1.Sausage Minestrone Soup
A steaming bowl of sausage minestrone soup offers the perfect balance of comfort and nutrition for busy weeknights. Combining savory Italian sausage, hearty beans, tender vegetables, and small pasta in a flavorful tomato-based broth, this dish is a nourishing one-pot meal that’s both filling and easy to make. It’s rooted in the traditional Italian minestrone style but elevated with bold sausage flavors that make it satisfying enough to stand alone as a main course.
What sets this easy sausage minestrone apart is its ability to adapt to your lifestyle. Whether you’re prepping for the week, feeding a family, or craving something cozy without much fuss, this recipe checks every box. The mix of pasta, beans, and vegetables creates a nutrient-dense blend that keeps you full, while still being light enough to enjoy multiple times a week. It’s the ultimate one-pot meal solution for when you want something fast, flavorful, and meal prep friendly.
For added context, traditional minestrone is a classic Italian vegetable soup known for its versatility and regional variations. While many versions are vegetarian, the addition of Italian sausage infuses the broth with deep, meaty richness that pairs beautifully with ingredients like zucchini, spinach, and cannellini beans. This recipe embraces that flexibility while giving it a protein-packed twist.
Inspired by the simplicity of one-pot meals, this dish also works well as a freezer-friendly staple for your weekly rotation. If you’re looking for more comforting, make-ahead meals like this, check out these meal prep soups that offer both convenience and variety.
2. Why You’ll Love This One Pot Sausage Minestrone
This one pot sausage minestrone is more than just another soup—it’s a full, hearty meal that brings flavor, comfort, and nutrition together in one bowl. Here’s why it deserves a spot in your weekly meal plan:
-
Quick and Easy: Made in under an hour, this recipe is ideal for weeknights when you need a satisfying dinner without a lot of effort. With minimal chopping and a simple cooking method, it’s both approachable and efficient.
-
Bold, Comforting Flavors: The combination of savory sausage, garlic, and herbs like oregano and basil gives the soup an Italian-inspired depth that’s both robust and comforting. If you’ve ever enjoyed a good one-pot meal, this takes it to another level.
-
Nutrient-Packed: Loaded with fiber-rich beans, seasonal vegetables, and leafy greens like spinach or kale, this soup supports a well-balanced diet. It’s high in protein, full of vitamins, and keeps you full longer—great for anyone looking to eat well without sacrificing taste.
-
Perfect for Leftovers and Meal Prep: This soup gets better with time. The flavors deepen as it sits, making it ideal for freezer-friendly meals or storing in the fridge for up to five days. If you love batch cooking, this is a must-try.
-
Highly Customizable: Swap in different beans, vegetables, or pasta shapes to suit your taste or use what you already have on hand. Whether you go for spicy sausage or a vegetarian version, the base is incredibly forgiving.
If you’re exploring more high-protein, veggie-rich soups, you might also like other healthy soup recipes like lentil or Tuscan white bean options found in this Pinterest collection.
3. Key Ingredients Overview
This sausage minestrone soup comes together with a thoughtful blend of pantry staples and fresh produce. Each ingredient plays a role in building flavor, texture, and nutrition. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need and why.
Protein: Sausage
The heart of this recipe is beef sausage, which offers a rich, savory depth that infuses the entire soup. For a classic taste, use mild or hot Italian sausage, either loose or with the casing removed. Italian sausage is often seasoned with fennel and garlic, which enhances the broth naturally.
Alternative options:
-
Chicken sausage for a leaner version
-
Plant-based sausage for a vegan twist
-
Ground turkey or beef with added Italian seasoning
Vegetables
The vegetable base includes:
-
Onion, carrots, and celery: Known as mirepoix, this trio forms the aromatic foundation.
-
Zucchini: Adds a soft texture and absorbs flavor beautifully.
-
Green beans: Provide a satisfying bite and extra fiber.
-
Spinach or kale: Stirred in at the end for a boost of nutrients and vibrant color.
This combination of vegetables offers a wide range of vitamins and minerals, making the soup both filling and nourishing.
Beans
This recipe calls for both red kidney beans and cannellini beans—two types of legumes that provide excellent texture contrast and plant-based protein.
