Italian Chicken Sausage Stew

Welcome to a warm and comforting dish that will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of Italy! This Italian Chicken Sausage Stew is a delightful blend of flavors that will tantalize your senses. Packed with tender chicken sausage, hearty vegetables, and a rich tomato broth, this stew is the perfect solution for those chilly evenings when you crave something satisfying and delicious.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound Italian chicken sausage, sliced into 1-inch pieces
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 medium carrots, sliced
• 2 stalks of celery, sliced
• 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
• 2 cups baby spinach (or kale, chopped)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add the sliced chicken sausage and cook for about 5 minutes, or until browned on all sides. Remove the sausage from the pot and set aside.
3. In the same pot, add the diced onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes, or until translucent.
4. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, or until fragrant.
5. Add the sliced carrots, celery, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well to combine.
6. Return the browned chicken sausage to the pot and bring the mixture to a boil.
7. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and let the stew simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
8. Add the baby spinach (or kale) and stir gently until the greens are wilted.
9. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper as desired.
10. Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese (if desired).

Additional Tips:

• For a creamier texture, you can add a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of mascarpone cheese towards the end of cooking.
• Feel free to experiment with different types of Italian sausage, such as spicy or sweet varieties, to suit your taste preferences.
• Serve this stew with crusty bread or garlic bread for dipping into the flavorful broth.

Nutritional Value:

This Italian Chicken Sausage Stew is a nutritious and well-balanced meal. It’s packed with lean protein from the chicken sausage, fiber from the vegetables, and a variety of vitamins and minerals. The addition of spinach or kale provides an extra boost of nutrients, including vitamins A, C, and K, as well as antioxidants.