Hearty Minestrone with Sausage and Pesto Recipe Delight

The moment you take a whiff of bubbling minestrone with sausage and pesto, your senses will dance in delight. The hearty aroma of savory sausage mingles with fresh basil, garlic, and the warmth of simmering vegetables creates a cozy embrace that feels like home. hearty vegetable beef soup With each spoonful, the rich flavors wrap around you like your favorite blanket on a chilly evening. For more inspiration, check out this cozy pumpkin wild rice soup recipe.

Picture this: a chilly Sunday afternoon, laughter echoing through the kitchen as family gathers around the table. This dish has been my go-to for those moments when comfort food is essential. It’s both nourishing and delicious—perfect for any gathering or just a quiet night in.

Whenever I serve this dish, friends and family can’t help but exclaim their delight at the first taste.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Italian Sausage: Choose mild or spicy based on your preference; both add fantastic flavor to the soup. chicken and rice soup Italian chicken and peppers.

• Carrots: Use fresh carrots for sweetness and crunch; they brighten up the dish beautifully.

• Celery: Adds depth and texture; be sure to chop it finely for even cooking.

• Zucchini: Opt for firm zucchini; it holds its shape well while adding nutrition.

• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves elevate the overall flavor; don’t skimp on this aromatic superstar.

• Diced Tomatoes: Canned tomatoes work perfectly here; they provide acidity and richness.

• Vegetable Broth: Use low-sodium broth if you’re watching salt intake; it’s key for a comforting base.

• Pesto Sauce: Homemade or store-bought works well; choose one with fresh basil to enhance flavors.

• Pasta (e.g., small shells): Small pasta shapes cook quickly and soak up all those delicious flavors. chicken Caesar pasta salad. For more inspiration, check out this quick savory Bolognese recipe recipe.

• Spinach or Kale: Add leafy greens for color and nutrients; they wilt beautifully into the soup.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

First Step: Start by browning the sausage in a large pot over medium heat until fully cooked through. You want it nice and crispy—this step adds depth to your soup.

Second Step: Once browned, remove the sausage from the pot but keep those delicious drippings. Toss in chopped onions along with diced carrots and celery, sautéing them until they’re tender—about 5 minutes.

Third Step: Add minced garlic to the mix after that—stir it until fragrant, which will take about 30 seconds. You’re aiming for that irresistible aroma that makes everyone curious about what’s cooking!

Fourth Step: Now return the sausage to the pot along with diced tomatoes and vegetable broth. Bring everything to a gentle boil then reduce heat to simmer for about 15 minutes. Let those flavors meld together beautifully during this time.

Fifth Step: Stir in chopped zucchini and small pasta of your choice into the pot next. Cook until pasta is al dente—about 7-10 minutes should do it!

Sixth Step: Finally, fold in fresh spinach or kale just before serving. Stir in pesto sauce last so its vibrant color shines through—serve hot with crusty bread on the side!

This minestrone with sausage and pesto isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience filled with warmth and joy that you can share with loved ones around your table!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by sautéing garlic and onions, then add sausage for maximum flavor before incorporating vegetables and broth.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap in seasonal veggies or add beans for extra protein, making this dish truly your own.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover minestrone in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. Reheat gently on the stove.

Cooking this minestrone reminds me of cozy family dinners where laughter filled the air, and everyone felt at home around the table.

FAQ

What can I use instead of sausage in my minestrone?

Try using turkey sausage or omit meat altogether for a vegetarian option.

How long does it take to cook minestrone?

Typically, minestrone takes about 30-45 minutes from start to finish.

Can I freeze minestrone with sausage and pesto?

Yes, it freezes well! Just leave out any pasta before freezing to maintain texture.

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Minestrone with Sausage and Pesto

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• Author: Jessica
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 6

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Description

Minestrone with sausage and pesto is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for cozy gatherings or quiet nights in. This hearty soup combines savory sausage with fresh vegetables, aromatic garlic, and vibrant pesto, creating a bowlful of warmth and flavor that wraps around you like a favorite blanket. Easy to prepare and adaptable to your pantry staples, this dish brings family and friends together over a delicious meal.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 medium zucchini, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
• 1 cup pesto sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• 1 cup small pasta (e.g., small shells)
• 2 cups fresh spinach or kale

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Instructions

1. Brown the sausage in a large pot over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside.
2. In the same pot, sauté chopped onions, carrots, and celery for about 5 minutes until tender.
3. Add minced garlic and stir until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
4. Return the sausage to the pot along with diced tomatoes and vegetable broth; bring to a gentle boil then reduce heat to simmer for 15 minutes.
5. Add zucchini and pasta; cook until pasta is al dente (7-10 minutes).
6. Fold in spinach or kale just before serving; stir in pesto sauce.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1.5 cups (360g)
• Calories: 430
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fiber: 8g
• Protein: 21g
• Cholesterol: 55mg