Hearty Minestrone with Sausage and Pesto Recipe Delight

When the aroma of simmering vegetables and savory sausage wafts through your kitchen, you know something magical is happening. Picture a steaming bowl of minestrone with sausage and pesto, vibrant and hearty, ready to wrap you in warmth like an old favorite sweater. easy crockpot teriyaki chicken. For more inspiration, check out this pesto chicken lettuce wraps recipe.

This dish isn’t just food; it’s a hug in a bowl, perfect for cozy nights or when you’re trying to impress guests while still wearing your comfy pajamas. cozy ham and corn chowder Trust me, this minestrone will have everyone asking for seconds—and maybe even thirds!

Friends often rave about how I could single-handedly solve world hunger with my minestrone. Okay, maybe not world hunger, but definitely hungry friends who can’t resist its charm.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish: delicious chicken enchilada casserole.

• Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for rich flavor and health benefits; it’s the heart of this dish.

• Sausage: Choose Italian sausage for authentic flavor; sweet or spicy, it’s up to your preference!

• Onion: A yellow onion works best—sauté until translucent to release its natural sweetness.

• Carrots: Fresh carrots add color and crunch; chop them into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.

• Celery: Don’t skip the celery—it brings a lovely crunch and aromatic base to your soup.

• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves are non-negotiable; they infuse the broth with depth and flavor.

• Canned Tomatoes: Use diced tomatoes with their juices for a robust tomato base that enhances richness.

• Vegetable Broth: A good quality vegetable broth adds depth; homemade or store-bought works well.

• Pasta: Any small pasta shapes will do; I love using ditalini for that classic minestrone feel.

• Pesto Sauce: A dollop of fresh pesto elevates the flavor profile—homemade or store-bought is fine!

• Spinach or Kale: Add some greens at the end for nutrition and color; they wilt beautifully into the soup.

• Parmesan Cheese: Grate fresh Parmesan on top before serving to add a salty finish that ties everything together.

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

Let’s Make it Together

Sauté the Base Ingredients: In a large pot over medium heat, warm olive oil until shimmering. Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until soft—about five minutes—until they start smelling divine.

Add the Sausage: Crumble in the Italian sausage. Cook it until browned all over, stirring occasionally. This step adds rich flavors to your soup foundation.

Add Garlic and Tomatoes: Toss in minced garlic and continue cooking until fragrant—about one minute. Then stir in canned tomatoes with juices; let those flavors meld together!

Pour in the Broth: Carefully add vegetable broth to the pot while scraping up any tasty bits stuck to the bottom. Bring everything to a gentle boil.

Add Pasta and Greens: Once boiling, toss in your pasta of choice. Cook according to package directions until al dente. In the last few minutes of cooking, stir in spinach or kale until wilted.

Add Pesto and Season: Stir in a generous dollop of pesto sauce just before serving. Taste test for seasoning—add salt and pepper as needed for balance.

Now take a moment to enjoy that delightful aroma wafting through your home!

Serve hot with grated Parmesan cheese sprinkled on top. Your guests—or family—will be swooning over their bowls.

Enjoy every spoonful of this minestrone with sausage and pesto!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by browning the sausage first to build flavor. Then, sauté your vegetables before adding broth and beans for a rich, layered taste.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap in seasonal veggies or add a splash of cream for extra richness. You can even use turkey sausage for a lighter version!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat on the stove until bubbling hot, adding water if needed.

Sharing my first attempt at making minestrone was unforgettable; friends praised it so much that I thought I’d opened a restaurant!

FAQ

Can I make minestrone with sausage and pesto vegetarian?

Absolutely! Substitute sausage with mushrooms or lentils for a delicious vegetarian option. cozy mushroom ramen.

How can I enhance the flavor of my minestrone?

Add freshly grated Parmesan cheese just before serving for an extra layer of flavor.

Is minestrone soup freezer-friendly?

Yes, you can freeze minestrone for up to three months in airtight containers.

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Minestrone with Sausage and Pesto

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• Author: Sarah Martinez
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 6

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Description

Warm up your evenings with this delightful minestrone soup featuring savory sausage and a burst of fresh pesto. Packed with colorful vegetables and hearty pasta, this dish is not just a meal; it’s comfort in a bowl. Perfect for cozy nights or impressing guests, each spoonful offers a rich medley of flavors that will leave everyone asking for more.

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Ingredients

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• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 lb Italian sausage (sweet or spicy)
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juices
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup ditalini pasta (or any small pasta)
• 1/2 cup pesto sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• 2 cups fresh spinach or kale
• Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

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Instructions

1. In a large pot over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the onion, carrots, and celery; sauté until soft (about 5 minutes).
2. Crumble in the Italian sausage and cook until browned.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute before adding the diced tomatoes with their juices.
4. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a gentle boil.
5. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. In the last few minutes of cooking, stir in the spinach or kale until wilted.
6. Just before serving, mix in the pesto and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot with grated Parmesan on top.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 1.5 cups)
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 850mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 8g
• Protein: 18g
• Cholesterol: 40mg