chicken broth
- 1 15-ounce can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 15-ounce can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup zucchini, chopped
- 1 cup yellow squash, chopped
- 1/2 cup dry ditalini pasta
- 2 cups baby spinach
- Basil pesto, to garnish
- Grated parmesan cheese, to garnish
Instructions
- In a large soup pot, brown the Italian sausage over medium heat. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion, celery, carrots, garlic, tomato paste, and oregano. Sauté for about 5 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften and the tomato paste to caramelize.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Allow the soup to simmer for 30-45 minutes, or until the carrots are tender.
- Stir in the cannellini beans, red kidney beans, zucchini, yellow squash, and dry pasta. Continue cooking for another 10 minutes until the pasta is al dente.
- Turn off the heat and stir in the baby spinach. The residual heat will wilt the spinach perfectly in about 5 minutes.
- Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
- Before serving, garnish each bowl with a teaspoon of basil pesto and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
Slow Cooker Instructions
If you prefer using a slow cooker, follow steps 1-3 on the stovetop. Then transfer the mixture to your slow cooker. Add the beans, zucchini, yellow squash, and pasta during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking. Stir in the spinach just before serving, and garnish as directed.
Equipment

2Pcs Heart Shape Cake Pans, Aluminum Heart Cake Mold, Reusable 10 inch
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Kids Chill Leak-Proof Lunch Box – Included Reusable Ice Pack Keeps Food Cold
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- Control the heat: If you prefer a little kick in your soup, feel free to use hot Italian sausage instead of mild.
- Pasta caution: If you plan to have leftovers, you may want to cook the pasta separately and add it to individual bowls. This prevents the pasta from becoming too soft when reheating.
- Consistency adjustment: If your soup becomes too thick as it cooks, add more chicken broth or water to thin it out to your preferred consistency.