Are you craving a warm, hearty, and flavorful meal that's also surprisingly easy to make? Look no further than this delicious chicken and sausage soup! This recipe is perfect for a cozy night in, a quick weeknight dinner, or even a potluck gathering. It's packed with tender chicken, savory sausage, and a medley of fresh vegetables, all simmered to perfection in a rich and flavorful broth. This is one of those easy recipes that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, but it’s ready in under an hour! Get ready to experience the ultimate comfort food.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 8 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup small pasta (ditalini, orzo, or elbow macaroni)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Step 1: Sauté the Sausage and Vegetables
Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Remove the sausage from the pot and set aside. Add the onion, carrots, and celery to the pot and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. This step builds a fantastic flavor base for your soup.
Step 2: Simmer the Soup
Pour in the chicken broth and add the cooked chicken, diced tomatoes, pasta, oregano, and basil. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked through. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 3: Season and Serve
Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the browned sausage and let it heat through for a couple of minutes. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.
Tips for the Best Chicken and Sausage Soup:
- For a richer flavor: Use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs to make your own chicken broth. Simmer the chicken with vegetables and aromatics for a deeply flavorful base.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Add more veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach.
- Make it creamy: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or milk at the end for a creamier texture. This is a fantastic way to elevate this already delicious soup!
- Meal prep friendly: This soup tastes even better the next day! Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week. This is a perfect example of healthy meals made easy.
Variations:
- Spicy Chicken and Sausage Soup: Add a jalapeño or some chili powder for a spicy kick.
- White Chicken and Sausage Soup: Omit the tomatoes for a lighter-colored soup.
- Vegetarian Chicken and Sausage Soup: Replace the sausage with mushrooms or crumbled vegetarian sausage.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 25-30g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 30-35g
This chicken and sausage soup recipe is a perfect example of delicious dishes that are quick and easy to prepare. Whether you’re a beginner cook or an experienced chef, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. Enjoy!