Description
Warm, hearty, and brimming with bold Italian flavors, this 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.
Ingredients
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1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
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1 medium onion, diced
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2 medium carrots, diced
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2 celery stalks, diced
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1 medium zucchini, diced
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
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1 can (15 oz) cannellini or kidney beans, drained and rinsed
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1 cup small pasta (e.g., ditalini, elbow, or small shells)
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6 cups vegetable or chicken broth
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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2 tablespoons tomato paste
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1 bay leaf
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1 teaspoon dried oregano
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1 teaspoon dried basil
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½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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2 cups fresh spinach or kale, chopped
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
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Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving
Instructions
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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.
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Add chopped onions, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until vegetables are softened.
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Stir in the garlic, tomato paste, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Add diced tomatoes, beans, zucchini, broth, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer.
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Simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
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Add pasta and cook according to package instructions (usually 7–10 minutes) until al dente.
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Stir in chopped spinach or kale and let wilt for 2–3 minutes.
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Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove bay leaf and garnish with fresh parsley and Parmesan if desired.
Notes
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
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: Italian sausage, minestrone, soup, hearty, comfort food, one-pot meal, meal prep, family dinner