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Turnip Greens Soup with Sausage and Pasta

Turnip Greens Soup with Sausage and Pasta
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Cozy and hearty Turnip Greens Soup with Sausage and Pasta combines tender turnip greens, savory Italian sausage, and small pasta shapes in a rich chicken broth. This flavorful, nutritious soup is perfect for chilly days or meal prepping, delivering warmth, texture, and comforting flavors in every spoonful.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 6 cups fresh turnip greens, washed and chopped
  • 1 pound Italian sausage (spicy or mild), sliced or crumbled
  • 1 cup small pasta (ditalini, elbow macaroni, or orzo)
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Garnishes

  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Drizzle of good quality olive oil (optional)
  • Fresh cracked black pepper (optional)
  • Pinch of crushed red pepper (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Wash and chop the turnip greens, dice the onion, and mince the garlic. Slice or crumble the sausage depending on your preference. Gather pasta and all other ingredients nearby for easy access.
  2. Brown the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook until browned and slightly crisp on the edges. Remove sausage and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
  3. Sauté Aromatics: Add diced onions to the pot and cook until translucent and soft. Stir in minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking until fragrant to build flavor.
  4. Add Broth and Greens: Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Add chopped turnip greens and cook for 5–7 minutes until tender yet still vibrant green.
  5. Cook Pasta and Combine: Add pasta directly into the simmering soup and cook according to package directions until al dente. Return cooked sausage to the pot and stir to meld flavors.
  6. Season and Serve: Season soup generously with salt and pepper. Ladle into bowls and garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Serve hot.

Notes

  • Use homemade chicken or vegetable broth for a richer flavor base.
  • Do not overcook the turnip greens; keep them tender but slightly firm for best texture.
  • Brown the sausage well to add depth and texture.
  • Add pasta last to prevent it from becoming soggy.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes to control the spice level.
  • For gluten-free option, substitute pasta with brown rice or chickpea pasta and ensure sausage is gluten-free.
  • For vegetarian version, omit sausage, use vegetable broth, and add beans or mushrooms for protein.
  • Leftover soup can be refrigerated for up to 4 days and reheated gently on stovetop. Freeze up to 3 months, preferably undercooking pasta slightly.

Nutrition

Keywords: turnip greens soup, sausage soup, pasta soup, hearty soup, gluten free, comfort food, easy soup recipe, meal prep soup

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