Sausage Minestrone Soup: The Ultimate Comfort Recipe
Introduction to Sausage Minestrone Soup
When the weather gets chilly and the days get shorter, nothing warms the soul quite like a big bowl of Sausage Minestrone Soup. This hearty Italian dish combines flavorful ground sausage with a medley of fresh vegetables and tender pasta, creating a comforting meal that is perfect for any night of the week. Whether you’re looking to enjoy a cozy dinner at home or impress your family with a delicious homemade soup, this recipe has you covered!
A Personal Story Behind My Sausage Minestrone Soup Journey
Growing up, my grandmother would often make her famous minestrone soup on cold winter evenings. The aroma would fill the entire house, inviting everyone to gather around the table. As I began to cook, I realized that her recipe was not just about the ingredients, but the love and warmth shared with family. This Sausage Minestrone Soup is my take on her classic recipe, infused with my own memories and flavors that bring comfort and joy to my home.
What Makes This Sausage Minestrone Soup Recipe Special?
This recipe stands out due to its perfect balance of flavors and textures. The ground Italian sausage adds a savory richness, while the fresh vegetables provide a delightful crunch. The ditalini pasta makes each spoonful satisfying, and the addition of spinach not only boosts the nutritional value but also adds a pop of color. Plus, it’s a one-pot meal, making cleanup a breeze!
The Full Sausage Minestrone Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 ribs celery, diced
- 4 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 1 medium zucchini, diced
- 1 can (15 ounces) petite diced tomatoes, with juices
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 can (15 ounces) cannellini beans, drained, rinsed
- 6 cups (48 ounces) chicken broth
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 ½ cups (140 g) ditalini pasta, uncooked
- 2 cups (60 g) fresh baby spinach, roughly chopped
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks for about 6-8 minutes. If needed, drain excess grease and set the sausage aside on a plate.
- In the same pot, add olive oil, onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, approximately 5 minutes. Tip: Stir frequently to ensure even cooking.
- Stir in garlic and zucchini, cooking for an additional 2 minutes. Tip: Garlic burns easily, so keep an eye on it!
- Return the cooked sausage to the pot. Add diced tomatoes, tomato paste, cannellini beans, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes.
- Add the ditalini pasta and cook until al dente, around 8-10 minutes or as per package instructions. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Mix in the chopped spinach and cook for 1-2 minutes until wilted.
- Serve warm. Enjoy this comforting soup with a side of crusty bread or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top!
Serving Suggestions and Variations for Sausage Minestrone Soup
This soup is incredibly versatile! You can serve it with a side of garlic bread or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal. For a twist, try adding different vegetables like green beans or bell peppers. You can also swap the pasta for quinoa or rice for a gluten-free option. The soup can be stored in the fridge for up to three days or frozen for later, making it perfect for meal prep!
Frequently Asked Questions About Sausage Minestrone Soup
Can I make this soup vegetarian? Yes! Simply omit the sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
How do I store leftovers? Allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Can I add other proteins? Absolutely! You can add diced chicken or turkey for a different flavor.
Recipe Stats
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Calories per Serving: 350
- Servings: 6
Sausage Minestrone Soup
Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven Use for cooking the soup.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 ribs celery, diced
- 4 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 1 medium zucchini, diced
- 15 ounces petite diced tomatoes, with juices
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 15 ounces cannellini beans, drained, rinsed
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 0.5 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1.5 cups ditalini pasta, uncooked
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach, roughly chopped
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks for about 6-8 minutes. If needed, drain excess grease and set the sausage aside on a plate.
- In the same pot, add olive oil, onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, approximately 5 minutes.
- Stir in garlic and zucchini, cooking for an additional 2 minutes.
- Return the cooked sausage to the pot. Add diced tomatoes, tomato paste, cannellini beans, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes.
- Add the ditalini pasta and cook until al dente, around 8-10 minutes or as per package instructions. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Mix in the chopped spinach and cook for 1-2 minutes until wilted.
- Serve warm.