This Tuscan Sausage Soup is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines Italian sausage with fresh vegetables, cannellini beans, and pasta in a rich tomato-based broth. Topped with toasted breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese, it makes for a satisfying meal.

FULL RECIPE:

Ingredients

• 1 lb Italian ground pork sausage
• 1 cup chopped onions
• 1 large carrot, peeled, cut into quarters lengthwise and into 1/4-inch slices (about 1 cup)
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped garlic
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 6 cups reduced sodium chicken broth
• 1 can (19 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (28 oz) fire roasted diced tomatoes, undrained
• 2 teaspoons chopped fresh oregano
• 1 bay leaf
• 3/4 cup (3 oz) small ring pasta, such as ditalini
• 3 cups baby spinach, coarsely chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 cup plain panko crispy bread crumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

1. In a 5-quart Dutch oven, cook the sausage over medium-high heat until no longer pink; drain.
2. Add onions, carrot, garlic, and red pepper flakes; cook and stir 5 to 7 minutes or until vegetables soften.
3. Stir in chicken broth, beans, tomatoes, oregano, and bay leaf. Heat to boiling; reduce heat. Cover; simmer 15 minutes.
4. Stir in pasta; cook 10 to 12 minutes or until tender.
5. Stir in spinach; cook until wilted.
6. Meanwhile, in an 8-inch skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add bread crumbs; cook and stir 2 to 4 minutes or until golden brown.
7. To serve, remove bay leaf from soup; top each serving with bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese.

Nutrients Per serving:

• Calories: 320
• Total Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Cholesterol: 40mg
• Sodium: 980mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 30g
• Dietary Fiber: 5g
• Total Sugars: 5g
• Protein: 16g

History and Origins of Tuscan Sausage Soup

Tuscan Sausage Soup is a rustic and comforting dish that originates from the Tuscany region of Italy. This area is well known for its simple yet flavorful cuisine that makes use of fresh, local ingredients. Traditional Tuscan soups often incorporate beans, hearty greens, and rustic bread, which are all staples in Italian kitchens. Sausage has long been a favored protein in Italian cooking, dating back centuries when families would preserve meats using salt and spices. The combination of sausage, beans, and a rich broth showcases the essence of Tuscan cuisine: making delicious meals with accessible and budget-friendly ingredients. In the United States, this soup gained popularity through Italian-American cuisine and adaptations by home cooks. Many people recognize similar versions, such as the famous Zuppa Toscana, served at well-known restaurant chains. However, homemade versions are often preferred because they allow for more customization, such as controlling the spice level, adding different vegetables, or using alternative proteins.

Why This Soup Is So Popular

There are several reasons why Tuscan Sausage Soup has become a favorite among home cooks:

• Easy to Prepare: This soup does not require advanced cooking skills, making it ideal for beginners. Most of the ingredients are cooked in one pot, reducing cleanup time.
• Hearty and Filling: With its combination of protein, vegetables, and pasta or beans, it serves as a complete meal, eliminating the need for additional side dishes.
• Customizable: People can modify the recipe to suit dietary needs by using turkey sausage, swapping beans for lentils, or incorporating different types of greens.
• Rich and Flavorful: The use of Italian sausage adds depth to the broth, while fire-roasted tomatoes and fresh herbs enhance the overall taste.

Best Side Dishes to Serve with Tuscan Sausage Soup

While this soup is satisfying on its own, pairing it with complementary side dishes can elevate the dining experience. Here are some great options:

• Crusty Bread: Traditional Tuscan meals often include rustic bread. A warm baguette or ciabatta is perfect for dipping into the broth.
• Garlic Bread: A buttery, toasted slice of garlic bread enhances the soup’s rich flavors.
• Side Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette can balance the hearty nature of the soup.
• Roasted Vegetables: If you want to add more nutrients to your meal, roasted zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus work well as sides.
• Parmesan Cheese Crisps: Thinly baked Parmesan crisps add crunch and an extra layer of cheesy goodness.

Tips for Making the Best Tuscan Sausage Soup

To achieve the best flavor and texture, consider these tips:

• Use High-Quality Sausage: The sausage is the star ingredient, so opt for a good-quality Italian sausage, whether mild or spicy, based on your preference.
• Sauté the Aromatics: Cooking onions, garlic, and carrots before adding the broth helps develop a deep, rich flavor.
• Simmer for the Best Flavor: Letting the soup simmer allows the ingredients to meld together beautifully.
• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: If using pasta, add it towards the end of cooking to prevent it from becoming too soft.
• Adjust Seasoning as Needed: Taste the broth and adjust with salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes to suit your flavor preferences.

Variations of Tuscan Sausage Soup

This soup is highly adaptable, allowing for various ingredient swaps and modifications to fit different diets and tastes:

• Vegetarian Version: Replace the sausage with plant-based sausage or chickpeas for a meat-free version.
• Low-Carb/Keto-Friendly: Skip the beans and pasta, and add more leafy greens like kale or spinach.
• Dairy-Free: Simply omit the Parmesan cheese, or use a dairy-free alternative.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta or replace it with cauliflower rice for a hearty but gluten-free option.
• Spicier Version: Add more red pepper flakes or use hot Italian sausage for extra heat.

How to Store and Reheat Tuscan Sausage Soup

If you have leftovers, here’s how to store and enjoy them later:

• Refrigeration: Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: If making a large batch, let the soup cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It can be stored for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Warm the soup on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if it has thickened. If reheating from frozen, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Health Benefits of Tuscan Sausage Soup

Despite being a comfort food, this soup offers several nutritional benefits:

• Protein-Rich: The sausage and beans provide a good amount of protein, essential for muscle repair and overall health.
• High in Fiber: The beans and vegetables add fiber, which aids digestion and helps keep you full longer.
• Packed with Vitamins: Ingredients like spinach and carrots offer vitamins A and C, which support immune function.
• Balanced Meal: With protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats, it offers a well-rounded meal in one bowl.

Conclusion

Tuscan Sausage Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish that has stood the test of time. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal, a dish to warm up on a cold day, or a recipe that can be easily customized, this soup is a fantastic choice. With its rich broth, savory sausage, and hearty beans or pasta, it satisfies both the stomach and the soul. Best of all, it is easy to prepare, making it an excellent option for both beginner and experienced cooks. Serve it with a side of crusty bread, and you have a meal that brings a taste of Tuscany right into your kitchen.