Print

Turnip Greens Soup with Sausage and Pasta

Turnip Greens Soup with Sausage and Pasta
Print Recipe

Turnip Greens Soup with Sausage and Pasta is a hearty and comforting dish that combines the earthy bite of fresh turnip greens with savory Italian sausage and tender short pasta. This flavorful soup is easy to prepare, nutritious, and perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in. The rich broth, sautéed aromatics, and optional spices create a warming and satisfying meal that is both adaptable and delicious.

Ingredients

Scale

Greens and Vegetables

  • 4 cups fresh turnip greens, washed and roughly chopped
  • 1 medium onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Protein and Pasta

  • 12 ounces Italian sausage (mild or spicy), sliced into bite-sized pieces
  • 3/4 cup short pasta (ditalini or small shells)

Liquids and Fats

  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Seasonings

  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the ingredients: Wash and roughly chop the turnip greens. Finely dice the onion and mince the garlic. Slice the sausage into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and easy eating.
  2. Cook the sausage: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the sausage pieces and brown them until caramelized and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage and set aside, leaving the flavorful drippings in the pot.
  3. Sauté aromatics: Add the diced onion to the sausage drippings and cook until translucent, about 4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  4. Simmer the greens and broth: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil. Add the chopped turnip greens and return the sausage to the pot. Let everything simmer for 10-15 minutes until the greens are tender and flavors meld.
  5. Add pasta and season: Stir in the pasta and red pepper flakes if using. Cook until the pasta is al dente, following package instructions. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  6. Final touches: Once the pasta is cooked through, remove the soup from heat and let it rest for a couple of minutes before serving to deepen the flavor blend.

Notes

  • Use fresh, vibrant turnip greens for the best texture and flavor.
  • Do not overcook the pasta; add it last to prevent mushiness and broth absorption.
  • Choose a quality Italian sausage to elevate the dish.
  • Brown the sausage thoroughly to develop flavorful caramelized bits (fond) at the bottom of the pot.
  • Adjust seasoning gradually since sausage can be salty.
  • For a vegetarian version, omit sausage and add beans like cannellini or chickpeas for protein.
  • To make gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and confirm sausage contains no gluten fillers.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; freeze the soup without pasta for longer storage.
  • Reheat gently on stovetop and add fresh pasta when serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: turnip greens soup, sausage soup, pasta soup, healthy soup, comfort food, family dinner, easy soup recipe

Find it online: https://jamescookes.com/turnip-greens-soup-with-sausage-and-pasta/