Description
This hearty Sausage Soup combines flavorful Italian sausage with wholesome vegetables, cannellini beans, and fresh greens simmered in a savory broth. Perfect for a comforting meal, this soup is easy to prepare on the stovetop and can be customized with spicy or leaner sausage options.
Ingredients
Scale
Sausage and Aromatics
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Vegetables
- 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 2 cups chopped fresh spinach or kale
Liquids and Canned Goods
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juices
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Brown the sausage: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and fully cooked.
- Sauté aromatics: Add diced onion and minced garlic to the pot with the sausage. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until fragrant and softened.
- Add vegetables: Stir in the sliced carrots and celery, cooking for 3-4 minutes to start softening them.
- Combine liquids and seasonings: Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices, chicken broth, and cannellini beans. Sprinkle in dried oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
- Simmer the soup: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
- Add greens: Stir in the chopped spinach or kale during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, allowing them to wilt gently.
- Final seasoning and serve: Taste the soup and adjust salt and pepper as desired. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan if using.
Notes
- For a thicker soup, mash some of the cannellini beans before adding them.
- Use spicy Italian sausage for extra heat or substitute turkey sausage for a leaner alternative.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Ensure chicken broth and sausage are gluten-free if you have dietary restrictions.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Italian
