Italian Sausage Minestrone Recipe | The Mediterranean Dish (2024)

This Italian Sausage Minestrone Recipe is a tasty and fun twist on classic minestrone. A few unlikely additions like chickpeas, green beans, and artichoke hearts make it anything but the usual. Plus, you'll love the flavors of fennel seed and anise from the Italian sausage. So tasty and comforting!

If you like this one, you'll also enjoy: Greek Avgolemono (chicken soup); Spanish Chickpea Stew; Eggplant Parmigiana; One-Pot Middle Eastern Chicken

Italian Sausage Minestrone Recipe | The Mediterranean Dish (1)

I almost shared a chicken wings recipe today. But, I figured the subject of Superbowl and chicken wings has been covered plenty elsewhere these days. So, I am saving my wings with my awesome sauce (always wanted to say that) for another time. It's okay to go against the trend once in a while, right?

And really, one should pause and celebrate National Soup Month; for I am a big souper. What is a "Souper," you ask? I know it is not a real word, and you'll have to give me some grace, once in a while, given that English is my second language 🙂 My very own definition of "souper" is someone who loves soup and eats lots of it all year round. That be me!

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But I am not alone as a soup lover. This handy infographic about America's favorite soups states that Americans eat more than 10 billion bowls of soup every year!And, in a recent study where more than 2,000 people were asked to rank their favorite soups, chicken noodle soup came in first place! Note to self, share my Greek chicken Soup) But to be fair, neither minestrone nor any Italian sausage soup were even on the short choice list.

Italian Sausage Minestrone Recipe

In a minestrone recipe like this one, you have a chance to build an easy, hearty dinner bowl filled with lots of textures and flavors. As you know, common ingredients found in a basicminestrone soup include beans, celery, onions, tomatoes and pasta. I chose to add spicy Italian sausage because I enjoy the heat and the already incorporated flavors of fennel seed and anise. I had some chickpeas and a bag of frozen artichoke hearts which, I think, made a great addition. I love to add fresh herbs, and this time, I went for both parsley and basil.

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Step-by-step for Italian Sausage Minestrone

Spray a non-stick pan with very little oil. Heat the pan on medium-high and brown the sausage until it is fully cooked. Remove from heat and set aside.

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In a large Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoon of oil and saute the chopped onion and celery for a brief 2-3 minutes or so. Now toss in the chopped garlic; saute for a few more seconds then add the green beans, artichoke hearts, canned tomatoes, dried oregano and a small dash of salt and pepper. Cook on medium-high heat for 5 minutes.

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Now add the cooked sausage and broth; stir to combine. Continue to cook on medium-high heat for another 10 minutes.Lower the heat to medium-low; cover and let simmer for another 15 minutes.

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Uncover to add the pasta, chickpeas, and parsley. Raise the heat back to high and cook uncovered for another 8-9 minutes (pasta should cook to al dente).Remove from heat and stir in the fresh basil.

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Transfer to serving bowls and garnish each with a little Parmaginao Reggiano! Enjoy with a side of your favorite bread.

Italian Sausage Minestrone Recipe | The Mediterranean Dish (8)

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Try these additional delicious recipes:

Mediterranean Bean Soup with Tomato Pesto

Turkey Lasagna Soup

Easy Lentil Pumpkin Soup

Chunky Vegan Lentil Soup

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Italian Sausage Minestrone Recipe | The Mediterranean Dish (9)

Italian Sausage Minestrone Recipe

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4.9 from 9 reviews

  • Author: The Mediterranean Dish
  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: serves 6
Print Recipe

Description

You are going to LOVE this hearty soup! Pair it with some fresh bread and it is sure to be a family favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

  • 1 lb spicy Italian sausage, casings removed
  • Olive oil or vegetable oil
  • 2 celery stalks, roughly chopped
  • 1 medium yellow onion, roughly chopped
  • 5 garlic cloves, roughly chopped
  • 8 oz french green beans, trimmed and cut
  • 12 oz frozen artichoke hearts, thawed
  • 2 15 oz cans diced tomatoes
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • salt & pepper (small dash to taste)
  • 6 cups low-sodium beef broth
  • ½ cup small pasta such as mini Farfalle or elbow macaroni
  • 1 15-oz can chickpeas
  • 1 cup chopped parsley leaves
  • 7 large fresh basil leaves, torn
  • ¼ cup grated Parmagiano Reggiano

