Sausage Minestrone Soup Recipe

Sausage Minestrone Soup is the kind of cozy, flavor-packed meal that makes you appreciate a single pot of soup for all its wholesome goodness. This recipe brings together the robust, savory flavors of Italian sausage with a medley of vibrant vegetables, pasta, and beans in a fragrant tomato broth. It’s deeply satisfying, easy to prepare, and perfect for any night when you’re craving something comforting but nutritious.

Minestrone, a traditional Italian soup, is known for its versatility. This version gains heartiness and depth from browned Italian sausage, while layers of texture come from carrots, zucchini, celery, and spinach. Kidney and white beans add protein and creaminess, while shell pasta soaks up the rich broth and rounds out the meal. The soup is finished with a generous handful of fresh parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan for a savory bite.

Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or feeding a hungry crowd, this soup delivers warmth and flavor in every bowl. It’s a recipe that satisfies with minimal effort, and it’s just as good (if not better) the next day. Plus, with its colorful ingredients and balanced nutrition, it’s a comforting dish you’ll want to come back to all season long.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. One-pot meal with layers of flavor

Everything cooks in one pot, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully while keeping cleanup easy.

2. Hearty and satisfying

Loaded with sausage, beans, vegetables, and pasta, this soup is a complete meal in every spoonful.

3. Customizable to your pantry

You can switch up the vegetables or beans depending on what you have on hand.

4. Nutritious comfort food

This soup is packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins—perfect for wholesome eating that still tastes indulgent.

5. Great for leftovers

It stores and reheats well, making it ideal for lunches or freezing for busy nights.

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Ingredients

• Italian sausage (crumbled)
• Olive oil
• Zucchini
• Onion
• Carrots
• Celery
• Garlic
• Salt and pepper
• Tomato paste
• Diced tomatoes
• Chicken broth
• Italian seasoning blend (or oregano)
• Kidney beans
• Small white beans
• Green beans
• Small shell pasta
• Baby spinach leaves
• Fresh parsley
• Parmesan cheese (for topping)

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Skip the sausage and use vegetable broth. Add extra beans or mushrooms for heartiness.
• Spicy Kick: Use hot Italian sausage and add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
• Different Greens: Swap spinach for kale or Swiss chard for a sturdier green.
• Pasta-Free: Omit the pasta and serve with crusty bread or over rice for a gluten-free twist.
• Creamy Version: Stir in a splash of cream or grated Parmesan at the end for a creamy, rich broth.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1

In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, brown the crumbled sausage over medium heat until fully cooked. Remove and set aside.

Step 2

In the same pot, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and sauté the zucchini for about 4–5 minutes until slightly golden. Remove and set aside.

Step 3

Add the remaining olive oil and cook onion, carrots, celery, and garlic until softened, about 5–6 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 4

Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen flavor, then add diced tomatoes and chicken broth. Stir to combine.

Step 5

Return the sausage and zucchini to the pot. Add Italian seasoning, kidney beans, white beans, and green beans. Bring to a simmer.

Step 6

Add the shell pasta and simmer until the pasta is tender, about 10–12 minutes.

Step 7

Stir in spinach and parsley just before serving, allowing the greens to wilt.

Step 8

Taste and adjust seasoning. Ladle into bowls and top with grated Parmesan cheese.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Brown the sausage well for deeper flavor. Let it caramelize slightly in the pan.
• Don’t overcook the pasta; al dente is best so it doesn’t get mushy in leftovers.
• Add the spinach at the very end to keep it vibrant and fresh.
• Make a double batch and freeze half for later.
• Use low-sodium broth and season gradually to control saltiness.

How to Serve

Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. It pairs beautifully with a slice of warm, crusty bread or a simple side salad. A drizzle of olive oil or chili flakes can add a bit of flair just before serving.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let the soup cool to room temperature before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavor improves over time.

Freezing

Freeze in individual or family-sized portions for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely and store in freezer-safe containers or bags.

Reheating

Thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water if needed. You can also reheat in the microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.

FAQs

1. Can I use canned beans?

Yes, canned beans work perfectly. Just drain and rinse before adding to the soup.

2. What sausage is best for this recipe?

Mild or hot Italian sausage works well. You can use pork, chicken, or turkey versions.

3. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely. Small pasta shapes like ditalini, elbow macaroni, or orzo are great substitutes.

4. How do I make it gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta or omit it and serve with gluten-free bread.

5. Can I add more vegetables?

Yes, mushrooms, bell peppers, or potatoes can be added depending on your preference.

6. Is this soup spicy?

It depends on the sausage used. Use hot sausage for spice or mild for a gentler flavor.

7. Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?

Yes, vegetable broth works well, especially for a vegetarian version.

8. Will the pasta get mushy in leftovers?

It can soften over time. To prevent this, cook and store pasta separately if planning to make ahead.

9. Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes, brown the sausage and sauté the vegetables first, then transfer everything except pasta and spinach to a slow cooker. Cook on low 6–8 hours. Add pasta and spinach in the last 30 minutes.

10. Can I skip the tomato paste?

The tomato paste adds depth, but in a pinch, you can leave it out or increase the diced tomatoes slightly.

Conclusion

Sausage Minestrone Soup is the ultimate bowl of comfort—rich, hearty, and bursting with texture and flavor. It’s a balanced, nutrient-packed meal you can feel good about serving your family, yet indulgent enough to satisfy any craving. Whether made fresh for dinner or reheated from the freezer, it’s a dish that delivers every time. Easy to adapt and endlessly comforting, this soup deserves a permanent spot in your meal rotation.

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