Cozy Up with a Rustic Hearty Minestrone with Sausage Recipe

Steaming bowls of hearty minestrone with sausage bring comfort on even the coldest winter nights.

Rich vegetables mingle with tender meat in this classic Italian soup.

Savory sausage adds depth and warmth to every spoonful.

Packed with nutritious ingredients, this recipe offers a perfect balance of flavor and nutrition.

Chopped herbs and robust seasonings elevate the soup’s rustic charm.

Each bite promises a delightful journey through traditional Italian culinary traditions.

You’ll want to ladle this soul-warming soup into bowls and savor every delicious moment.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 320 kcal

Servings: 6

Inside the Pantry for Minestrone with Sausage

• Sausage: Provides rich, meaty flavor and hearty texture; choose Italian-style for deeper taste profile.
• Chicken or Vegetable Broth: Creates robust liquid foundation for soup; select low-sodium versions for better control of saltiness.

• Onion, Carrots, Celery: Classic soup base providing depth and aromatic foundation; select firm, vibrant vegetables for maximum freshness.
• Zucchini, Green Beans: Add nutritional variety and tender texture; pick crisp, bright green specimens without blemishes.
• Spinach or Kale: Introduces leafy green nutrients and color; choose crisp leaves without wilting.
• Garlic: Delivers intense flavor punch; fresh cloves offer superior taste compared to pre-minced versions.
• Diced Tomatoes: Contributes tangy acidic element and rich color; canned varieties work perfectly.

• Pasta: Provides satisfying substance; choose small shapes like shells or rotini for easy eating.
• Cannellini Beans: Offers creamy protein and texture; rinse canned beans thoroughly to reduce sodium.
• Oregano, Basil, Red Pepper Flakes: Infuse authentic Italian seasoning; dried herbs work wonderfully.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential for balancing overall flavor profile.
• Parmesan Cheese, Fresh Parsley: Optional garnish adding final flavor complexity and visual appeal.

Gear Guide for Minestrone with Sausage

• Large Pot: Essential for cooking sausage, sautéing vegetables, and simmering the entire soup.
• Slotted Spoon: Perfect for removing browned sausage without excess oil.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping vegetables like onions, carrots, and celery.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp and reliable for precise vegetable cutting.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and breaking up sausage while cooking.
• Ladle: Ideal for serving the hot soup into bowls.
• Measuring Spoons: Helpful for adding precise amounts of herbs and seasonings.

Your Game Plan for Minestrone with Sausage

• Brown the Sausage

Warm a big pot and sizzle olive oil. Toss in sausage and break it into tiny pieces, cooking until it’s golden and fully done. Scoop out the meat and set aside.

• Soften the Veggies

In the same pot, drop onions, carrots, and celery. Dance them around until they become tender. Toss in garlic and let it release its aroma for a quick moment.

• Create the Soup Foundation

Mix in zucchini, green beans, and tomatoes. Pour broth and sprinkle herbs and spices. Let everything bubble up to a boil.

• Develop the Flavors

Lower the heat and let the soup simmer, allowing ingredients to get friendly and blend their tastes.

• Add Pasta and Beans

Stir in pasta and cannellini beans. Cook until pasta becomes perfectly soft and tender.

• Final Touch

Return sausage to the pot and fold in leafy greens. Let them gently wilt for a couple minutes.

• Serve and Enjoy

Ladle into bowls and crown with a sprinkle of Parmesan and fresh parsley if you’re feeling fancy. Grab some crusty bread and dig in!

Flavor Hacks for Minestrone with Sausage

• Soup-Making Perfection: Learn pro techniques to elevate your minestrone game.
• Veggie Swap Magic: Replace meat sausage with plant-based sausage or extra beans for a vegetarian version that's equally delicious and protein-packed.
• Slow Cooker Hack: Transfer all ingredients except pasta and greens to slow cooker, cook on low for 6-8 hours, then add pasta and greens 30 minutes before serving for a hands-off meal preparation.
• Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Prepare large batches and freeze in individual containers, leaving out pasta to prevent mushiness. When reheating, cook fresh pasta directly in the thawed soup.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute regular pasta with gluten-free pasta or replace pasta with quinoa for a nutrient-dense alternative that maintains the soup's hearty texture and flavor profile.

