Minestrone With Chicken and Sausage

IngridH's Note:

I adapted this recipe from a book called Pure Poultry. I wanted a soup that was hearty, yet still felt fairly light. This really fit the bill. The pesto really adds to the flavor of the final dish, so I highly recommend using it. Serve with a loaf of italian bread to soak up the remaining broth. If you have homemade chicken stock, use it here- the flavor really comes through. When you are prepping your ingredients, remember to cut them in small pieces, so they will fit on your spoon.

• Total Time: 50 mins
• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 30 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 8

• ¼ cup olive oil
• ½ onion , chopped into small dice
• 2 garlic cloves , minced
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper , freshly ground
• ½ lb chicken breast , cut into 1/2 inch pieces
• ½ lb Italian sausage
• 2 medium carrots , diced
• 2 celery ribs , diced
• 6 cups chicken stock
• 1 (15 ounce) can cannellini beans
• 4 sun-dried tomatoes , minced (use the oil packed variety)
• 1 bay leaf
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 8 ounces orzo pasta (any small pasta shape will work)
• 8 tablespoons pesto sauce (optional)

Directions:

1. Defat the sausage- Place the sausages in a sauce pan with enough water to cover. Bring to a boil, and let boil for 5 minutes. Drain, and when cool enough to handle, chop into small dice.
2. Add the oil to a large pot, and heat over a medium flame until the oil is warm and fragrant. Add the onion, garlic, 1/2 teaspoon salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, 1-2 minutes.
3. Add the chicken and sausage, and continue to cook, until the chicken is no longer pink in the center.
4. Add the carrots, celery, stock, beans, tomatoes, bay leaf, thyme and remaining salt. Cover, and bring to a boil.
5. Reduce the heat to medium low and simmer for 15 minutes.
6. Add the pasta, simmer another 8-10 minutes, until the pasta is al dente.
7. To serve, ladle into warm soup bowls, and top with a tablespoon of pesto (if using).

Reviews

[katew]

Wonderful and delicious ! I left out the chicken and added a diced green pepper out of my garden. Perfect soup for a winters night.

[Deantini]

Just wonderful soup; filling and good for you! I cut way back on the oil and upped the veggies and omitted the beans and chicken. The flavours were just perfect - I love orzo in soups.

[Sydney Mike]

Made this for a neighbor couple whose family was visiting for several days & it was a big hit! Used homemade chicken stock, some frozed cubed chicken breast & a mild Italian sausage ~ All of which helped to make this a great tasting soup! And another time, although I'm not usually one to make soup for company, I'd like to make this very special dish! Thanks for sharing the recipe! [Tagged, made & reviewed in Please Review My Recipe]