Hearty Tomato Basil Rice Soup with Chicken Sausage
This hearty tomato basil rice soup with chicken sausage is a flavorful, comforting dish that combines the richness of sun-dried tomatoes, the freshness of basil, and the heartiness of rice. The savory chicken sausage adds depth while Parmesan cheese brings balance, making it a satisfying meal perfect for weeknights or cozy dinners. Simple ingredients come together in under an hour for a rustic, Italian-inspired soup that is both wholesome and delicious.
Ingredients
- 3 links chicken sausage sliced
- 1 cup fresh basil loosely packed, torn by hand
- 1 jar (8 oz) sun-dried tomatoes in olive oil, chopped
- 1 medium onion diced
- 2 cups basmati rice rinsed
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil plus 2 tablespoons from the sun-dried tomato jar
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese grated, for serving
Instructions
Main Instructions
- Cook the rice in a mix of water and chicken broth until tender, then set aside.
- In a large pot, heat olive oil and two tablespoons of oil from the sun-dried tomato jar.
- Add the diced onion, sliced sausage, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté until the onions soften and the sausage begins to brown.
- Pour in the chicken broth, then stir in fresh basil, garlic powder, and garlic salt. Let simmer gently for 10–15 minutes.
- Stir in the cooked rice and let it heat through in the broth.
- Serve hot, sprinkled with grated Parmesan cheese and extra fresh basil if desired.
Notes
- Cook the rice separately to avoid it soaking up too much broth during cooking.
- Store soup and rice separately if making ahead to maintain the best texture.
- For added richness, stir some Parmesan into the soup while simmering.