Serving Time Tips for Minestrone with Sausage

• Cozy Bread Companion: Slice some warm, crusty Italian bread or rustic sourdough to dunk into the rich, flavorful soup. The bread will soak up the delicious broth and add a delightful texture to each bite.
• Hearty Side Salad Pairing: Toss a crisp green salad with mixed lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette to balance the heartiness of the minestrone. The fresh salad provides a refreshing contrast to the warm, robust soup.
• Cheese Lover's Topping: Sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese generously over the soup, or add a dollop of ricotta for a creamy, indulgent touch. The cheese melts slightly into the soup, creating an extra layer of richness and flavor.
• Wine Companion: Pour a glass of medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the savory sausage and vegetable-packed soup. The wine's acidity and warmth will enhance the overall dining experience.

Keep It Fresh for Minestrone with Sausage

• Fridge Fresh Tactics: Store the minestrone in airtight containers, keeping it refrigerated for 3-4 days. Separate the pasta and soup if possible to prevent soggy noodles.
• Smart Freezing Strategy: Freeze soup portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Exclude pasta during freezing, adding fresh noodles when reheating to maintain texture.
• Reheating Magic: Warm soup slowly on stovetop, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth to restore moisture and prevent scorching. Microwave works well in short bursts, stirring between intervals.
• Lunch Prep Champion: Portion soup into individual containers for quick grab-and-go meals. Pack bread or crackers separately to keep them crisp. Ideal for work lunches or busy weekday meals.

Hearty Minestrone With Sausage Recipe

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4.5 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Hearty minestrone with sausage brings Italian countryside comfort to kitchen tables. Robust vegetables, tender beans, and savory sausage create a soulful soup you’ll savor with each spoonful.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb (450g) Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 zucchini, diced
• 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 cups fresh spinach or kale, chopped
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 1 can (14.5 oz, 411 g) diced tomatoes
• 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 can (15 oz, 425 g) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup small pasta (e.g., ditalini or elbow)
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Sausage Searing: Heat a large pot over medium flame and cook sausage, breaking into crumbly bits until golden and fully rendered. Remove sausage and set aside, preserving the flavorful residue.
2. Vegetable Foundation: In the same pot, sauté onions, carrots, and celery until softened and translucent. Add garlic and briefly toast to release its aromatic potential.
3. Liquid Integration: Combine zucchini, green beans, and tomatoes with the vegetable base. Pour broth and season with oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Bring to a robust boil, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Pasta and Bean Harmony: Introduce pasta and cannellini beans, cooking until pasta reaches perfect al dente texture, approximately 8 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
5. Final Composition: Return sausage to the pot and fold in spinach or kale, allowing greens to wilt and meld with the soup’s rich profile. Adjust seasoning if needed.
6. Serving Presentation: Ladle the vibrant minestrone into bowls. Optionally, crown with freshly grated Parmesan and chopped parsley. Serve alongside a crusty bread slice for a complete culinary experience.

Notes

• Manage Meat Temperature: Cook sausage until internal temperature reaches 160°F to ensure complete food safety and prevent potential bacterial risks.
• Optimize Vegetable Texture: Cut vegetables uniformly to guarantee consistent cooking and maintain balanced texture throughout the minestrone soup.
• Control Pasta Doneness: Add pasta toward the end of cooking to prevent overcooking and maintain ideal al dente consistency, preventing mushy texture.
• Customize Dietary Needs: Substitute meat sausage with plant-based alternatives like vegetarian sausage or additional beans for vegetarian/vegan adaptations, keeping soup’s robust flavor profile intact.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg