Minestrone Soup with Sausage: A Hearty Italian Recipe

There’s something incredibly special about a warm, bubbling pot on the stove, isn’t there? It’s the kind of warmth that reaches out and wraps around you like a cozy blanket on a crisp evening. And when that pot holds a generous Minestrone Soup with Sausage (Italian Soup Recipe), well, that’s pure magic. This isn’t just any soup; it’s a symphony of robust flavors, hearty textures, and the kind of comforting aroma that instantly transforms your kitchen into the heart of a bustling Italian home.

I remember my Nonna, stirring a giant pot on her old-fashioned stove, the scents of garlic and simmering tomatoes filling every nook and cranny. She taught me that the best food is made with love and patience, and that a truly wonderful dish doesn’t need to be complicated to be memorable. This hearty Italian soup recipe brings back those cherished memories, proving that simple ingredients, thoughtfully combined, create something extraordinary.

This Minestrone Soup with Sausage (Italian Soup Recipe) is not only wonderfully easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights, but it’s also a fantastic way to bring the whole family together around the dinner table. It’s nourishing, incredibly flavorful, and truly a one-pot wonder. My top tip? Always taste and adjust seasonings as you go; that little bit of personal touch makes all the difference!

What You Need to Make This Recipe

Crafting this delightful soup begins with a few simple, yet flavorful ingredients – from the rich Italian sausage that forms its savory backbone to the vibrant medley of fresh vegetables like crisp carrots, tender zucchini, and leafy spinach. These components come together to create a robust and incredibly satisfying Minestrone Soup with Sausage (Italian Soup Recipe) that feels both wholesome and indulgent. You’ll find the complete list of ingredients and precise measurements in the recipe card below.

How to Make Minestrone Soup with Sausage (Italian Soup Recipe)

Whipping up a batch of this comforting Minestrone Soup with Sausage (Italian Soup Recipe) is a joy, truly! We begin by browning the Italian sausage to release all those lovely savory flavors, then sautéing our aromatic vegetables to build a rich foundation. Next, we introduce the tomatoes and broth, allowing everything to simmer and meld beautifully before adding fresh garden vegetables and pasta, ensuring each bite is bursting with taste and texture.

Hearty Minestrone Soup with Italian Sausage

A warming and robust Italian classic, this minestrone soup is packed with fresh vegetables, hearty beans, pasta, and savory Italian sausage, making it a complete and satisfying meal. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner.

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Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Main Course, Soup

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Sausage & Aromatics

• 1 tbsp Olive oil
• 1 lb Italian sausage mild or hot, casings removed
• 1 Yellow onion medium, chopped
• 2 Carrots medium, peeled and diced
• 2 stalks Celery diced
• 4 cloves Garlic minced

For the Soup Base

• 1 can Diced tomatoes 28 oz, undrained
• 2 tbsp Tomato paste
• 6 cups Vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 Bay leaf
• 1 tsp Dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp Red pepper flakes optional, for a kick

For the Vegetables & Legumes

• 1 medium Zucchini diced
• 1 cup Green beans fresh or frozen, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 can Cannellini beans 15 oz, rinsed and drained

For the Pasta & Garnish

• 1/2 cup Small pasta such as ditalini or elbow macaroni
• 3 cups Fresh spinach packed, roughly chopped
• 1/4 cup Fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
• Parmesan cheese freshly grated, for serving
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Equipment

• Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot (6-8 quart)
• Cutting Board
• Sharp Knife

Method

 

Brown the Sausage

1. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain off any excess fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pot.

Sauté Aromatics

1. Reduce heat to medium. Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables begin to soften. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.

Build the Soup Base

1. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to deepen its flavor. Pour in the diced tomatoes (undrained) and broth. Add the bay leaf, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the soup to a simmer.

Simmer & Add Vegetables

1. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the soup gently cook for 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
2. After 20 minutes, stir in the diced zucchini, green beans, and rinsed cannellini beans. Continue to simmer, uncovered, for another 10-15 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender-crisp.

Cook Pasta & Finish

1. Add the small pasta to the pot and cook according to package directions, usually 7-10 minutes, or until al dente. Ensure the soup has enough liquid; if it seems too thick, add a splash more broth or water.
2. Remove the bay leaf. Stir in the fresh spinach and cook just until wilted, about 1-2 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed.

Serve

1. Ladle the hot minestrone soup into bowls. Garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately with crusty bread.

Notes

For a vegetarian version, omit the sausage and use vegetable broth, adding a can of drained chickpeas for extra protein. This soup tastes even better the next day! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze portions for longer storage (up to 3 months), but note that the pasta might become softer upon reheating.

Pro Tips for Making This Minestrone Soup with Sausage (Italian Soup Recipe)

Creating a truly exceptional Minestrone Soup with Sausage (Italian Soup Recipe) is all about those little touches that elevate a good meal to a great one. Here are some of my go-to tricks to ensure your soup is absolutely perfect every time.

My Secret Trick: Always opt for a high-quality vegetable or chicken broth. A rich, flavorful broth is the soul of any soup, and it truly makes a world of difference in the depth of flavor of this Italian soup recipe. Don’t underestimate the power of a good base!

