Sausage minestrone soup is a hearty, flavorful Italian-inspired dish packed with tender vegetables, savory sausage, beans, and pasta in a rich tomato broth. This one-pot meal is perfect for chilly nights, meal prep, or a comforting family dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich & Flavorful – The sausage adds a deep, savory taste to the classic minestrone.
- Easy One-Pot Meal – Minimal cleanup and simple preparation.
- Nutritious & Hearty – Packed with protein, fiber, and fresh vegetables.
- Great for Meal Prep – Freezer-friendly and perfect for leftovers.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Soup:
- Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
- Olive oil
- Onion, diced
- Carrots, chopped
- Celery, chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Canned diced tomatoes (fire-roasted for extra flavor)
- Tomato paste
- Chicken or vegetable broth
- Canned white beans (cannellini or great northern), drained and rinsed
- Zucchini, chopped
- Green beans, chopped
- Small pasta (ditalini, elbow, or shells)
- Dried oregano
- Dried basil
- Bay leaf
- Red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
- Salt & black pepper
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped
- Parmesan cheese, grated
Directions
Cook the Sausage & Vegetables:
- Brown the Sausage – In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sausage, breaking it apart, and cook until browned. Remove excess grease if needed.
- Sauté Aromatics – Add onions, carrots, celery, and garlic. Cook for 5 minutes until softened.
Simmer the Soup:
- Add Tomatoes & Broth – Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato paste, broth, oregano, basil, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a simmer.
- Add Beans & Vegetables – Stir in white beans, zucchini, and green beans. Simmer for 15 minutes.
Cook the Pasta & Serve:
- Add Pasta – Stir in small pasta and cook until tender, about 8-10 minutes.
- Adjust Seasoning – Taste and add red pepper flakes, more salt, or black pepper if needed.
- Garnish & Serve – Remove bay leaf, then top with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6-8
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Variations
- Gluten-Free Version – Use gluten-free pasta or omit it entirely.
- Low-Carb Option – Skip the pasta and add extra vegetables.
- Vegetarian Version – Use plant-based sausage or extra beans.
- Creamy Minestrone – Stir in a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk for a creamy twist.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigerate – Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze – Freeze for up to 3 months (without pasta for best results).
- Reheat – Warm on the stovetop or microwave, adding extra broth if needed.
FAQs
Can I use different sausage?
Yes! Try turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or even chorizo for a twist.
Should I cook the pasta separately?
If storing leftovers, cook pasta separately to prevent it from absorbing too much liquid.
Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! Spinach, kale, or bell peppers are great additions.
What’s the best type of beans for minestrone?
Cannellini beans, great northern beans, or kidney beans work best.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the sausage first, then cook all ingredients (except pasta) on low for 6-8 hours. Add pasta in the last 30 minutes.
How do I thicken the broth?
Mash some of the beans or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 2 tsp water).
What can I serve with this soup?
Crusty bread, garlic bread, or a side salad pairs perfectly.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, use about 4 cups of chopped fresh tomatoes.
How do I make it spicier?
Use spicy sausage and add extra red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.
Can I use a different type of broth?
Yes, beef or bone broth adds a deeper flavor.
Conclusion
Sausage minestrone soup is a comforting, flavorful, and nutrient-packed meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you make it for a cozy dinner or meal prep for the week, this hearty soup will keep you warm and satisfied. Try it today!
Print
Sausage Minestrone Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Sausage Minestrone Soup is a hearty, comforting dish packed with Italian sausage, fresh vegetables, beans, pasta, and a flavorful broth. It’s perfect for chilly nights and meal prep!
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can cannellini or kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- 3/4 cup small pasta (ditalini, elbow, or small shells)
- 2 cups fresh spinach or kale, chopped
For Garnish:
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Crusty bread (for serving)
Instructions
Cook the Sausage & Vegetables:
-
Sauté the Sausage:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add Italian sausage, breaking it apart, and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned.
- Remove excess grease if needed.
-
Cook the Aromatics:
- Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery, cooking for 3-4 minutes until softened.
-
Add the Vegetables & Beans:
- Stir in zucchini, bell pepper, diced tomatoes, and beans.
Simmer the Soup:
-
Add the Broth & Seasoning:
- Pour in chicken broth and stir in Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 15 minutes.
-
Cook the Pasta:
- Stir in pasta and cook for 10 minutes, until tender.
-
Add Greens:
- Stir in spinach or kale and cook for 2 minutes until wilted.
Serve & Enjoy:
- Garnish & Serve:
- Ladle into bowls and top with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.
- Serve hot with crusty bread or garlic toast.
Notes
- Want a smoky twist? Use smoked sausage or chorizo instead.
- For a gluten-free version, swap pasta for quinoa or rice.
- Make it ahead: Soup can be stored in the fridge for 4 days or frozen for 3 months (add fresh pasta when reheating).