MINESTRONE WITH ITALIAN SAUSAGE

Minestrone with Italian Sausage image

I make this zippy, satisfying soup all the time, and it's my dad's favorite. The recipe makes a lot, and I have found that it freezes well and tastes just as great reheated. -Linda Reis Salem, Oregon

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Lunch

Time 1h25m

Yield 11 servings (about 3 quarts).

Number Of Ingredients 18

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Ingredients

1 pound bulk Italian sausage
1 large onion, chopped
2 large carrots, chopped
2 celery ribs, chopped
1 medium leek (white portion only), chopped
1 medium zucchini, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1/4 pound fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 1/2-inch pieces
3 garlic cloves, minced
6 cups beef broth
2 cans (14-1/2 ounces each) diced tomatoes with basil, oregano and garlic
3 cups shredded cabbage
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/2 cup uncooked small pasta shells
1 can (15 ounces) garbanzo beans or chickpeas, rinsed and drained
3 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

In a Dutch oven, cook sausage and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Stir in the carrots, celery and leek; cook for 3 minutes. Add the zucchini, green beans and garlic; cook 1 minute longer. , Stir in the broth, tomatoes, cabbage, basil, oregano and pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 45 minutes. , Return to a boil. Stir in the garbanzo beans, pasta and parsley. Cook for 6-9 minutes or until pasta is tender. Serve with cheese.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 253 calories, Fat 15g fat (5g saturated fat), Cholesterol 33mg cholesterol, Sodium 910mg sodium, Carbohydrate 18g carbohydrate (6g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 12g protein.