Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Sausage Minestrone Soup is a hearty and flavorful twist on the classic Italian favorite. Packed with vegetables, beans, pasta, and savory sausage, it’s the perfect comforting dish for chilly nights. The combination of textures and spices makes this one-pot meal both nourishing and delicious, and it’s incredibly easy to make with simple pantry ingredients.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Italian sausages (mild or spicy, casings removed)
olive oil
yellow onion
carrots
celery
garlic cloves
zucchini
crushed tomatoes
tomato paste
chicken broth
cannellini beans
red kidney beans
dried oregano
dried basil
bay leaf
salt and pepper
small pasta (like ditalini or elbow)
baby spinach or kale
Parmesan cheese (for topping)
fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

directions

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.

Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until vegetables soften.

Stir in garlic and zucchini, cooking for another 2-3 minutes.

Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and chicken broth. Stir to combine.

Add both types of beans, oregano, basil, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.

Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 20 minutes.

Add pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.

Stir in spinach or kale until wilted.

Remove bay leaf and adjust seasoning if needed.

Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan and fresh parsley if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 35 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes

Variations

Use turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter version.
Add green beans or corn for extra veggies.
Replace pasta with cooked rice or quinoa for a gluten-free option.
Add a splash of red wine for depth of flavor.
Top with croutons for added crunch.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freeze for up to 3 months in freezer-safe containers.
Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water as needed.
If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the sausage and use vegetable broth. Add extra beans or mushrooms for heartiness.

What pasta works best in minestrone?
Small shapes like ditalini, elbow, or small shells work best—they cook quickly and hold up well.

Can I use dried beans instead of canned?
Yes, just be sure to soak and cook them ahead of time before adding to the soup.

Is this soup spicy?
It depends on the sausage used. Choose mild sausage for a milder soup or spicy for a kick.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, brown the sausage first, then add all ingredients (except pasta and greens) and cook on low for 6-7 hours. Add pasta and greens 30 minutes before serving.

Can I prepare this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely. It’s even better the next day as the flavors meld.

How do I keep the pasta from getting mushy?
Cook pasta separately and add just before serving if you plan to store the soup.

Is Parmesan necessary?
No, but it adds a great salty finish. Nutritional yeast is a good dairy-free alternative.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes, it scales well for a crowd or meal prep.

Can I use kale instead of spinach?
Yes, kale works beautifully and adds a hearty texture.

Conclusion

Sausage Minestrone Soup is the ultimate comfort food—warm, filling, and bursting with Italian flavor. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or prepping meals for the week, this easy soup delivers every time. Try it once, and it’s sure to earn a permanent spot in your soup rotation.