-
Cannellini beans are creamy and mild
-
Kidney beans are firm and slightly earthy
You can substitute with chickpeas or black beans based on availability.
Pasta
A small pasta like ditalini or elbow macaroni works best. These pasta shapes hold their form well and don’t overwhelm the soup. Learn more about ditalini pasta for inspiration.
Tips:
-
Cook the pasta separately if planning to freeze the soup
-
Use gluten-free pasta for a wheat-free version
Tomatoes and Broth
-
A can of diced tomatoes provides acidity and balances the richness of the sausage.
-
Choose low-sodium beef broth for depth, or vegetable broth for a lighter, vegetarian base.
Herbs and Seasoning
A mix of dried oregano and basil brings the Italian flavor profile together.
Optional additions:
-
Crushed red pepper flakes for a kick
-
Bay leaf or a sprinkle of Italian seasoning blend for added complexity
-
Salt and black pepper to taste
These simple, strategic ingredients make this soup both accessible and deeply satisfying. For even more inspiration, browse this curated collection of sausage pasta dishes.
4. Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Crafting this flavorful one pot sausage minestrone is easier than it looks. Here’s how to bring it all together in one pot.
1. Brown the sausage
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the beef sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess grease if needed.
2. Add the aromatic vegetables
Stir in the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften. This step develops a flavorful base thanks to the mirepoix.
3. Sauté garlic and zucchini
Add the minced garlic and diced zucchini. Cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant. Garlic adds depth, while zucchini absorbs the sausage flavor.
4. Build the broth
Stir in the diced tomatoes, drained and rinsed kidney beans and cannellini beans, chopped green beans, and 6 cups of broth. Season with dried oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
Bring everything to a gentle boil.
5. Simmer the soup
Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes. This allows the vegetables to soften and the flavors to meld.
6. Add the pasta
Stir in the small pasta and cook according to the package directions (usually 8–10 minutes). Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. If freezing the soup later, cook pasta separately to maintain texture.
7. Finish with greens
In the final 2 minutes of cooking, add chopped spinach or kale. Stir until just wilted.
8. Taste and adjust seasoning
Taste the soup and add more salt or pepper if needed. For richness, stir in a drizzle of olive oil or a spoonful of pesto before serving.
9. Serve
Ladle hot soup into bowls and top with grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve with crusty bread or alongside a green salad for a full meal.
This easy, step-by-step process delivers a deeply satisfying soup that fits right into your one-pot meals routine.
5. Customization Ideas and Ingredient Swaps
The beauty of this sausage minestrone soup lies in its adaptability. Whether you’re cooking with what you have on hand or adjusting for dietary preferences, here are easy ways to make it your own:
Protein Swaps
-
Ground turkey, ground chicken, or lean beef make excellent lower-fat alternatives.
-
For a vegetarian version, try plant-based sausage or even lentils for a hearty texture.
Bean Alternatives
-
Chickpeas, pinto beans, or black beans can replace cannellini or kidney beans without affecting the core flavor.
Vegetable Variations
-
Use seasonal vegetables like butternut squash, bell peppers, sweet potatoes, or cabbage.
-
Add frozen peas or corn for extra texture and color.
Pasta Options
-
Swap ditalini with orzo, shells, rotini, or even gluten-free pasta.
-
To make it low-carb, use spiralized zucchini or cauliflower rice.
Flavor Boosters
-
Stir in a spoonful of pesto for herbaceous depth.
-
Add a splash of lemon juice or balsamic vinegar for acidity.
-
Use crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy finish.
Make It Dairy-Free
-
Omit the Parmesan topping or use vegan cheese alternatives.
-
Finish with olive oil or nutritional yeast for a savory hit.
These swaps make the dish flexible enough to suit any pantry, diet, or mood. You can also explore other meal prep soups for more ideas.
6. Serving Suggestions and Toppings
Serve your sausage minestrone soup piping hot, garnished with a few finishing touches to elevate the dish.
Top it off with:
-
Freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese
-
A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or pesto
-
Fresh basil or parsley for color and brightness
-
Crushed red pepper flakes for spice
Serve it alongside:
-
Warm, crusty Italian bread or garlic knots
-
A side of focaccia
-
A light Italian chopped salad with balsamic vinaigrette
This soup is also perfect as part of a soup and salad lunch combo, or portioned into thermoses for an easy office lunch.
