This Italian sausage minestrone soup combines savory sausage, vegetables, beans, and pasta in a flavorful broth. It's a hearty meal that's easy to make for lunch or dinner.
Packed with familiar ingredients, this homemade soup makes a filling meal without a lot of fuss. It's a great choice for cooler days when you want something warm and easy to serve.
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I've made this Italian minestrone soup with sausage a few times, and I like how the sausage turns a traditional vegetable-packed soup into a filling meal on its own. Giving the soup enough time to simmer helps the flavors come together, but it still works well when I need an easy dinner without a lot of hands-on cooking. A slice of no-knead Italian bread on the side is one of my favorite ways to round out the meal and soak up the broth.
What I also like about this soup is how easily I can adjust it depending on the vegetables I have available. It reminds me of Ciambotta, another Italian dish that makes good use of a variety of vegetables in one pot. I avoid cooking the pasta too long so it stays tender in the soup without becoming too soft, especially if I plan to have leftovers.
Ingredients
Here's what you'll need to make the soup:
- Cooking oil - Olive oil is preferred.
- Meat - I love Italian sausage but ground beef and shredded chicken work too. Omit for a vegetarian minestrone soup.
- Vegetables - Diced tomatoes, tomato paste, celery, and zucchini are used. But you can add carrots, yellow squash, sweet potatoes, and green beans to the mix.
- Aromatics - Onion and garlic are essential for the best flavor.
- Broth - The recipe calls for chicken broth but beef or vegetarian will work too.
- Pasta - Any small pasta is perfect for soup.
- Seasonings - Bay leaf and Italian seasonings are all you need. Fresh herbs are best but not necessary.
Scroll down to the recipe card to see the amount of each ingredient used.
Instructions
This Italian soup recipe can be made in one pot and ready to serve in about 30 minutes. All you need to do is follow these easy step-by-step directions.
Brown meat in hot oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
Add celery, onion, and garlic and cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
Pour in broth.
Add water.
Stir in tomato, seasonings, and tomato paste. Then simmer.
Add the zucchini and pasta and cook another 7 to 10 minutes.
Hint: To add depth of flavor, brown the sausage before adding it to the soup, and use Italian sausage for an extra kick of seasoning.
Variations
There are so many ways you can change up this recipe to suit your own taste preferences. Here are a few things I've experimented with:
- Beans - The addition of canned or dried beans adds an extra punch of protein without being overpowering.
- Meat - If you don't like sausage, use ground beef for a beef minestrone soup or shredded chicken for a chicken version.
- Vegetables - Diced carrots, cut green beans, and spinach are great additions.
- Pasta - Change up the pasta! Macaroni, Farfalline, and Ditalini are other good choices that work well in soup.
- Parmesan - Add some extra flavor by including a Parmesan cheese rind while simmering the soup. This will give your minestrone an even more robust flavor profile! Or, add freshly ground Parmesan when serving.
Whether you choose to follow the traditional recipe or add your own personal touches, this easy Italian sausage minestrone soup will certainly hit the spot!
Tips
- Cook the pasta al dente. The pasta should still be a little firm at the end of cooking.
- Do not overcook the zucchini or it can become mushy.
Serving suggestions
This versatile soup tastes great just as it comes out of the pot. But adding some tasty accompaniments can really bring out its flavors.
Toasted crusty bread or croutons are a great way to add texture. For an extra touch of richness, top each bowl with a dollop of freshly grated Parmesan cheese or a drizzle of olive oil.
Storage
Leftover minestrone soup should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to five days.
To reheat, place the soup in a saucepan and warm over low heat until heated through. Alternatively, you can heat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.
FAQ
What is Italian minestrone?
It's an Italian soup that typically contains a mix of vegetables in a tomato base. It can also have beans like kidney or cannellini beans. Other ingredients may include pasta, garlic, olive oil, herbs like oregano or basil, and a small amount of Parmesan cheese.
Minestrone soup is traditionally a vegetarian dish. However, some versions of the soup may include meat such as bacon or pancetta to add flavor.
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Recipe
Minestrone Soup with Sausage
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- ½ pound bulk sausage or ground beef
- ¼ cup chopped celery
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped onion
- 1 garlic clove minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- ½ cup water
- 1 medium tomato diced
- 1 bay leaf
- ¾ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon tomato paste
- 1 small zucchini diced
- ¼ cup dry pasta shells or elbows
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook about 5 minutes, until no longer pink.
- Add the celery, onion, and garlic and sauté 3 to 5 minutes, or until tender. Stir in the broth, ½ cup of water, tomato, bay leaf, Italian seasoning, and tomato paste. Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer.
- Stir in the zucchini and pasta, cook uncovered, for 7 to 10 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente. Discard the bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Jere Cassidy says
I rarely make minestrone but love this recipe with sausage, it just added some great flavor.
Gen says
This recipe felt really good to eat, filling, healthy, and delicious- thank you!
Erin says
This was perfect! Perfect for these cold days. And so filling! My son asked me to make it again soon. So, it's a winner. Thanks!
MacKenzie says
I made this last Saturday on a cooler evening and it was perfect. So comforting and delicious.
Mandy Applegate says
I love minestrone soup but had never tried to make it myself - it turned out perfect and everyone loved it!
Rosek says
Loved this recipe. Used half bone broth and added Chopped fresh baby bok choi yum thank you for such a great recipe !!