Italian Sausage Soup

 

Chuck and I really like Italian sausage.  It is so good in many soups we like as well, like Toscano and this tomato vegetable pasta-based soup. If you want a very easy full coarse meal in one pot this you will like. 

Topped with the most delicious freshly grated parmesan!

If you like you may add some delicious bread and a great salad for a very nice meal.  Truthfully it holds its own without the bread and salad. Either way, you choose I know you'll enjoy it if you like Italian sausage.

ITALIAN SAUSAGE SOUP

Ingredients

1 pound ground Italian Sausage (Use a good lean variety of ground sausage)

1 onion chopped

3 carrots sliced or chopped

3 ribs celery sliced or chopped

1 medium zucchini quartered and sliced

3 cloves garlic chopped

1 -- 14.5 oz. can of garbanzos or navy or cannellini beans (your choice of one of those), rinsed and drained well.

1-- 32oz container chicken broth, beef broth, or vegetable broth (your choice of one of those)

1--28 oz. can fire roasted or regular diced tomatoes

1 1/2 cups Penne Rigate, elbow macaroni, or any pasta (your choice of pasta)

1 to 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning plus optional Basil fresh or 1 teaspoon dried 

Red pepper flakes sprinkle or two into the pan with the sausage

Salt & Pepper to taste

Thyme fresh or dried for garnish and taste

Parmesan Cheese Freshly grated is best to top soup 

*I used ButcherBox Ground Italian Sausage one pound, Misfit's Market rainbow carrots, and celery, Food Lion Chicken Broth, zucchini, onion, and Masciarelli Penne Rigate from Abruzzo Italy. Parmesan from Olio Carli Italy.*

Directions

In a 4 quart or larger Stock Pot: 

Brown sausage on medium heat while browning add some red pepper flakes, onions, celery, carrots, and garlic. Continue cooking lowering or raising the temperature on the stovetop as needed.  Keep watch over and stir occasionally.  Cook for around 6 or 7 minutes checking to see if vegetables are crisp-tender. Drain if you have any excess oil in the pot.

Add zucchini canned tomatoes chicken broth and 1 to 2 teaspoons of Italian Seasoning.  I added about 3/4 tsp Basil and Thyme as well.  Heat the mixture to a slow boil.  

Add Pasta at this time turn the heat down to simmer.  Stir --check to see the time your pasta cooks for on the package to give you an idea of the time to cook, but just test the pasta to see when done.  Watch and stir lightly if needed. This probably won't take a long time. Carefully taste and season with salt and pepper if desired.

When pasta is Al Dente turn the stove to low/warm and serve immediately.  

Top with fresh herbs and parmesan cheese if desired.

Serves 8 to 10 people

This is a very delicious and hearty soup.

Oh my gosh, This is very good now I feel as if I could eat another bowl full!

Enjoy!