Instructions

  1. Spray a non-stick pan with very little oil. Heat the pan on medium-high and brown the sausage until it is fully cooked. Remove from heat and set aside.
  2. In a large Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoon of oil and saute the chopped onion and celery for a brief 2-3 minutes or so. Now toss in the chopped garlic; saute for a few more seconds then add the green beans, artichoke hearts, canned tomatoes, dried oregano and a small dash of salt and pepper. Cook on medium-high heat for 5 minutes. Now add the cooked sausage and broth; stir to combine. Continue to cook on medium-high heat for another 10 minutes.
  3. Lower the heat to medium-low; cover and let simmer for another 15 minutes.
  4. Uncover to add the pasta, chickpeas, and parsley. Raise the heat back to high and cook uncovered for another 8-9 minutes (pasta should cook to al dente).
  5. Remove from heat and stir in the fresh basil.
  6. Transfer to serving bowls and garnish each with a little Parmaginao Reggiano! Enjoy with a side of your favorite bread.

Notes

  • Recommended for this Recipe: Our Private Reserve Greek extra virgin olive oil (from organically grown and processed Koroneiki olives!)
  • Visit our store to browse our spices, olive oils and bundles!
  • Prep Time: 20 mins
  • Cook Time: 50 mins
  • Category: Entree
  • Method: Stove top
  • Cuisine: Italian

I'm Suzy; born and bred right on the shores of the Mediterranean. I'm all about easy, healthy recipes with big Mediterranean flavors. Three values guide my cooking: eat with the seasons; use whole foods; and above all, share! So happy you're here...
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Italian Sausage Minestrone Recipe | The Mediterranean Dish (2024)

FAQs

What is the thickening agent for minestrone? ›

The secret ingredients for the minestrone soup broth are bacon, parmesan and Worcestershire sauce, and a touch of tomato paste which thickens the broth nicely as well has driving home the tomato flavour.

What does minestrone mean in Italian? ›

The word minestrone, meaning a thick vegetable soup, is attested in English from 1871. It is from Italian minestrone, the augmentative form of minestra, 'soup', or more literally 'that which is served', from minestrare, 'to serve', and cognate with administer as in 'to administer a remedy'.

What are all the ingredients in minestrone soup? ›

Common ingredients include beans, onions, celery, carrots, stock, and tomatoes. There is no set recipe for minestrone, since it is usually made out of whatever vegetables are in season. It can be vegetarian, contain meat, or contain a meat-based soup base (such as chicken stock).

What is Olive Garden minestrone soup made of? ›

2 (15 ounce) cans red kidney beans, drained 2 (15 ounce) cans small white beans or 2 (15 ounce) cans great northern beans, drained 1 (14 ounce) can diced tomatoes 1/2 cup carrot (julienned or shredded) 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley 1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano 1 1/2 teaspoons salt 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper ...

What are the health benefits of Italian minestrone soup? ›

Minestrone is rich in fiber, which helps the intestines stay healthy. “It promotes intestinal regularity and consequently the elimination of toxins and waste substances. Soluble fiber – present in artichokes, tomatoes, leeks, asparagus, onions and other vegetables – is prebiotic.

What gives vegetable soup that depth of flavor? ›

Dried herbs and seasonings: homemade seasoned salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and dried bay leaves lend flavor to the soup.

How to make minestrone thicker? ›

The pasta/rice soaks up a lot of liquid, which helps thicken it up. I add a 6-ounce can of tomato paste (not the double-concentrated kind), which is more than most minestrone soup recipes. I also throw in fresh zucchini, carrots, celery, and spinach, plus lots of canned beans.

What is the difference between minestrone and Italian wedding soup? ›

It's similar to minestrone, but is made with meatballs; minestrone is usually made from vegetables and pasta. Italian wedding soup is a phenomenal freezer-friendly soup, and it doesn't take long to make – a perfect project for a chilly afternoon!

Why is minestrone soup so good? ›

Minestrone is rich in fiber, which helps the intestines stay healthy. “It promotes intestinal regularity and consequently the elimination of toxins and waste substances. Soluble fiber – present in artichokes, tomatoes, leeks, asparagus, onions and other vegetables – is prebiotic.

What's the difference between minestrone and vegetable soup? ›

Minestrone soup is unique because it typically includes beans, pasta, or rice, as well as vegetables, and the ingredients are always left chunky (it's never blended), making it a heartier option. Vegetable soups are usually simpler and don't typically include beans or pasta, and you could have a blended vegetable soup.

What is the most famous soup in Italy? ›

Minestrone is a classic Italian soup known worldwide as one of the best Italian soups. It's got a flavorful broth and a variety of slow-cooked vegetables like potatoes, peas, and carrots. Adding Italian sausage gives it a kick of flavor and a shot of protein, so it's a complete meal all by itself.

