Chicken Sausage Soup
Introduction
Welcome to a cozy recipe that’s bound to warm your heart and fill your belly! This chicken sausage soup is the perfect dish for those chilly nights when you’re craving something hearty and comforting. Picture this: you settle onto the couch after a long day, the aroma of spices wafting from the kitchen, and the easy laughter of friends or family surrounding you. Doesn’t that just sound like a scene right out of a lovely movie? Well, let’s create that together!
But let’s be real—cooking doesn’t always go as planned. Maybe you accidentally dropped a carrot, or the pasta didn’t cook quite right. No worries! That’s all part of the fun. Let’s dive in and talk about what you’ll need to whip up this deliciousness!
Detailed Ingredients with measures
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound chicken sausage, casings removed
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 large carrot, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
4 cups chicken broth
1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, optional
1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
2 cups kale, chopped
1/2 cup small pasta (like ditalini or elbow macaroni)
Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Prep Time
About 10 minutes. Yes, you can pour yourself a glass of wine (or juice, no judgment here) and revel in the simplicity of chopping veggies while listening to your favorite tunes. It’s all part of the vibe!
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook time is around 30 minutes. So, in about 40 minutes total, you’ll have a pot of soul-soothing soup ready to go! It yields about 4-6 servings, which is great because you’ll want leftovers, trust me!
Now, let’s talk about the magic! Start with a splash of olive oil, tossing in that chicken sausage until it’s nice and brown. The sizzle is music to your ears! Add in your diced onion, garlic, and those colorful veggies—feel free to get creative with whatever you have on hand. Stir, dance a little—who said cooking can’t be fun?
Once you’re feeling the groove, pour in the chicken broth and tomatoes, letting it boil like a pot of bubbling joy. The smell? Pure bliss. Remember to taste and adjust the seasonings—it’s your dish after all! Just when you think it can’t get any better, toss in those tender beans and kale, followed by the pasta until perfectly al dente. Serve it up hot, topped with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan. Voilà! You’ve created something truly special. Enjoy every bite and embrace those little kitchen hiccups along the way. Happy cooking!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Sausage
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the 1 pound of chicken sausage, making sure to break it up into small pieces with a spoon. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, until the sausage is browned and cooked through. You’ll want to keep breaking it apart as it cooks to ensure even browning. Once done, remove the sausage from the pot and set it aside on a plate.
Step 2: Cook the Vegetables
Now, in the same pot (don’t you dare wash it yet!), add the diced onion, minced garlic, diced carrot, and diced celery. Stir occasionally as these aromatic veggies soften and release their flavors, about 5 minutes should do the trick. The smell should be amazing by now!
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Return the cooked chicken sausage back to the pot with those lovely sautéed vegetables. Add in the 4 cups of chicken broth, the 14.5-ounce can of diced tomatoes, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon dried basil, 1/2 teaspoon salt (you can adjust this later), 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat. Stir everything together to mix all those delightful flavors.
Step 4: Bring to a Boil
Increase the heat and bring the soup to a boil. Once it reaches a rolling boil, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 10 minutes. This is the time to grab a spoon and sneak a taste—it should be starting to smell heavenly!
Step 5: Add Beans, Kale, and Pasta
After simmering, it’s time to layer in more goodness! Add the drained and rinsed 15-ounce can of cannellini beans, 2 cups of chopped kale, and 1/2 cup of small pasta (like ditalini or elbow macaroni). Cook everything together until the pasta is al dente and the kale is tender, which should take about another 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 6: Final Touches
Give the soup a taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. You might want a bit more salt or some extra herbs—totally your call!
Step 7: Serving
Serve the soup hot, generously topped with grated Parmesan cheese. Grab a bowl, maybe some crusty bread on the side, and enjoy every last bite. You’ve earned it!
Notes
Storage
Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, you might need to add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up.
Customization
Feel free to swap out ingredients based on your preferences. Other greens like spinach or Swiss chard can work wonderfully if kale isn’t your thing.
Vegetarian Option
To make this soup vegetarian, simply omit the sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can add a plant-based protein for added texture.
Extra Flavor
If you want a little more depth, consider adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or a squeeze of lemon juice before serving. It’ll brighten up the flavors beautifully!
Happy cooking! Enjoy your comforting bowl of deliciousness.
