Description
This hearty Tuscan Chicken Soup combines savory chicken sausage, tender white beans, and flavorful vegetables in a rich tomato broth, finished with fresh kale, basil, and pasta. Perfect for a comforting meal, it’s easy to prepare and bursting with Italian-inspired flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Soup Base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 small bulb fennel, chopped finely
- 16 ounces chicken sausage, cut into bite-size pieces
- 2 (10 fluid ounce) cans chicken broth
- 1 (28 fluid ounce) can diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 1 (19 fluid ounce) can white beans, drained
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 5 dashes Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Pasta and Greens
- 1 cup uncooked pasta
- 1 small bunch kale, stems discarded and leaves torn
- Small handful fresh basil, torn
- 1/2 cup water
Seasoning & Garnishes
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- Croutons, for serving
- Parmesan cheese, shaved, for serving
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat, then add chopped onions and fennel. Cook while stirring occasionally for about 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Brown Sausage: Add the chicken sausage pieces to the pot and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to brown the sausage evenly.
- Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes with their juices, drained white beans, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring the mixture to a boil on high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer gently for 15 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Add Pasta and Greens: Stir in the uncooked pasta, torn kale leaves, fresh basil, and 1/2 cup of water. Continue cooking the soup for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until the pasta is tender and kale is wilted.
- Season and Serve: Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with garlic croutons and shaved Parmesan cheese for added texture and flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken sausage with turkey or plant-based sausage for variations.
- Use gluten-free pasta if you prefer a gluten-free version.
- Adding a splash of white wine in step 3 can enhance depth of flavor.
- For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes when sautéing the aromatics.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop.
