Welcome, food enthusiasts! Today, we’re diving into a delicious, hearty recipe that will elevate your soup game to new heights: Sausage Minestrone Soup. Perfect for cold days or any time you need a comforting meal, this soup brings together Italian sausage, flavorful vegetables, and a touch of pesto. It’s sure to become a family favorite, and the best part? It can be made in a slow cooker for added convenience!
Introduction
Minestrone soup is a staple in Italian cuisine, known for its versatility and richness in vegetables. However, this Sausage Minestrone Soup takes a traditional classic and transforms it with the savory addition of Italian sausage and the aromatic hint of pesto. This dish brings together the comforting qualities of a warm soup with an enhanced flavor profile, perfect for anyone who loves robust and comforting meals.
This soup is the ideal choice for busy days as it can be prepared in a slow cooker or on the stovetop, making it an easy option for weeknight dinners or meal prep. Packed with protein, vegetables, and a sprinkle of Parmesan, this Sausage Minestrone Soup is a must-try for soup lovers!
External Resources
To discover more hearty recipes, check out these comforting dishes on Ultimate Cowboy Casserole and a tasty appetizer like Sausage Balls with Red Lobster Mix.
Ingredients for Sausage Minestrone Soup
Here’s everything you need to create this hearty soup:
- 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, for garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
Optional substitutions:
- For a vegetarian version, replace sausage with plant-based alternatives.
- Gluten-free pasta options can be used to accommodate dietary restrictions.
How to Make Sausage Minestrone Soup – Step by Step
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
In a large soup pot, brown the Italian sausage over medium heat. Drain any excess fat for a cleaner, lighter base.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
While the sausage cooks, chop the onion, celery, carrots, and garlic. Add them to the pot once the sausage is browned, along with the tomato paste and dried oregano. Sauté for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 3: Add Broth and Tomatoes
Stir in the canned Italian-style diced tomatoes and chicken broth. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let the soup cook for 30-45 minutes until the carrots are tender.
Step 4: Add Beans and Vegetables
Add the cannellini beans, red kidney beans, zucchini, and yellow squash. Also, toss in the dry ditalini pasta. Bring the soup back to a boil, then lower the heat to a simmer, cooking for 10 more minutes until the pasta is al dente.
Step 5: Finish with Spinach
Turn off the heat and stir in the baby spinach. Let it sit for 5 minutes to wilt the spinach. Garnish each bowl with a spoonful of basil pesto and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
Slow Cooker Method
If you prefer a slow cooker, follow steps 1-3 and transfer the contents into a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Add the beans, zucchini, squash, and pasta during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
Helpful Tips for Sausage Minestrone Soup
- Use fresh vegetables: Fresh zucchini and squash add extra texture and flavor.
- For a creamier soup: Add a splash of cream or a dollop of ricotta.
- Make it spicy: If you prefer a kick, use hot Italian sausage instead of mild.
Cooking Tips for the Best Sausage Minestrone Soup
- Brown the sausage thoroughly: This enhances the depth of flavor.
- Don’t overcook the pasta: Add the pasta towards the end to ensure it doesn’t get too soft.
- Use quality chicken broth: A rich, low-sodium broth makes a big difference in flavor.
Serving Suggestions for Sausage Minestrone Soup
This hearty soup pairs beautifully with a crusty loaf of bread, such as a sourdough or Italian baguette. Serve alongside a light green salad with a citrus vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast. For beverages, a glass of red wine, like Chianti, complements the savory sausage and pesto beautifully.
Nutritional Information
This Sausage Minestrone Soup is packed with protein and vegetables, making it both delicious and nutritious.
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Protein: 19g
- Fiber: 6g
- Vitamin A: 45% DV
- Vitamin C: 35% DV
Storage and Leftovers for Sausage Minestrone Soup
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stove over medium heat until warmed through.
- Freezing: Freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat.
- Reheating: If the soup thickens upon storage, add a little extra chicken broth when reheating to bring it back to the desired consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Sausage Minestrone Soup
1. Can I use other types of sausage?
Yes, you can substitute Italian sausage with turkey or chicken sausage, or even a plant-based sausage for a vegetarian option.
2. What can I use instead of ditalini pasta?
Small pasta varieties like elbow macaroni or orzo are great alternatives.
3. How can I make this soup gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and ensure that your sausage and broth are gluten-free as well.
4. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! Minestrone soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.
Related Recipes for Soup Lovers
Looking for more comforting soup ideas? Check out these recipes:
Conclusion
This Sausage Minestrone Soup recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a comforting, hearty meal that’s packed with flavor. Whether you’re cooking on the stovetop or using a slow cooker, this dish is sure to impress with its rich flavors and ease of preparation. Try it out today and let us know your favorite twists or variations in the comments!
Enjoy cooking and don’t forget to add that spoonful of pesto for an extra burst of flavor!
Print
Sausage Minestrone Soup Recipe – Hearty, Flavorful & Easy
Description
Welcome, food enthusiasts! Today, we’re diving into a delicious, hearty recipe that will elevate your soup game to new heights: Sausage Minestrone Soup. Perfect for cold days or any time you need a comforting meal, this soup brings together Italian sausage, flavorful vegetables, and a touch of pesto. It’s sure to become a family favorite, and the best part? It can be made in a slow cooker for added convenience!
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, for garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
Optional substitutions:
- For a vegetarian version, replace sausage with plant-based alternatives.
- Gluten-free pasta options can be used to accommodate dietary restrictions.
Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
In a large soup pot, brown the Italian sausage over medium heat. Drain any excess fat for a cleaner, lighter base.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
While the sausage cooks, chop the onion, celery, carrots, and garlic. Add them to the pot once the sausage is browned, along with the tomato paste and dried oregano. Sauté for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 3: Add Broth and Tomatoes
Stir in the canned Italian-style diced tomatoes and chicken broth. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let the soup cook for 30-45 minutes until the carrots are tender.
Step 4: Add Beans and Vegetables
Add the cannellini beans, red kidney beans, zucchini, and yellow squash. Also, toss in the dry ditalini pasta. Bring the soup back to a boil, then lower the heat to a simmer, cooking for 10 more minutes until the pasta is al dente.
Step 5: Finish with Spinach
Turn off the heat and stir in the baby spinach. Let it sit for 5 minutes to wilt the spinach. Garnish each bowl with a spoonful of basil pesto and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
Slow Cooker Method
If you prefer a slow cooker, follow steps 1-3 and transfer the contents into a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Add the beans, zucchini, squash, and pasta during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
Equipment
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- Use fresh vegetables: Fresh zucchini and squash add extra texture and flavor.
- For a creamier soup: Add a splash of cream or a dollop of ricotta.
- Make it spicy: If you prefer a kick, use hot Italian sausage instead of mild.
