Quick Sausage, Cannellini Bean, and Short Pasta Soup

Weeknight evenings often call for practical, yet nourishing, culinary solutions. This quick sausage, cannellini bean, and short pasta soup has been thoughtfully crafted to deliver a substantial and comforting meal from start to table in just 30 minutes. The efficiency stems from utilising quick-cooking ingredients and a method that maximises every step. We begin by browning the sausage directly in the pot, eliminating extra washing up and infusing the broth with rich flavours. A swift sauté of onion and garlic follows, before tinned beans and diced tomatoes are added, requiring minimal cooking time. The choice of short pasta, such as ditalini or elbow macaroni, is crucial as it cooks directly in the broth in mere minutes. This reliable method ensures a flavourful and satisfying outcome for the entire family, even on the busiest of evenings.

Quick Overview

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Difficulty: Easy
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 8.8 oz (250g) fresh Italian sausage, casing removed and crumbled
• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 14.1 oz (400g) tinned diced tomatoes (1 can)
• 14.1 oz (400g) tinned cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 33.8 fl oz (1 litre) vegetable or chicken stock
• 2.8 oz (80g) short pasta (e.g., ditalini, elbow macaroni)
• 2.5 oz (70g) fresh spinach
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Fresh chopped parsley, to garnish (optional)

Method

1. Remove the casing from the sausage and crumble it. In a large saucepan or casserole dish, heat the olive oil over a medium heat. Add the crumbled sausage and cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until well browned. Drain any excess fat and set the browned sausage aside.
2. In the same pan, add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes, until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
3. Stir in the tinned diced tomatoes, drained cannellini beans, and stock. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and let it cook gently for 5 minutes, allowing the flavours to meld.
4. Add the short pasta to the soup and cook for 8-10 minutes, or according to package instructions, until the pasta is al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
5. Return the cooked sausage to the pan. Add the fresh spinach and stir until wilted, which should take about 1 minute.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley, if desired.

Serving & Leftovers

This soup makes a hearty one-pot meal and can be enjoyed with a slice of crusty bread. Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. Please note that the pasta will continue to absorb the stock, so you may need to add a splash more stock when reheating gently on the hob or in the microwave.

Nutrition

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary depending on specific ingredients and portions.

One Last Thing

Incorporating simple, balanced dishes like this into your culinary routine is a cornerstone of stress-free living. This quick sausage pasta soup embodies our philosophy, offering a nourishing and comforting meal with minimal fuss. Embrace efficiency and enjoy delicious, wholesome food without the complexity.