Minestrone with Sausage

Minestrone with sausage transforms the classic Italian soup into a robust, protein-packed meal that’s incredibly satisfying. This version combines savory Italian sausage with tons of vegetables, beans, and pasta for a complete dinner in one pot. It’s the kind of soup that makes everyone ask for seconds.

I discovered this recipe on a chilly fall evening when I wanted something more substantial than traditional minestrone. The addition of Italian sausage changed everything. Now it’s my go-to when I need a comforting, healthy meal that comes together in just over an hour. The combination of beans, pasta, and vegetables makes it incredibly satisfying, while the basil pesto and parmesan add an authentic Italian touch that really brings the minestrone with sausage to life. You’ll need a large soup pot or Dutch oven for this recipe.

What You’ll Need for This Sausage Minestrone

This hearty soup comes together with simple, wholesome ingredients you probably already have on hand. I always use mild Italian sausage for the perfect balance of flavor, but feel free to use hot if you like a kick.

• 16 ounces mild Italian sausage (bulk or links with casings removed)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 1/2 cups celery, chopped
• 1 1/2 cups carrots, chopped
• 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 (15 ounce) can Italian style diced tomatoes (14.5-15.5 oz cans work fine)
• 5 cups chicken broth (plus 1-2 cups extra if needed)
• 1 (15 ounce) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 ounce) can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup zucchini, chopped
• 1 cup yellow squash, chopped
• 1/2 cup dry ditalini pasta
• 2 cups baby spinach, roughly chopped
• Basil pesto, to garnish
• Grated parmesan cheese, to garnish

How to Make This Flavorful Soup

I recommend using a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven for even heat distribution when making this minestrone with sausage. The process is straightforward and mostly hands-off once everything is simmering.

Step 1: In a large soup pot, brown the Italian sausage over medium to medium-high heat, breaking it into bite-sized pieces as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes. If using link sausage, remove the casings first. Once browned, remove the sausage from the pot and set aside. Drain the excess fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pot for sautéing.

Step 2: While the sausage browns, chop your onion, celery, carrots, and mince the garlic. Having everything prepped makes the process smooth.

Step 3: Add the tomato paste, onions, celery, carrots, garlic, and dried oregano to the pot. Saute for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables start to soften and become fragrant. The tomato paste will deepen in color slightly.

Step 4: Add the can of Italian tomatoes and chicken broth. Return the browned sausage to the pot. Turn the heat to high and bring everything to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer.

Step 5: Cook for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until all the carrots are fork-tender. This slow simmer allows all the flavors to meld beautifully, and your kitchen will smell absolutely amazing. Pro tip: This is when I add my parmesan rind if I have one.

Step 6: Add both cans of drained beans, the chopped zucchini, yellow squash, and dry pasta. Bring back to a boil, then reduce to a simmer again.

Step 7: Simmer another 8-10 minutes, until the pasta is tender. Keep an eye on the liquid level. Check the consistency before adding the spinach. If your minestrone with sausage looks too thick, add another cup or two of chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.

Step 8: Turn off the heat and stir in the roughly chopped baby spinach. Cover and wait about 5 minutes for the spinach to wilt. Taste and season with salt and pepper if needed, though I rarely find it necessary given how flavorful the sausage and broth make this soup.

Step 9: Ladle into bowls and garnish each serving with a teaspoon of basil pesto swirled on top and a generous amount of freshly grated parmesan cheese. This recipe makes 8 generous 2-cup servings.

Common mistake to avoid: Don’t add the pasta too early or it will absorb too much broth and become mushy. I learned this the hard way the first time I made this! If you’re meal prepping, consider cooking the pasta separately and adding it to individual portions when reheating.

Perfect Pairings for Your Sausage Soup

This hearty minestrone with sausage pairs wonderfully with crusty breads and fresh salads that complement its robust Italian flavors.

Crusty garlic bread: The crispy, buttery bread is perfect for soaking up every last drop of the flavorful broth and adds a satisfying crunch.

French bread: A classic baguette provides a neutral backdrop that lets the soup’s complex flavors shine without competing.

Homemade dinner rolls: Soft, pillowy rolls offer a comforting contrast to the chunky, textured soup and are perfect for a family-style meal.

Fresh Caesar salad: The crisp romaine, tangy dressing, and salty parmesan create a refreshing counterpoint to the warm, hearty soup.

These are some of the best sides for minestrone with sausage because they balance the meal without overwhelming the star of the show.

More Italian Sausage Soup Recipes

This sausage minestrone soup brings Italian comfort to the table, and pairs wonderfully with other sausage-forward recipes. For a creamy chowder variation, try the Potato and Sausage Chowder featuring wild rice and tender potatoes. When you want autumn flavors, the Autumn Tortellini Soup with Sausage combines cheese tortellini with butternut squash.

For beef-based alternatives, explore the Vegetable Beef Soup or the hearty Crockpot Beef Stew. These protein-packed soups make excellent weeknight dinners and freeze beautifully for convenient meal prep.

Storing Your Leftover Soup

This minestrone with sausage actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. Store cooled soup in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days for best quality. The vegetables and beans hold up beautifully, though the pasta will continue to absorb some liquid.

For reheating, I recommend using the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of chicken broth to loosen it up. You can also microwave individual portions in 2-minute intervals, stirring between each.

Pro tip: For freezer storage, pour the completely cooled soup into labeled freezer bags and freeze flat for easy stacking, or use individual containers for grab-and-go lunches. The soup freezes well for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Your Minestrone Questions Answered

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