High Protein Minestrone Soup With Italian Sausage

High protein minestrone soup with Italian sausage is a hearty and nutritious dish that’s perfect for any occasion. This recipe offers a unique twist on the classic, making it a filling option for dinner or meal prep. Packed with vegetables and beans, this soup is not only delicious but also provides a great source of protein, ensuring you stay satisfied and energized throughout the day.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• High in Protein: With the inclusion of Italian sausage and beans, this soup delivers a satisfying amount of protein per serving.
• Flavorful and Comforting: The combination of spices and fresh ingredients creates a warm, inviting taste that feels like a hug in a bowl.
• Versatile Meal Prep Option: This soup keeps well in the fridge or can be frozen, making it an excellent choice for meal prep.
• Rich in Nutrients: Featuring various vegetables, this dish is loaded with vitamins and minerals to support your health.
• One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup is required since everything cooks in one pot, saving you time in the kitchen.

Tools and Preparation

To make high protein minestrone soup with Italian sausage, you will need some essential kitchen tools. Gather these items to ensure your cooking process goes smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot or Dutch oven: Ideal for cooking soups as it allows for even heat distribution and ample space for ingredients.
• Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for chopping vegetables safely and efficiently.
• Knife: A sharp knife ensures clean cuts, making prep work quicker and easier.
• Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring without scratching your cookware while helping to combine flavors thoroughly.

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Ingredients

A higher-protein twist on a classic. High protein minestrone soup with Italian sausage is filling and flavorful — perfect for dinner or meal prep.

Protein Source

• 1 lb mild Italian sausage (removed from casing)

Vegetables

• 2 ribs celery (diced small)
• 1 yellow onion (diced small)
• 2 large carrots (diced small)
• 1 medium zucchini (diced small)
• 1 Yukon gold potato (peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes)
• 1 cup trimmed green beans (diced)

Beans & Broth

• 1 15-oz can red kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
• 1 15-oz can white beans (I like navy beans) (drained and rinsed)
• 1 28-oz can fire roasted diced tomatoes
• 5 cups chicken broth (I prefer Better-Than-Bouillon mixed with water)

Seasonings & Extras

• ½ tsp salt
• black pepper (to taste)
• ½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
• 5 cloves of garlic (minced)
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 parmesan rind (optional)
• ½ cup uncooked ditalini pasta (or any other small pasta shape)

How to Make High Protein Minestrone Soup With Italian Sausage

Step 1: Cook the Sausage

Heat your pot to medium. Add sausage and crumble with a spatula, cooking until browned and no longer pink. Remove from pot and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

Add celery, onion, carrots, salt, pepper, and chili flakes (if using). Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are translucent and vegetables begin to soften.

Step 3: Add Garlic

Add garlic and stir. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until just fragrant.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Add back cooked sausage crumbles with zucchini, potato, green beans, beans, crushed tomatoes, broth, bay leaves, and parmesan rind. Stir well. Cover the pot; keep heat at medium until the soup reaches a gentle boil. Then turn it to medium-low and simmer covered for 30-45 minutes or until potatoes are soft.

Step 5: Cook Pasta

Add pasta to the soup. Stir well. Continue to simmer for another 7-10 minutes or until pasta is cooked to al dente.

Step 6: Serve

Remove the bay leaves and parmesan rind when your pasta is done cooking; turn off the heat. Serve hot and enjoy!

How to Serve High Protein Minestrone Soup With Italian Sausage

Serving High Protein Minestrone Soup with Italian sausage can elevate your dining experience. This hearty soup is versatile and pairs well with various sides and garnishes.

Pair with Crusty Bread

• Freshly baked baguette or sourdough is perfect for dipping in the flavorful broth.

Add a Side Salad

• A simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette adds freshness and balances the richness of the soup.

Top with Fresh Herbs

• Sprinkle chopped basil or parsley on top before serving for an aromatic touch.

Serve with Grated Cheese

• Offer grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano on the side for guests to add to their bowls, enhancing flavor.

Include Olive Oil Drizzle

• A drizzle of high-quality olive oil on top of the soup adds richness and depth to each bite.

How to Perfect High Protein Minestrone Soup With Italian Sausage

Perfecting your High Protein Minestrone Soup can make it even more delightful. Here are some tips to enhance its flavor and texture.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables will provide better flavor and texture compared to canned ones.
• Adjust Seasonings: Taste the soup during cooking and adjust salt, pepper, or spices to your preference for optimal seasoning.
• Control Simmer Time: Allowing the soup to simmer longer deepens flavors but be cautious not to overcook vegetables.
• Experiment with Pasta: Try different small pasta shapes for added texture; whole grain options boost fiber content.
• Add Nutritional Boosters: Incorporate leafy greens like spinach or kale towards the end of cooking for extra nutrients.

Best Side Dishes for High Protein Minestrone Soup With Italian Sausage

Complementing your High Protein Minestrone Soup with delicious side dishes can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options:

1. Garlic Bread
   A classic choice, garlic bread is easy to prepare and perfect for soaking up every drop of soup.

2. Roasted Vegetables
   Seasonal roasted veggies can add color and variety, enhancing both taste and nutrition.

3. Cheesy Polenta
   Creamy polenta topped with cheese pairs beautifully, adding a comforting element to your meal.

4. Quinoa Salad
   A light quinoa salad with vegetables can provide a refreshing contrast to the hearty soup.

5. Stuffed Peppers
   Colorful stuffed peppers filled with rice, beans, or lentils make a filling side that complements the flavors in the soup.

6. Bruschetta
   Topped with tomatoes and herbs, bruschetta offers a fresh and crunchy bite alongside your warm bowl of soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making High Protein Minestrone Soup With Italian Sausage, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Overcooking vegetables: Cooking vegetables too long can make them mushy. Sauté them just until they soften for the best texture.
• Neglecting seasoning: Failing to add enough salt and pepper can lead to bland soup. Taste as you cook and adjust the seasoning accordingly.
• Skipping the bay leaves: Bay leaves enhance flavor but are often forgotten. Always include them for a richer taste, even if you remove them before serving.
• Ignoring pasta cooking time: Adding pasta too soon can lead to overcooked noodles. Wait until your soup is nearly done before adding pasta for perfect al dente texture.
• Using cold broth: Cold broth can slow down cooking time. Use warm chicken broth to help your soup reach a gentle boil faster.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Allow the soup to cool completely before refrigerating.

Freezing High Protein Minestrone Soup With Italian Sausage

• Freeze in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 3 months.
• Leave some space at the top of the container since soup expands when frozen.

Reheating High Protein Minestrone Soup With Italian Sausage

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Heat in an oven-safe dish covered with foil for about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Pour into a pot and heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making High Protein Minestrone Soup With Italian Sausage.

Can I use turkey instead of Italian sausage?

Yes, ground turkey works well as a leaner alternative. Just be sure to season it well for flavor.

How can I make this soup vegetarian?

To make it vegetarian, omit the sausage and add more beans or lentils for protein. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize with your favorite veggies like spinach, kale, or bell peppers.

How do I store leftovers of High Protein Minestrone Soup With Italian Sausage?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze them for longer storage.

Final Thoughts

High Protein Minestrone Soup With Italian Sausage is not only hearty and satisfying but also versatile. You can easily customize it by adding different vegetables or proteins based on what you have on hand. Give this recipe a try; you’ll love its rich flavors and nourishing qualities!