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Turnip Greens Soup with Sausage and Pasta

Turnip Greens Soup with Sausage and Pasta

Turnip Greens Soup with Sausage and Pasta is a comforting, nutrient-packed one-pot meal combining the earthy brightness of turnip greens with savory sausage and tender pasta. Perfect for cool evenings, this hearty soup offers a rich flavor, balanced nutrition, and versatility, making it an ideal wholesome bowl that satisfies and warms you from the inside out.

Ingredients

Scale

Greens and Sausage

  • 4 cups fresh turnip greens, chopped (or frozen equivalent)
  • 8 oz Italian sausage, sliced or crumbled

Pasta and Aromatics

  • 1 cup small pasta (e.g., ditalini or elbow macaroni)
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Broth and Seasoning

  • 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Garnish

  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions

  1. Prep Your Ingredients: Chop the turnip greens into bite-sized pieces, dice the onion, mince the garlic, and cut the sausage into thin rounds or crumble it if preferred. Preparing all ingredients beforehand will streamline the cooking process.
  2. Brown the Sausage: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook until browned and fragrant, allowing the fat to render out to enhance the soup’s flavor base.
  3. Sauté Aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot with the sausage. Sauté until they are softened and translucent, releasing their natural sweetness and deepening the overall flavor.
  4. Add Broth and Greens: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in the chopped turnip greens and allow them to wilt gently in the simmering broth to release their earthy freshness.
  5. Cook the Pasta: Add your chosen pasta to the pot. Cook until tender, about 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. This step creates a hearty, satisfying texture in the soup.
  6. Final Seasoning and Serve: Season the soup with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes to taste. Ladle the soup into bowls and finish each serving with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a luscious, nutty finish.

Notes

  • Choose fresh turnip greens for more vibrant flavor and better texture, though frozen greens work well in a pinch.
  • Add the greens toward the end of cooking to keep their color bright and texture tender-crisp.
  • Use a quality sausage with herbs and spices to deepen the soup’s flavor profile.
  • Reserve some broth or add water if the soup thickens too much while cooking the pasta to maintain your desired consistency.
  • Allow the soup to rest for 15 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld beautifully.

Nutrition

Keywords: turnip greens soup, sausage soup, pasta soup, one-pot soup, healthy soup, comfort food, gluten-free soup option