There’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of hearty broccoli and chicken sausage soup with orecchiette to warm your soul on a chilly evening. This flavorful soup brings together the robust taste of savory chicken sausage, the earthiness of broccoli, and the comforting bite of orecchiette pasta, all in a rich, aromatic broth infused with a Parmesan rind.
Whether you’re looking for a cozy weeknight meal, a nutritious option for meal prep, or a new way to enjoy wholesome ingredients, this broccoli and chicken sausage soup delivers the perfect balance of warmth, nutrition, and satisfying flavor.
Let’s explore how to make this delicious soup, its health benefits, and expert tips to ensure it turns out perfect every time.
Why You’ll Love This Hearty Broccoli and Chicken Sausage Soup
- Packed with Protein – The chicken sausage provides a lean, flavorful protein source.
- Loaded with Nutrients – Broccoli is rich in vitamins and antioxidants.
- Comforting and Satisfying – Orecchiette pasta adds a hearty bite.
- Deeply Flavorful – A Parmesan rind infuses the broth with a rich umami taste.
- Easy to Make – Simple steps that require minimal prep time.
Ingredients for Broccoli and Chicken Sausage Soup
Here’s everything you need to make this hearty homemade soup:
Main Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Olive oil | 2 Tbsp |
| Broccoli | 2 large heads, cut into florets and stems chopped |
| White onion, finely diced | 1 small (or ½ large) |
| Red pepper flakes | Pinch |
| Garlic, finely chopped | 7 cloves |
| Chicken sausage (casings removed) | 1 lb |
| Good-quality stock | 8 cups |
| Parmesan rind | 1 piece |
| Kosher salt | To taste |
| Freshly cracked black pepper | To taste |
| Orecchiette pasta (uncooked) | 2 cups |
| Fresh parsley | For garnish |
| Fresh basil | For garnish |
| Grated Parmesan | For garnish |
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Hearty Broccoli and Chicken Sausage Soup
1. Prepare the Broccoli
- Cut the broccoli heads into small florets.
- Peel and chop the broccoli stems into bite-sized pieces.
- Set aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Sauté for 5 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent.
- Stir in the chopped garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Cook the Chicken Sausage
- Add the chicken sausage, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
- Sauté until the sausage is browned and fully cooked through.
4. Build the Soup Base
- Pour in the 8 cups of stock and add the Parmesan rind.
- Bring the soup to a gentle simmer.
5. Cook the Broccoli
- Add the broccoli florets and stems to the pot.
- Season with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.
- Simmer gently for 15-20 minutes, until the broccoli is tender.
6. Cook the Orecchiette
- While the soup is simmering, cook the orecchiette pasta separately according to package instructions.
- Drain and set aside.
7. Combine Everything
- Once the broccoli is tender, remove the Parmesan rind from the soup.
- Stir in the cooked orecchiette until well combined.
8. Garnish and Serve
- Ladle the soup into bowls.
- Garnish with fresh parsley, basil, and grated Parmesan.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Health Benefits of Broccoli and Chicken Sausage Soup
1. High in Vitamins and Antioxidants
- Broccoli is loaded with vitamin C, vitamin K, and fiber, which help support immunity and digestion.
2. Lean Protein for Muscle Health
- Chicken sausage provides a lean protein source, essential for muscle maintenance and energy.
3. Supports Heart Health
- Olive oil and garlic contain heart-healthy properties that may help reduce inflammation and cholesterol levels.
4. Boosts Gut Health
- The Parmesan rind adds probiotics that promote gut health and digestion.
5. Provides Long-Lasting Energy
- Orecchiette pasta supplies complex carbohydrates that keep you full and energized.
Expert Tips for the Best Broccoli and Chicken Sausage Soup
1. Use High-Quality Stock
- A rich, homemade stock or a good-quality store-bought broth makes all the difference in flavor.
2. Cook Pasta Separately
- To prevent soggy pasta, always cook it separately and add it to individual servings instead of the entire pot.
3. Adjust the Spice Level
- If you love heat, add extra red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce.
4. Make It Creamier
- Stir in ½ cup of heavy cream or a spoonful of ricotta for a creamier texture.
5. Let It Rest Before Serving
- Allowing the soup to sit for 10 minutes before serving helps develop deeper flavors.
Variations of Broccoli and Chicken Sausage Soup
1. Low-Carb Version
- Swap orecchiette for cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
2. Dairy-Free Alternative
- Omit the Parmesan rind and garnish with nutritional yeast for a dairy-free version.
3. Extra Veggie Boost
- Add spinach, kale, or bell peppers for more nutrients and texture.
4. Slow Cooker Method
- Combine everything except the pasta in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
How to Store and Reheat Broccoli and Chicken Sausage Soup
1. Refrigerating Leftovers
- Store soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
2. Freezing for Later
- Freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months.
- If freezing, leave out the pasta and add fresh-cooked pasta when reheating.
3. Best Way to Reheat
- Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use a different type of sausage?
Yes! Turkey sausage, pork sausage, or plant-based sausage all work well.
2. How do I make this soup gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta or swap pasta for rice or potatoes.
3. Can I prepare this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! It tastes even better the next day. Just store the pasta separately to prevent it from getting too soft.
4. What can I use instead of a Parmesan rind?
Try Pecorino Romano rind or add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan before serving.
5. Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes! Use vegetable stock and swap the chicken sausage for white beans or chickpeas.
6. Is this soup spicy?
Not really, but you can increase the red pepper flakes for a spicier kick.
Final Thoughts & Call to Action
This hearty broccoli and chicken sausage soup with orecchiette is the perfect balance of comfort, nutrition, and bold flavors. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, meal prep, or a quick weeknight meal, this soup will leave you feeling warm and satisfied.