Sausage And Minestrone Soup
A hearty Italian-inspired soup blending sausage, vegetables, beans, and pasta in a flavorful broth, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb. bulk Italian sausage ⓘ
- 1 c. chopped onion ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped
- 8 c. water
- 1 (28 oz.) can tomatoes, undrained and broken up ⓘ
- 5 tsp. beef bouillon cubes or packets ⓘ
- 4 tsp. Italian seasoning ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 2 medium carrots, pared and sliced ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz.) can garbanzo beans or kidney beans, drained ⓘ
- 1 (9 oz.) pkg. frozen cut green beans, thawed ⓘ
- 8 oz. spaghetti, broken, cooked ⓘ
- grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large pot, brown the sausage, chopped onion, and chopped garlic.
- Pour off the fat. Add water, broken-up tomatoes, beef bouillon, Italian seasoning, pepper, and sliced carrots. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 1 hour.
- Stir in drained beans and cooked pasta.
- Bring back to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes until beans are tender.
- Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier soup, consider adding diced potatoes or zucchini. You can substitute the Italian sausage with turkey sausage for a lighter option. If you're out of beef bouillon, vegetable bouillon works well too. Feel free to experiment with different beans such as cannellini for a unique twist. This soup can be made in advance, and the flavors deepen over time.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this minestrone soup hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor. It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a fresh green salad, making for a complete meal. For a comforting dinner, consider serving alongside an Easy Lasagna Recipe or Italian recipes that highlight hearty flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of water or broth to reach your desired consistency. It also freezes well for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sausage And Minestrone Soup contains roughly 818 calories, with 35g protein, 138g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (111% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (92% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1156mg per serving (50% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this minestrone soup vegetarian by omitting the Italian sausage and using vegetable broth instead of water. Add more vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to enhance the flavor and texture. You can also include additional beans or lentils for protein.
How can I adjust the spice level?
To adjust the spice level, you can add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce while cooking. If you prefer a milder flavor, use sweet Italian sausage instead of spicy varieties. Always taste as you go to ensure the soup meets your heat preference.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Absolutely! If using fresh tomatoes, about 4-5 medium-sized tomatoes should suffice. Blanch and peel them before chopping to remove the skins. Fresh tomatoes may yield a lighter flavor, so you might want to add a bit more seasoning to achieve the desired taste.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).