Chicken Sausage Soup is a hearty and nutritious meal perfect for cooler days. This delicious soup combines savory chicken sausage with a medley of vegetables and beans, all simmered in a flavorful broth. It’s a versatile dish that can be easily adjusted to include your favorite vegetables or spices. Whether you’re looking for a comforting lunch or a satisfying dinner, this soup is sure to warm you up and leave you feeling nourished. The rich flavors develop beautifully as they meld together, making this an excellent option for meal prep or a cozy family meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound chicken sausage, sliced into rounds
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (15 ounces) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups baby spinach
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions:
- Prepare the Ingredients:
- Slice the chicken sausage, dice the onion, carrots, celery, zucchini, and red bell pepper, and mince the garlic.
- Cook the Sausage:
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chicken sausage slices and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage from the pot and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- In the same pot, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Add the minced garlic, diced zucchini, and red bell pepper. Cook for another 3-4 minutes.
- Add the Seasonings and Tomatoes:
- Stir in the dried thyme, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Add the can of diced tomatoes (with juices) and stir to combine.
- Simmer the Soup:
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring the soup to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Add the Beans and Sausage:
- Add the cannellini beans and the cooked sausage back to the pot. Simmer for an additional 10 minutes.
- Finish with Spinach:
- Stir in the baby spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
- Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
- Serve hot, with crusty bread on the side if desired.
Enjoy your comforting and flavorful Chicken Sausage Soup!
