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.
- Author: Julia
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soups
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (if gluten-free pasta used)
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: turnip greens soup, sausage soup, pasta soup, one-pot soup, healthy soup, comfort food, gluten-free soup option