Cook techniques
Browning the sausage
Start by heating olive oil in a pot over medium heat; this helps prevent sticking and adds flavor. Breaking up the sausage as it cooks ensures even browning and helps the texture blend nicely into the soup. I’ve accidentally left it in chunks a few times—trust me, small bits work way better.
Sautéing the aromatics and veggies
Once the sausage is out, toss in onion, garlic, carrot, and celery straight in that lovely sausage-infused oil. Stir occasionally until they soften and start smelling amazing—about 5 minutes. Pro tip: don’t rush this step or turn the heat too high, or you’ll have bitter burnt garlic, which I definitely learned the hard way.
Simmering to build flavors
After adding sausage back in with broth, tomatoes, and spices, bring everything to a boil, then lower to a gentle simmer. This slow simmer lets those herbs and spices really sing together. I sometimes get impatient here—resist the urge to speed it up, okay? That simmer magic makes all the difference.
Adding beans, kale, and pasta last
Beans and kale go in near the end so they don’t turn mushy or overcooked. Pasta cooks right alongside, so timing is everything. The secret is stirring often so the pasta doesn’t stick to the bottom, a lesson learned after once scrubbing a scorched pot that summer (ugh).
Seasoning and finishing touches
Always taste before serving. Salts and peppers are forgiving, so add slowly. And don’t forget the Parmesan cheese on top—it’s the cozy, salty hug this soup needs.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Absolutely! Chicken sausage keeps it light, but Italian sausage, turkey sausage, or even vegetarian sausage can work. Just remember that different sausages have different fat contents, which could change cooking times a bit.
What if I don’t have kale?
No worries—spinach, Swiss chard, or even collard greens make great swaps. Add them a little later than kale because they cook faster and you want to avoid mushy greens.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes! It actually tastes better the next day after the flavors meld. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth if it gets too thick overnight.
What pasta works best?
Small shapes like ditalini or elbow macaroni are ideal because they cook quickly and distribute well in the soup. Avoid big pasta that may need longer cooking or end up soggy.
How spicy is this soup?
The crushed red pepper flakes add a subtle kick but are totally optional. If you’re sensitive to spice, feel free to skip or add just a pinch.
Can I freeze this soup?
You can, but pasta tends to get mushy after freezing and thawing. For best results, freeze the soup without the pasta and add fresh cooked pasta when reheating.
Conclusion
There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of soup at the end of a long day, and this Chicken Sausage and Kale Soup captures that cozy feeling perfectly. With the savory blend of chicken sausage and fresh veggies, each spoonful brings a comforting burst of flavor, making it a go-to recipe for chilly nights or when you’re simply looking for something hearty and wholesome. Plus, it’s an excellent way to sneak in those greens without anyone batting an eye! When the pasta is cooked just right and you sprinkle on that Parmesan, it’s like the warm hug we all need. So grab your favorite bowl, and enjoy every last drop of this delicious creation!
Healthy Quinoa and Veggie Bowl
Swap the pasta for quinoa and throw in a variety of roasted seasonal vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers for a protein-packed, gluten-free option that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.
Spicy Chorizo and Beans Soup
Try using chorizo in place of chicken sausage for a smoky kick. Add black beans along with the cannellini for an added layer of flavor and texture. Just a pinch of chili powder can take it over the top!
Vegetarian Version
For a meatless version, skip the sausage altogether and add more beans or lentils. Perhaps add some extra spices like cumin and coriander to give it a flair that packs a punch without any meat.
Creamy Tomato and Spinach Pasta
Use the same base recipe but add a splash of cream and a handful of fresh spinach instead of kale. This gives you a rich, luxurious soup that feels like a treat!
Sausage and Butternut Squash Stew
If you’re feeling adventurous, toss in some cubed butternut squash and let it simmer away for a naturally sweet contrast to the savory sausage. The texture will become beautifully tender and adds that lovely fall flavor.
Italian Lentil Soup
Replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth and replace the sausage with lentils. Use similar seasonings, and you’ve got a nutritious, protein-rich soup that warms from the inside out.
Herbed Chicken and Rice Casserole
Transform the flavors of this soup into a comforting casserole. Use cooked rice instead of pasta, mix in the chicken and veggies, and bake with a sprinkle of cheese on top until golden and bubbly.
So, gather your ingredients and embrace the joy of cooking—and remember, even the messiest kitchens can serve up the most delicious meals! Happy cooking!
