Hello, soup lovers! If you’re searching for a hearty, flavorful soup that’s packed with fresh vegetables, savory sausage, and a burst of basil pesto, you’re in for a treat. This Minestrone with Sausage and Pesto is the ultimate comfort food that’s as satisfying as it is easy to make. Let’s dive into this recipe that’s perfect for any season!
Introduction
Minestrone is a classic Italian soup known for its medley of vegetables, beans, and pasta simmered in a flavorful broth. This version takes the traditional minestrone to the next level with the addition of mild Italian sausage and a dollop of basil pesto for a rich and aromatic finish. Whether you’re making this on the stovetop or using a slow cooker, this dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a meal-prepped lunch. It’s a warm, comforting dish that celebrates fresh, wholesome ingredients and Italian-inspired flavors.
Ingredients
To create this hearty Minestrone with Sausage and Pesto, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 16 ounces mild Italian sausage
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 1/2 cups celery, chopped
- 1 1/2 cups carrots, chopped
- 1 6-ounce can tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 15-ounce can Italian-style diced tomatoes
- 5 cups chicken broth
- 1 15-ounce can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 15-ounce can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup zucchini, chopped
- 1 cup yellow squash, chopped
- 1/2 cup dry ditalini pasta
- 2 cups baby spinach
- Basil pesto, to garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese, to garnish
These ingredients come together to create a hearty, nutrient-packed soup that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
How to Make Minestrone with Sausage and Pesto
If using a stovetop: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the Italian sausage over medium heat until browned and cooked through. Break it into small pieces with a spoon as it cooks. Remove any excess fat.
If using a slow cooker: Brown the Italian sausage in a skillet on the stovetop, then transfer it to the slow cooker.
Add the chopped onion, celery, and carrots to the pot or slow cooker. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables begin to soften. Stir in the tomato paste, minced garlic, and dried oregano. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Add the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, cannellini beans, red kidney beans, chopped zucchini, and chopped yellow squash to the pot or slow cooker. Stir everything to combine.
For slow cooker: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
For stovetop: About 30 minutes before serving, add the dry ditalini pasta to the pot. Cook until the pasta is al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Stir in the baby spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Ladle the minestrone into bowls and top each serving with a dollop of basil pesto and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. Serve hot and enjoy the rich, hearty flavors!
Helpful Tips
- Choose Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh vegetables like zucchini, squash, and spinach to add vibrant color and flavor to your soup.
- Customize Your Vegetables: Feel free to add other seasonal vegetables like green beans, peas, or kale to enhance the soup’s nutritional value.
- Control the Heat: If you like a spicier soup, opt for hot Italian sausage or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the broth.
- Boost the Pesto: Use freshly made basil pesto if possible. The freshness of the pesto elevates the overall flavor of the dish.
- Double the Batch: This soup freezes beautifully. Make a double batch and freeze portions for a quick and satisfying meal later.
Cooking Tips
- Sausage Tips: Browning the sausage before adding it to the soup helps to render the fat and enhances the flavor of the soup.
- Simmering for Flavor: Allowing the soup to simmer for a longer period helps the flavors of the vegetables, beans, and broth to meld together.
- Pasta Note: Cook the pasta separately and add it to individual bowls before serving if you plan to store leftovers. This prevents the pasta from becoming soggy in the soup.
Serving Suggestions
This Minestrone with Sausage and Pesto is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with crusty bread or garlic bread for dipping. A side salad with a light vinaigrette can add a refreshing balance to the hearty soup. For beverages, serve with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or a warm cup of herbal tea for a cozy pairing.
Nutritional Information
This soup is packed with nutrients from fresh vegetables, beans, and protein-rich sausage. Here’s a nutritional breakdown:
- Calories: 320 per serving
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Protein: 18g
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fiber: 8g
- Sugar: 6g
- Vitamin A: 45% of the daily value
- Vitamin C: 25% of the daily value
- Calcium: 15% of the daily value
- Iron: 20% of the daily value
Storage and Leftovers
Refrigerate: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Cool the soup completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat on the stovetop over medium heat.
Note on Pasta: If freezing, keep the pasta separate and add it fresh when reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can add extra vegetables or a plant-based sausage substitute for added texture and flavor.
What can I use instead of ditalini pasta?
You can substitute any small pasta shape, such as elbow macaroni, orzo, or small shells.
Can I use fresh beans instead of canned?
Of course! Cook the beans in advance and add them to the soup. Freshly cooked beans can add a slightly firmer texture.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store soup and pasta separately to maintain the best texture for the pasta. Combine them when reheating for a fresh-tasting soup.
Related Recipes
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Conclusion
This Minestrone with Sausage and Pesto is the perfect marriage of hearty, healthy, and flavorful. The combination of Italian sausage, fresh vegetables, and creamy pesto brings a new depth of flavor to this classic soup. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe is sure to please. Try it out and let us know how much you enjoyed it. Don’t forget to pair it with a good loaf of bread and savor every spoonful!