Rustic Italian Smoked Sausage and Bean Soup
Warm up with this Rustic Italian Smoked Sausage and Bean Soup, a delightful combination of savory smoked sausage, tender pasta, and hearty beans simmered in a rich, flavorful broth. Inspired by the comforting traditions of Italian cuisine, this soup showcases a blend of fresh and pantry ingredients to create a wholesome meal that is perfect for cozy dinners on chilly evenings. Packed with protein and nutrients, this soup not only satisfies your taste buds but also nourishes your body, making it a wonderful addition to your low cholesterol diet. Serve it alongside crusty bread for a complete, satisfying experience that everyone in the family will love!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Hillshire Farm Smoked Sausage
1 lb (sliced, any variety)
Chopped Onion
1 cup (fresh)
Olive Oil
2 teaspoons (for sautéing)
Chopped Tomatoes
1 (28 ounce) can (with juice)
Hot Water
3.5 cups (boiled)
Pasta Shells
1 cup (uncooked)
Chicken Bouillon Cubes
2 (dissolved)
Kidney Beans
1 (18 ounce) can (drained)
Instructions
1
In a large deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the sliced smoked sausage and chopped onion. Sauté until the sausage is browned and the onions are translucent, about 5 minutes.
2
Add the chopped tomatoes (with their juice) to the pot, followed by 3.5 cups of hot water, 1 cup of pasta shells, and 2 chicken bouillon cubes. Stir well to combine.
3
Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, add the drained kidney beans to the pot.
4
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer for around 15-20 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and infused with all the delicious flavors.
5
Once cooked, ladle the soup into bowls. Optionally, serve with fresh herbs or grated Parmesan cheese on top. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein in the Rustic Italian Smoked Sausage and Bean Soup?
The main protein in this soup is one pound of Hillshire Farm Smoked Sausage, which can be any variety and should be sliced.
What type of beans are used in this recipe?
This recipe calls for one 18-ounce can of kidney beans, which should be drained before being added to the pot.
What kind of pasta is recommended for this Italian soup?
One cup of uncooked pasta shells is used in this recipe to give the soup a hearty texture.
How much water is required to make the broth?
You will need 3.5 cups of hot, boiled water to combine with the chicken bouillon cubes for the broth.
Should the tomatoes be drained before adding them to the soup?
No, the 28-ounce can of chopped tomatoes should be added with their juice to provide extra flavor and liquid to the base.
How long does it take to cook the sausage and onions?
The sliced smoked sausage and chopped onions should be sautéed in olive oil for about 5 minutes until the sausage is browned and the onions are translucent.
How long should the soup simmer once the pasta and beans are added?
The soup should simmer on low heat, covered, for approximately 15 to 20 minutes until the pasta is tender.
Is this soup considered a one-pot meal?
Yes, this recipe is designed to be made in a single large deep skillet or Dutch oven, making cleanup easy.
Is this recipe suitable for a low cholesterol diet?
According to the description, this soup is a nourishing addition to a low cholesterol diet, packed with protein and nutrients.
What can I serve with this Rustic Italian soup?
It is recommended to serve this soup alongside crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
What type of bouillon is used?
The recipe uses 2 chicken bouillon cubes dissolved in the hot water to create a savory base.
Can I use a different variety of sausage?
Yes, you can use any variety of Hillshire Farm Smoked Sausage or a similar smoked sausage based on your preference.
How much olive oil is needed for sautéing?
The recipe requires 2 teaspoons of olive oil to heat in the skillet before adding the sausage and onions.
Do the pasta shells need to be cooked beforehand?
No, the pasta shells are added uncooked and will cook directly in the simmering broth.
What size can of tomatoes is used?
A standard 28-ounce can of chopped tomatoes is used for this recipe.
How much onion is included in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of fresh chopped onion.
Are there any suggested garnishes for the soup?
Optionally, you can serve the soup with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top.
Can I substitute kidney beans with another bean variety?
While kidney beans are specified, you could easily substitute them with cannellini or navy beans for a similar Italian flavor profile.
Is this recipe easy for beginners?
Yes, it is tagged as an 'easy recipe' and involves simple sautéing and simmering steps.
Does this soup contain any sugar?
The provided nutritional data indicates that sugar levels are null or negligible in this specific recipe preparation.
What is the total preparation and cooking time roughly?
Preparation and cooking take approximately 25 to 30 minutes in total, including 5 minutes for sautéing and 20 minutes for simmering.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, but you would need to add extra water or broth to compensate for the liquid/juice found in the 28-ounce canned variety.
Is the soup broth-based or creamy?
This is a broth-based soup, utilizing water, bouillon, and tomato juice to create a rich, flavorful liquid.
Can I make this soup gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, substitute the pasta shells with a gluten-free pasta variety and ensure the bouillon cubes are certified gluten-free.
What are some of the tags associated with this recipe?
Tags include soup, Italian, smoked sausage, bean soup, comfort food, and hearty.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 8 ingredients required to make this soup.
Should I boil the water before adding it to the pot?
The recipe suggests using 3.5 cups of hot water that has been boiled to help dissolve the bouillon and speed up the boiling process.
Is this soup spicy?
The soup is savory rather than spicy, though you can choose a spicy variety of smoked sausage if you prefer more heat.
What is the consistency of the final soup?
It is a hearty, chunky soup filled with sliced sausage, soft beans, and pasta shells.
Can I add leafy greens to this recipe?
Yes, adding fresh spinach or kale during the last few minutes of simmering would be a great way to add more nutrients.