Chicken Sausage Soup

A warm bowl of Chicken Sausage Soup is the perfect comfort food for any occasion. This hearty dish combines savory chicken sausage, nutritious beans, and fresh vegetables in a flavorful broth. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or just need a cozy meal on a chilly evening, this soup promises to deliver delightful flavors and satisfying goodness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With a prep time of just 15 minutes, you can have this delicious soup ready in no time.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein from chicken sausage and fiber from beans and kale, this soup is both nourishing and filling.
• One-Pot Wonder: Enjoy hassle-free cooking and minimal cleanup, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Versatile Meal: Customize the recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or spices to suit your taste.
• Freezes Well: Make a big batch and freeze leftovers for quick meals later.

Tools and Preparation

To create this delightful Chicken Sausage Soup, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment makes the cooking process smoother!

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot or dutch oven
• Slotted spoon
• Chopping board
• Sharp knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot or dutch oven: Perfect for simmering soups evenly without the risk of burning.
• Slotted spoon: Helps in easily removing cooked sausage without taking excess liquid from the pot.

Ingredients

A rustic, Italian-inspired soup combining savory chicken sausage, hearty beans, and fresh vegetables in a flavorful broth.

For the Base

• 1 tablespoon olive oil, plus more as needed
• 12 oz Italian chicken sausage, sliced into rounds
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 1 small zucchini, chopped
• 1 cup yellow onion, diced (about ½ large onion)
• 3 garlic cloves, minced

For Seasoning

• ¾ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes

For the Soup

• 15 oz fire roasted diced tomatoes (1 can)
• 30 oz great northern beans, drained and rinsed (2 cans)
• 6 cups chicken broth
• Parmesan rind (optional)

For Nutritional Boost

• 1 bunch kale, chopped

For Finishing Touches

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Chicken Sausage Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Chicken Sausage

Heat olive oil in a large pot or dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chicken sausage and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 4 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove sausage and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Vegetables

Add a little more oil to the pot. Then add the carrots, zucchini, and onion. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until soft. Next, add the garlic and sauté for 1 minute more.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients & Simmer

Add the Italian seasoning, salt, red pepper flakes, fire roasted diced tomatoes, great northern beans, chicken broth, and parmesan rind if using. Bring soup to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes.

Step 4: Add Chicken Sausage & Kale

Return the cooked chicken sausage to the pot. Add chopped kale and lemon juice if desired. Stir until the kale is wilted. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper before serving.

Enjoy your comforting bowl of Chicken Sausage Soup!

How to Serve Chicken Sausage Soup

Serving Chicken Sausage Soup is an opportunity to elevate its comforting flavors. This rustic dish can be complemented with various sides and garnishes, making it a delightful meal for any occasion.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• Parsley or Basil – A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or basil adds a burst of color and freshness to the soup.
• Parmesan Cheese – Grated Parmesan on top enhances flavor and gives a creamy texture.

Pair with Crusty Bread

• Sourdough Bread – The tangy flavor of sourdough pairs perfectly, perfect for dipping into the soup.
• Garlic Bread – Add a little extra flavor with garlic butter spread on toasted baguette slices.

Serve in a Bread Bowl

• Edible Bowls – Hollow out a round loaf of bread and serve the soup inside for a fun and tasty presentation.

Add a Side Salad

• Caesar Salad – A classic Caesar salad complements the hearty soup with crisp romaine and creamy dressing.
• Mixed Green Salad – Keep it light with seasonal greens tossed in vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.

How to Perfect Chicken Sausage Soup

To elevate your Chicken Sausage Soup, consider these helpful tips that enhance both flavor and texture.

• Use High-Quality Sausage – Choose fresh Italian chicken sausage for the best taste and texture.
• Add More Vegetables – Incorporate seasonal veggies like bell peppers or spinach for added nutrition and variety.
• Adjust Seasoning – Taste before serving; you can always add more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning as needed.
• Simmer Longer – Allowing it to simmer longer develops deeper flavors; just be cautious not to overcook the vegetables.
• Consider Adding Beans – If you prefer creaminess, blend some beans into the broth or use a mix of different beans for texture.
• Make Ahead – This soup tastes even better the next day; make it ahead of time to allow flavors to meld.

Best Side Dishes for Chicken Sausage Soup

Enjoying Chicken Sausage Soup is even better when paired with delicious side dishes. Here are some fantastic options that complement this hearty meal.

1. Cheesy Garlic Biscuits – Fluffy biscuits loaded with cheese and garlic are perfect for scooping up soup.
2. Roasted Vegetables – Seasoned roasted carrots, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts bring additional warmth to the table.
3. Caprese Skewers – Fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze offer a refreshing bite.
4. Stuffed Peppers – Bell peppers filled with rice, cheese, and herbs can serve as a hearty accompaniment.
5. Baked Zucchini Fries – Crispy baked zucchini fries provide a crunchy contrast to the smooth soup.
6. Potato Wedges – Seasoned potato wedges are easy to make and add satisfying crunch alongside each bowl of soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can make your Chicken Sausage Soup more enjoyable and flavorful. Here are some pitfalls to steer clear of:

• Overcooking the Sausage: Cooking the chicken sausage too long can dry it out. Aim for a golden brown color in about 4 minutes, then remove it from the pot.

• Ignoring Fresh Ingredients: Using wilted vegetables can affect the soup’s taste. Always opt for fresh carrots, zucchini, and kale to enhance flavor and nutrition.

• Skipping Seasoning Adjustments: Not tasting your soup before serving may lead to bland results. Adjust salt, pepper, and lemon juice at the end for a well-balanced flavor.

• Using Low-Quality Broth: Poor quality chicken broth can lead to a lackluster soup. Invest in good-quality broth or make your own for richer taste.

• Neglecting the Parmesan Rind: Leaving out the optional Parmesan rind misses out on added depth of flavor. Add it during cooking for an extra savory kick.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• The Chicken Sausage Soup will last up to 3-4 days in the fridge.

Freezing Chicken Sausage Soup

• Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
• The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months; just leave some space for expansion.

Reheating Chicken Sausage Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Heat for about 20-25 minutes.

• Microwave: Transfer soup to a microwave-safe bowl. Cover loosely and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.

• Stovetop: Pour soup into a pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated through, usually about 5-10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other types of sausage in Chicken Sausage Soup?

Yes, you can substitute with turkey or pork sausage if desired. Adjust cooking times based on the sausage type used.

How do I make this Chicken Sausage Soup spicier?

To add heat, use more red pepper flakes or include diced jalapeños when sautéing the vegetables.

What can I substitute for kale in this recipe?

Spinach or Swiss chard works well as a substitute for kale. Just add them towards the end of cooking to prevent overwilting.

Can I prepare Chicken Sausage Soup in advance?

Absolutely! It tastes even better the next day as flavors meld together. Just store it properly as mentioned above.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes! This Chicken Sausage Soup is perfect for meal prep and freezes well, making it convenient for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Sausage Soup is a delightful blend of flavors and textures that makes it a comforting choice any time of year. Its versatility allows you to customize ingredients based on what you have on hand, whether it’s swapping veggies or adjusting spices. Give this easy one-pot meal a try; it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen!