Italian Sausage Minestrone Soup (40 Minutes)

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This Italian sausage minestrone soup is a hearty, savory dish that’s ideal for warming up during cold days or for a filling meal any time of the year. This version adds the rich flavor of Italian sausage to the traditional minestrone, making it a more substantial dish. Along with the sausage, the soup includes a variety of vegetables, beans, and pasta, creating a balanced and nutritious meal.

It’s a great way to incorporate different vegetables into your diet, and its robust flavor profile is sure to appeal to those who enjoy a touch of spice in their food. This recipe is straightforward and adaptable, making it a convenient option for both experienced cooks and those new to the kitchen.

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 stalks celery, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 zucchini, chopped
  • 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
  • 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 cup small pasta (e.g., ditalini or elbow macaroni)
  • 2 cups fresh spinach or kale, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Olive oil
  • Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions

  1. Brown the Sausage (10 minutes): Cook the sausage in a large pot until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Remove and set aside.
  2. Sauté Vegetables (5 minutes): In the same pot, add olive oil and sauté the onion, carrots, and celery. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
  3. Add Tomatoes and Beans (2 minutes): Stir in diced tomatoes and cannellini beans.
  4. Add Broth (1 minute): Pour in the broth and bring to a simmer.
  5. Cook Pasta and Spices (10 minutes): Add pasta, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Cook until pasta is al dente.
  6. Add Sausage and Greens (5 minutes): Return sausage to the pot. Add zucchini and greens, cooking until tender.
  7. Serve (2 minutes): Adjust seasoning and serve hot with Parmesan cheese.

Notes

This soup is not just a dish but a template that you can modify based on available ingredients or personal preferences. It’s a filling, flavorful meal that’s both comforting and relatively easy to prepare.

Feel free to substitute or add vegetables like bell peppers, potatoes, or green beans as desired. You really can’t go wrong. Make sure to cook the pasta just until al dente as it will continue to soften in the hot broth.

Serve with crusty bread or a side salad. The soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Enjoy!

*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.heresyourdinner.com/italian-sausage-minestrone-soup-40-minutes/