Hey everyone!I don’t know about you, but when the weather gets a bit chilly, nothing sounds better than a warm, comforting bowl of soup. And I’m not talking about spending hours in the kitchen! That’s why I’m so excited to share my recipe for a quick and easy sausage soup. It’s packed with flavor, super simple to make, and always a crowd-pleaser. Trust me, this is going to become a new staple in your house!
Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Soup
- Ready in a Flash: Seriously, we’re talking about a meal that’s on the table in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights!
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of savory sausage, hearty veggies, and flavorful broth creates a taste sensation that will leave you wanting more.
- One-Pot Wonder: Fewer dishes to wash? Yes, please! This recipe comes together in just one pot, making cleanup a breeze.
- Customizable: This soup is incredibly versatile. Feel free to swap out ingredients based on your preferences and what you have on hand. I’ll give you some ideas below.
- Budget-Friendly: Sausage is relatively inexpensive, and you can use frozen or canned veggies to keep costs down.
Quick Facts
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 20 minutes
- Serving size: 6 servings
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 pound Italian sausage (sweet or hot, your choice!), removed from casing
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (15 ounce) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup chopped carrots
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Let’s Get Cooking: Step-by-Step Instructions
- Brown the Sausage: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
- Sauté the Veggies: Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Bring it Together: Pour in the chicken broth and add the diced tomatoes (undrained), and cannellini beans. Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer and Serve: Bring the soup to a simmer, then reduce the heat and cook for 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Garnish and Enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot!
Serving Suggestions: Make it a Meal!
- Crusty Bread: Serve with a side of crusty bread for dipping into the delicious broth.
- Grilled Cheese: Pair it with a grilled cheese sandwich for the ultimate comfort food combination.
- Side Salad: Add a simple side salad for a lighter meal.
- Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor.
Tips for Customization: Make it Your Own!
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Add Greens: Stir in some chopped spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking for added nutrients.
- Different Beans: Use kidney beans, great northern beans, or chickpeas instead of cannellini beans.
- Pasta Power: Add small pasta shapes like ditalini or elbow macaroni for a heartier soup. Cook according to package directions.
- Veggie Boost: Include other vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or potatoes.
Nutritional Information (Approximate, per serving)
- Calories: 350-400
- Protein: 25-30g
- Fat: 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
Note: Nutritional information may vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.
FAQs: Your Questions Answered!
- Can I make this soup in a slow cooker? Absolutely! Brown the sausage and sauté the vegetables as directed. Then, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Can I freeze this soup? Yes, this soup freezes well. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags. It will last for up to 3 months in the freezer.
- How long does this soup last in the fridge? This soup will last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
- What kind of sausage should I use? I prefer Italian sausage, but you can use any type of sausage you like, such as kielbasa or chorizo.
