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Minestrone with Sausage and Pesto

Minestrone with Sausage and Pesto

Description

This cozy Italian minestrone gets a major flavor upgrade with savory sausage and a swirl of bright pesto – hearty enough for dinner but light enough to leave room for dessert!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) Italian sausage, casings removed
  • 2 Tbsp (30ml) olive oil
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 3 medium carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 Tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 can (14.5oz/410g) diced tomatoes
  • 6 cups (1.4L) chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 Parmesan rind (optional)
  • 1 can (15oz/425g) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15oz/425g) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 medium zucchini, diced
  • 1 cup (100g) small pasta (ditalini, orzo, or small shells)
  • 3 cups (90g) fresh spinach, roughly chopped
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • ¼ cup (60ml) prepared basil pesto
  • Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add Italian sausage, breaking it up as it cooks until well-browned, about 5-7 minutes.
  2. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook until vegetables begin to soften, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  3. Stir in minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
  4. Add tomato paste and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly until slightly darkened.
  5. Pour in diced tomatoes with juice, followed by broth. Add Parmesan rind if using. Bring to a gentle boil, reduce heat to simmer, cover partially and cook for 15 minutes.
  6. Add cannellini and kidney beans, along with diced zucchini. Return to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes.
  7. Stir in pasta and simmer until al dente according to package instructions (usually 8-10 minutes).
  8. Remove Parmesan rind if used. Add chopped spinach and stir until just wilted, about 1 minute. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  9. Serve hot with a dollop of pesto on top and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.

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Find it online: https://cookingcircuit.com/minestrone-with-sausage-and-pesto/