• Don’t Overcook Your Pasta: I always add the small pasta directly to the soup during the last few minutes of simmering. This prevents it from getting mushy. If you plan on having leftovers, consider cooking the pasta separately and adding it to individual bowls just before serving to maintain its perfect al dente bite.
• Fresh Herbs are Key: While dried oregano builds a lovely base, finishing your Minestrone Soup with Sausage (Italian Soup Recipe) with a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley and a grating of Parmesan cheese truly brightens the flavors and adds an irresistible aroma. It’s a simple step that makes a big impact.
• Embrace the Heat: If your family enjoys a little kick, don’t shy away from the red pepper flakes. My husband loves a touch more spice, so I often add a pinch extra directly to his bowl. It’s all about personalizing it to your taste!

Fun Variations for Minestrone Soup with Sausage (Italian Soup Recipe)

Part of the magic of home cooking is making a recipe truly your own! This Minestrone Soup with Sausage (Italian Soup Recipe) is wonderfully adaptable, and I encourage you to get creative in your kitchen.

Spice it Up or Keep it Mild

For those who love a little fire, consider using spicy Italian sausage instead of mild. My friend, Maria, always asks me to add an extra pinch of red pepper flakes because she loves that warmth in her soup! If you prefer it milder, simply stick with mild sausage and adjust the red pepper flakes to your liking.

Bean Bonanza!

While cannellini beans are a classic choice, feel free to swap them for other favorites like kidney beans or chickpeas. Each type will lend a slightly different texture and flavor, making this comforting Minestrone endlessly customizable to what you have on hand.

Go Green!

Instead of, or in addition to, spinach, try adding other leafy greens like chopped kale or Swiss chard. Just be sure to add them towards the end of the cooking process so they wilt but retain some vibrant color and texture. It’s a fantastic way to boost the nutritional value!

What to Serve With Minestrone Soup with Sausage (Italian Soup Recipe)

A bowl of this heartwarming Minestrone Soup with Sausage (Italian Soup Recipe) is a meal in itself, but a few simple accompaniments can truly elevate the experience, making it feel like a complete and satisfying spread.

I always love serving this hearty Minestrone soup alongside a crusty loaf of artisanal bread. There’s nothing quite like dipping a thick slice into the rich broth, soaking up all those delicious flavors. My mom always had a basket of warm bread on the table, and it just feels right.

For a lighter touch, a simple green salad with a bright vinaigrette provides a wonderful fresh contrast to the soup’s richness. And for a special treat, a sprinkle of extra grated Parmesan cheese on top of each serving is a must in our home! If you’re looking for a quick and easy serving idea, a swirl of pesto right before serving adds an incredible layer of fresh, herby flavor.

How to Store Minestrone Soup with Sausage (Italian Soup Recipe)

One of the best things about making a big pot of Minestrone Soup with Sausage (Italian Soup Recipe) is knowing you’ll have delicious leftovers to enjoy! Properly storing your soup ensures that every spoonful is as flavorful as the first.

Fridge Storage

Once your soup has cooled completely, transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. I like to store it in individual portions for easy grab-and-go lunches throughout the week!

Freezer Friendly

Yes, this soup freezes wonderfully! For best results, allow the Minestrone Soup with Sausage (Italian Soup Recipe) to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving a little headspace. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Reheating Tips

When reheating, add a splash of extra broth or water if the soup has thickened too much. My personal tip? A fresh grating of Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of chopped parsley after reheating brings it back to life, making it taste freshly made!

Nutritional Benefits

This delightful Minestrone Soup with Sausage (Italian Soup Recipe) isn’t just comforting; it’s also packed with wholesome goodness. The Italian sausage provides a great source of protein, while the abundance of fresh vegetables like carrots, celery, zucchini, and spinach delivers essential vitamins and fiber. It’s truly a treat that’s both satisfying and nourishing, embodying my philosophy of combining indulgence with simple, quality ingredients.

FAQs

Can I make this Minestrone Soup with Sausage ahead of time?

Absolutely! This Minestrone Soup with Sausage (Italian Soup Recipe) often tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld. Simply prepare it as directed and store in the refrigerator until ready to reheat and serve.

What kind of sausage is best for Minestrone Soup with Sausage?

I recommend using mild or hot Italian sausage, depending on your preference for spice. The fennel and savory herbs in Italian sausage add a wonderful depth of flavor to the Minestrone Soup with Sausage.

Can I freeze Minestrone Soup with Sausage?

Yes, you can! This soup freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before gently reheating your Minestrone Soup with Sausage.

What pasta should I use for Minestrone Soup with Sausage?

Small pasta shapes work best for this recipe. Ditalini, elbow macaroni, or small shells are perfect. Just be sure to add it at the very end of cooking to ensure your Minestrone Soup with Sausage has perfectly al dente pasta.

Conclusion

There you have it, friends – a recipe for Minestrone Soup with Sausage (Italian Soup Recipe) that I truly hope brings as much warmth and joy to your home as it does to mine. It’s a testament to the idea that the most memorable meals are often the simplest, made with a little love and shared with those we cherish. So, gather your ingredients, savor the aromas, and create a pot of this hearty Italian soup that will undoubtedly fill your kitchen with happiness and your hearts with cherished memories. Happy cooking!