7. Meal Prep Tips & Freezer Instructions
This soup was made with meal prep in mind. It stores and reheats beautifully, making it ideal for batch cooking.
Storage Tips:
-
Store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
-
Let the soup cool completely before refrigerating.
Freezer Instructions:
-
For best results, store the soup without pasta, and add cooked pasta when reheating.
-
Freeze in individual portions for grab-and-go lunches or quick dinners.
-
Use freezer-safe bags or containers, and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating Instructions:
-
Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
-
Add a splash of broth or water if the soup has thickened too much.
-
Microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between.
For more inspiration on prepping ahead, check out these freezer-friendly soups.
8. How to Make This Soup Vegetarian or Vegan
Turning this into a vegetarian minestrone is simple and still yields a delicious result.
Vegetarian Options:
-
Replace sausage with lentils, white beans, or plant-based crumbles.
-
Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
Vegan Additions:
-
Skip the Parmesan or use nutritional yeast or vegan cheese for a savory finish.
-
Add more vegetables or beans to keep it hearty.
The rich tomato base and Italian herbs ensure the soup stays full of flavor, even without meat or dairy.
9. Nutritional Benefits of Sausage Minestrone Soup
This hearty soup is as nourishing as it is delicious.
Health Highlights:
-
High in fiber from beans and vegetables, which supports digestion and keeps you full longer.
-
Rich in protein from sausage and legumes.
-
Vitamin-packed with A, C, and K from spinach, carrots, and tomatoes.
-
Low in added sugars, especially if you use low-sodium or no-salt-added tomatoes and broth.
To learn more about the health benefits of legumes, explore this Wikipedia page on legumes.
10. FAQs – People Also Ask
What is the difference between minestrone and vegetable soup?
Minestrone is heartier and includes beans and pasta or rice, giving it more body and protein than a typical vegetable soup.
Can I make sausage minestrone in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?
Yes. Brown the sausage first, then add all ingredients except pasta and greens. Cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours. Add pasta and spinach in the final 20 minutes.
What kind of sausage is best for minestrone?
Italian sausage is ideal for flavor, but you can use spicy, mild, or even turkey sausage depending on your preference.
How do I keep pasta from getting mushy in soup?
Cook pasta separately and add it right before serving, especially if you plan to freeze the soup.
Can I freeze minestrone soup with pasta?
You can, but for best texture, store the pasta separately and add after thawing and reheating.
How long does sausage minestrone soup last in the fridge?
Up to 5 days in an airtight container.
Is sausage minestrone healthy?
Yes. It’s high in protein, full of vegetables, and low in sugar. Use lean sausage and low-sodium broth for an even healthier version.
Easy Sausage Minestrone: Pasta Bean Vegetable Soup for Weeknights
Easy Sausage Minestrone Soup is a hearty one-pot dish filled with bold Italian sausage, tender vegetables, hearty beans, and small pasta in a rich tomato broth. Perfect for weeknights or meal prep, it’s ready in under an hour and loaded with flavor, fiber, and comfort. Top with Parmesan and serve with crusty bread for a cozy, nourishing meal.
Ingredients
- 1 pound beef sausage, casing removed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and chopped
- 6 cups beef or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup small pasta (like ditalini or elbow macaroni)
- 2 cups fresh spinach or kale, chopped
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Remove excess grease if needed.
- Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes, until vegetables are beginning to soften.
- Stir in the garlic and zucchini, and cook for 2 more minutes.
- Add the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, cannellini beans, green beans, broth, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 15 minutes.
- Stir in the pasta and cook according to package directions until tender, usually about 8–10 minutes.
- Add the spinach or kale during the last 2 minutes of cooking, stirring until wilted.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
-
To keep the pasta from getting mushy, undercook it slightly or cook it separately if freezing.
-
Customize easily with your favorite vegetables or legumes.
-
For a vegetarian version, skip the sausage and use lentils or plant-based sausage.
-
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
-
A great option for batch cooking, this soup gets even better the next day.
