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A small bowl of high protein minestrone soup with Italian sausage.
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5 from 3 votes

High Protein Minestrone Soup With Italian Sausage

A higher-protein twist on a classic. High protein minestrone soup with Italian sausage is filling and flavorful -- perfect for dinner or meal prep.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time1 hour 30 minutes
Course: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course, Soup
Cuisine: American, Italian
Keyword: Balanced, Beans, Easy, Healthy, High Fiber, High Protein, One Pot Recipe
Servings: 6
Author: Miranda Galati, MHSc, RD

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 lb mild Italian sausage removed from casing
  • 2 ribs celery diced small
  • 1 yellow onion diced small
  • 2 large carrots diced small
  • ½ tsp salt
  • black pepper to taste
  • ½ tsp chili flakes optional
  • 5 cloves of garlic minced
  • 1 medium zucchini diced small
  • 1 Yukon gold potato peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes
  • 1 cup trimmed green beans diced
  • 1 15-oz can red kidney beans drained and rinsed
  • 1 15-oz can white beans (I like navy beans) drained and rinsed
  • 1 28-oz can fire roasted diced tomatoes
  • 5 cups chicken broth I prefer Better-Than-Bouillon mixed with water
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 parmesan rind optional
  • ½ cup uncooked ditalini pasta or any other small pasta shape

Instructions

  • Heat your pot to medium. Add sausage and crumble with a spatula, cooking until browned and no longer pink. Remove from pot and set aside.
  • Add celery, onion, carrots, salt, pepper, and chili flakes (if using). Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are translucent and vegetables begin to soften.
  • Add garlic and stir. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until just fragrant.
  • Add back cooked sausage crumbles with zucchini, potato, green beans, beans, crushed tomatoes, broth, bay leaves, and parmesan rind. Stir and cover, keeping the heat to medium until the soup reaches a gentle boil. Then, turn it to medium low and simmer, covered, for 30-45 minutes or until potatoes are soft.
  • Add pasta and stir. Continue to simmer for 7-10 minutes or until pasta is cooked to al dente.
  • Remove the bay leaves and parmesan rind when your pasta is done cooking, and turn off the heat. Serve and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 574kcal | Carbohydrates: 59g | Protein: 28g | Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Cholesterol: 61mg | Sodium: 2100mg | Potassium: 1117mg | Fiber: 13g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 4225IU | Vitamin C: 22mg | Calcium: 153mg | Iron: 6mg