Savory Minestrone Soup
A hearty, savory minestrone soup featuring sausage, vegetables, beans, and pasta, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings with robust flavors.
Ingredients
- 3/4 lb fresh or smoked sausage ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp cooking oil ⓘ
- 1 c onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 c carrots, sliced ⓘ
- 2 small zucchini, sliced ⓘ
- 10 3/4 oz can beef broth ⓘ
- 10 3/4 oz can Italian tomato soup ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c water ⓘ
- 16 oz can Great Northern beans (undrained) ⓘ
- 1 c bow-shaped pasta (uncooked) ⓘ
Instructions
- Slice the sausage into 1/4 inch pieces.
- Brown the sausage lightly in oil in a large soup pot, stirring often to prevent sticking and burning.
- Add chopped onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and sliced zucchini to the pot.
- Cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Add beef broth, Italian tomato soup, and water to the pot and bring to a boil.
- Stir in the undrained Great Northern beans and uncooked pasta.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer about 15 minutes or until the pasta is cooked, stirring occasionally.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier soup, consider adding more vegetables such as spinach or kale. If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the sausage with plant-based sausage or omit it altogether. You can also use different types of beans like kidney or black beans. Adjust the seasoning with Italian herbs for extra flavor, complementing the dish's Italian roots.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the minestrone soup hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. For a twist, consider serving it alongside Noodles Milanese for an Italian-inspired feast.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, warm on the stove over medium heat until heated through, adding a splash of water if the soup has thickened. It also freezes well; just ensure it's cooled completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Savory Minestrone Soup contains roughly 1019 calories, with 23g protein, 118g carbohydrates, and 54g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (233% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (80% of the Daily Value), and potassium (51% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 768mg per serving (33% 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 in advance?
Absolutely! This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Prepare it ahead of time and refrigerate. Just reheat on the stove when ready to serve. If making it more than a day ahead, consider undercooking the pasta slightly to prevent it from becoming too soft during storage.
What can I substitute for the sausage?
If you're looking for alternatives to sausage, ground turkey or chicken can work well. For a vegetarian option, use lentils or mushrooms for a meaty texture. Season with smoked paprika to mimic the flavor profile of smoked sausage, enhancing the savory depth of the soup.
Can I add more vegetables to this soup?
Yes, feel free to add any of your favorite vegetables! Spinach, green beans, or bell peppers would be great additions. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly so everything is tender yet still vibrant. This flexibility makes it a fantastic choice for using up leftover veggies.
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).