What is the difference between minestrone and fa*gioli? ›

The answer is that traditionally, yes, there's a difference, even if you can't spot it right away. While Pasta e fa*gioli tends to be a thick and hearty bowl of beans and pasta, the thing it lacks is chunks of veggies. That's where Minestrone comes in…to fill the veggie void left by its country cousin.

What is the national soup of the USA? ›

In the U.S., gumbo is the top national soup, a thick spicy soup from Louisiana. Clam chowder is another.

What is a fun fact about minestrone soup? ›

Fun facts about minestrone soup

The word “minestrone” comes from the word “minestra”, which is an Italian word that encompasses a variety of brothy soups. Minestrone in particular refers to a thick vegetable soup.

How do you make canned minestrone taste better? ›

Fresh lemon juice: this is best to add at the end of cooking, otherwise the lemon flavor can become bitter. Cooking Vinegars: such as balsamic vinegar, red wine vinegar, or even apple cider vinegar. Hot sauce: helps to add both acid and heat, so you're getting even more bang for your buck.

Does minestrone traditionally contain meat? ›

No minestrone does not always contain meat. But the great thing about minestrone is that it can be made with meat or without. The idea behind minestrone is to use whatever you have on hand, whether that is an abundance of seasonal vegetables like zucchini or extra ground beef that you need to cook up.

What is the most popular soup at Olive Garden? ›

Zuppa Toscana – Olive Garden Copycat (VIDEO) Zuppa Toscana is Olive Garden's most popular soup. This one-pot, homemade Zuppa Toscana recipe is hearty and loaded with Italian sausage, kale, bacon and potatoes.

What is Campbell's minestrone soup? ›

Each satisfying spoonful of Campbell's® Condensed Minestrone Soup brims with a bounty of farm-grown veggies—from carrots, potatoes, green beans, peas, tomatoes, zucchini and more! —combined with beans and enriched pasta shells. You'll find comfort in this Italian classic.

What is Heinz minestrone soup? ›

Product Description. Heinz Classic Minestrone Soup is created with a blend of pasta, selected vegetables and rich tomatoes, Heinz Minestrone is a delicious soup and a family favourite. It is 1 of your 5 a day in a can when eaten as part of a balanced diet. It contains 63 calories per 1/2 can. It is low in fat.

What is the healthiest type of soup? ›

6 delicious and healthy soups
  • Chicken Vietnamese Pho.
  • Green spring minestrone.
  • Herb and yoghurt-based soup.
  • Lamb shank and barley soup.
  • Pumpkin soup with star croutons.
  • Lentil and vegetable soup with crusty bread.
Apr 26, 2020

Can I eat minestrone soup every day? ›

A Longevity Expert Swears By Eating Minestrone Soup Every Day—Here's Why. Plus, tips to make your own. Jill Schildhouse is an award-winning writer and editor with 23 years of experience in print and digital publishing. Maria Laura is EatingWell's senior nutrition & news editor.

What is minestrone broth made of? ›

Veggies: we're packing this pot of minestrone soup with onion, celery, carrots, green beans (or sub zucchini or corn!), spinach and potatoes for extra bulk. Broth: the veggies are simmered in a broth made with fire roasted crushed tomatoes and regular vegetable broth.

What is the best thickener for vegetable soup? ›

Add flour or cornflour

Put a tablespoon of either into a small bowl and stir in 2-3 tbsp of the soup until you have a smooth mixture. Stir this back into the soup and bring it to a simmer. Cook for a few minutes to allow the starch granules to burst to thicken, and to cook out any flour flavour.

What starch-based thickening agent is used when preparing the minestrone? ›

Here's another trick: let the soup simmer without a lid for an extra couple of minutes. The excess liquid will evaporate, making your soup thicker. Alternatively, mix a thickening agent like arrowroot powder with cold water and stir it into the soup when it's almost done cooking. Cornstarch will do the trick, too.

What is a thickening agent for soup? ›

Cornstarch, tapioca, arrowroot, potato starch, and others will thicken liquid quite effec- tively and result in a smooth translucent gel or glaze. The differences are found in how much of each it takes to thicken the same amount of liquid equally.

What ingredient is used as a thickening agent? ›

Cornstarch. Cornstarch is the most common thickening agent used in the industry. It is mixed with water or juice and boiled to make fillings and to give a glossy semi-clear finish to products. Commercial cornstarch is made by soaking maize in water containing sulphur dioxide.

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