Minestrone with Sausage and Pesto Recipe

This hearty Minestrone with Sausage and Pesto is a flavorful and satisfying dish that combines Italian sausage, a variety of vegetables, beans, and pasta, topped with a dollop of basil pesto. It’s perfect for warming up on a cold day and can easily be prepared on the stovetop or in a slow cooker.

Ingredients:

• 16 ounces mild Italian sausage
• 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
• 5 cups chicken broth
• 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
• Basil pesto, for garnish
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish

Stovetop Instructions:

1. Brown the Sausage:
   • In a large pot, cook the Italian sausage over medium heat until browned. Break the sausage into small pieces as it cooks. Once browned, remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside.
2. Sauté Vegetables:
   • In the same pot, add the chopped onion, celery, and carrots. Sauté until the vegetables start to soften, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.
3. Add Liquids and Tomatoes:
   • Mix in the tomato paste and oregano, then add the diced tomatoes and chicken broth. Stir well to combine.
4. Simmer the Soup:
   • Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 15 minutes.
5. Add Beans and Pasta:
   • Add the cannellini beans, kidney beans, zucchini, yellow squash, and ditalini pasta to the pot. Continue to simmer until the pasta is tender, about 10 minutes.
6. Add Spinach:
   • Stir in the baby spinach and cooked sausage. Cook until the spinach is wilted and the soup is heated through.
7. Serve:
   • Ladle the soup into bowls. Top each serving with a spoonful of basil pesto and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.

Slow Cooker Instructions:

1. Prep the Sausage and Vegetables:
   • Brown the sausage in a skillet, then transfer to the slow cooker. Add all vegetables (except spinach) to the slow cooker.
2. Add Liquids and Tomatoes:
   • Stir in the tomato paste, oregano, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth.
3. Cook:
   • Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
4. Add Pasta and Beans:
   • During the last 30 minutes of cooking, add the pasta, beans, zucchini, and yellow squash. Increase heat to high if necessary.
5. Finish with Spinach:
   • Stir in the spinach and cooked sausage, and continue cooking until the spinach has wilted.
6. Serve:
   • Garnish with basil pesto and Parmesan cheese as described above.

Conclusion:

Minestrone with Sausage and Pesto is a robust and delicious soup that combines classic Italian flavors. Whether you choose to make it on the stovetop or in a slow cooker, it’s a versatile and comforting meal that’s perfect for any season. Enjoy the deep flavors and hearty ingredients of this wonderful minestrone!