Sausage Minestrone Soup Recipe

Warm, hearty, and brimming with bold Italian flavors, Sausage Minestrone Soup is the ultimate comfort food with a twist. Combining the classic vegetable-packed base of traditional minestrone with the savory richness of sausage, this soup elevates weeknight dinners into something truly satisfying. It’s a one-pot meal that’s nourishing, comforting, and guaranteed to please a crowd.

Traditionally, minestrone is a vegetable-based soup filled with beans, pasta, and herbs. By adding sausage, you introduce a deep, meaty flavor that complements the earthy vegetables and fragrant Italian spices. Whether you’re dealing with chilly weather or just need a soul-warming dish, this recipe delivers both flavor and nutrition in every spoonful.

Perfect for meal prepping or feeding a large family, this Sausage Minestrone Soup is as versatile as it is delicious. You can adjust the ingredients to suit what you have on hand or what’s in season. Serve it with a slice of crusty bread or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan for a meal that tastes like it came from an Italian kitchen—but made easily in your own home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Rich, Savory Flavor: The addition of sausage brings depth and a satisfying umami taste.
2. Packed with Nutrients: Loaded with vegetables, beans, and broth for a well-balanced meal.
3. One-Pot Meal: Minimal cleanup and maximum convenience—perfect for busy days.
4. Freezer-Friendly: Great for batch cooking and enjoying throughout the week or month.
5. Customizable: Swap vegetables, beans, or pasta to match your pantry or dietary needs.

Ingredients

• Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
• Onion
• Carrots
• Celery
• Zucchini
• Garlic
• Canned diced tomatoes
• Cannellini beans or kidney beans
• Pasta (e.g., small shells, elbow, ditalini)
• Vegetable or chicken broth
• Olive oil
• Tomato paste
• Bay leaf
• Dried oregano
• Dried basil
• Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Spinach or kale
• Fresh parsley
• Grated Parmesan (optional)

Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Omit the sausage and add extra beans or plant-based sausage alternatives.
• Spicy Kick: Use hot Italian sausage or add more red pepper flakes.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta or replace with rice or quinoa.
• Low-Carb Option: Skip the pasta and add more leafy greens or cauliflower florets.
• Slow Cooker Version: Brown sausage and add all ingredients to a slow cooker; cook on low for 6–8 hours.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1:

Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove excess grease if needed.

Step 2:

Add chopped onions, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until vegetables are softened.

Step 3:

Stir in the garlic, tomato paste, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. Cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 4:

Add diced tomatoes, beans, zucchini, broth, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer.

Step 5:

Simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.

Step 6:

Add pasta and cook according to package instructions (usually 7–10 minutes) until al dente.

Step 7:

Stir in chopped spinach or kale and let wilt for 2–3 minutes.

Step 8:

Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove bay leaf and garnish with fresh parsley and Parmesan if desired.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Brown the sausage well to develop deep, caramelized flavor.
• Add pasta toward the end to prevent it from getting mushy.
• Adjust broth quantity depending on how thick or soupy you like your minestrone.
• Use seasonal vegetables for variety and added freshness.
• Leftovers taste even better the next day after the flavors have melded.

How to Serve

Serve hot, ladled into bowls and topped with fresh herbs and grated Parmesan cheese. Pair with crusty bread, garlic toast, or a light salad for a complete meal. It also goes well with a glass of red wine for a cozy dinner experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let the soup cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stove or microwave before serving.

Freezing

Freeze in individual portions or family-sized containers for up to 3 months. Avoid freezing with pasta if possible—add fresh pasta when reheating for best texture.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat, adding more broth if needed to loosen. Microwave in 1–2 minute increments, stirring between intervals.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken sausage instead?

Yes! Chicken or turkey sausage works great for a lighter version.

2. What pasta shape is best for minestrone?

Small shapes like ditalini, elbow, or small shells are ideal.

3. Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes—just skip the Parmesan or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.

4. Is this soup spicy?

It depends on the sausage and red pepper flakes. Use mild sausage for a kid-friendly version.

5. Can I add potatoes?

Absolutely! Dice them small and add with the broth so they cook through.

6. Should I drain the beans?

Yes, rinse and drain canned beans to reduce sodium and control thickness.

7. Can I add more greens?

Definitely! Spinach, kale, or even Swiss chard make great additions.

8. Can I cook the pasta separately?

Yes, especially if you plan to store leftovers—this prevents the pasta from getting soggy.

9. Can I make this ahead for a party?

Yes! Make it a day ahead and reheat before serving—it tastes even better the next day.

10. What’s the best broth to use?

Chicken broth gives a richer flavor, but vegetable broth works well too, especially for a vegetarian adaptation.

Conclusion

Sausage Minestrone Soup is a flavorful and hearty twist on a classic Italian favorite. With its combination of protein-rich sausage, tender vegetables, filling pasta, and bold herbs, it’s the kind of dish that satisfies every craving in a single bowl. Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping, or just want something cozy and delicious, this soup is a guaranteed hit. Try it once, and it’s sure to become a regular in your recipe rotation.

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