Italian Vegetable Soup with Spicy Sausage

If you’re looking for a cozy and delicious meal that warms the soul, this Italian Vegetable Soup with Spicy Sausage is just what you need! It’s a comforting bowl of goodness packed with vibrant veggies and a kick of flavor from the spicy sausage. This recipe is one of my favorites because it’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty yet simple to whip up. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or enjoying a quiet night in, this soup always hits the spot.

The best part? You can customize it based on what you have in your kitchen, making it not only tasty but also practical. So grab your apron, and let’s dive into this delightful recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and minimal prep time, you’ll have dinner ready in no time.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone will enjoy the rich flavors, making it perfect for dinners with loved ones.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: This soup tastes even better the next day, so feel free to prepare it in advance!
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with vegetables and beans, it’s a wholesome choice that nourishes body and soul.
• Customizable: Swap out ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Creating this Italian vegetable soup with spicy sausage is a breeze with these simple, wholesome ingredients. Each one adds its own unique flavor to the mix, resulting in a bowl of pure comfort.

For the Soup

• 1 (16 ounce) package gnocchi (optional)
• Olive or avocado oil
• 2 links spicy Italian sausage, casings removed and crumbled
• 2 leeks (white part only), washed, halved, and sliced thinly
• 1 fennel bulb, quartered, core removed, and sliced thinly
• 1 large parsnip, peeled and diced
• 1 medium carrot, peeled and diced
• 1 rib celery, diced
• Salt
• Black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 4 cloves garlic, pressed through garlic press
• 1 (28 ounce) can whole tomatoes, drained of juice and roughly chopped into large chunks
• 1 (15 ounce) can navy beans, drained and rinsed
• 6 cups chicken stock/broth
• 1 cup chopped kale
• 1 tablespoon chopped Italian flat-leaf parsley
• Squeeze of lemon (about 1 teaspoon)
• Shaved or grated parmesan cheese as garnish, if desired

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully versatile! Feel free to adapt it based on your taste preferences or to use up any leftover ingredients. Here are some fun ideas:

• Swap the protein: If you’re not in the mood for sausage, try using ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
• Add more greens: Toss in some spinach or Swiss chard for an extra boost of nutrients.
• Make it vegan: Skip the sausage entirely and use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock for a plant-based version that still delivers on flavor.
• Change up the beans: Use chickpeas or black beans instead of navy beans for a different texture and taste.

How to Make Italian Vegetable Soup with Spicy Sausage

Step 1: Prepare the Gnocchi

If you’re adding gnocchi to your soup, start by cooking them according to package instructions. Once they’re tender and fluffy, set them aside. Keeping them warm ensures they stay soft when added to your flavorful broth later!

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In a large soup pot over medium-high heat, drizzle about 2 tablespoons of oil. When it’s hot enough that it shimmers slightly, crumble in the spicy Italian sausage. Brown it for a few minutes until it’s nice and golden. Then add in those lovely leeks, fennel bulb slices, parsnip cubes, carrot pieces, and diced celery. Sprinkle in some salt and black pepper along with Italian seasoning. Sauté everything together until those veggies become tender—this step builds layers of flavor!

Step 3: Add Garlic and Tomatoes

Once your vegetables are softened beautifully, stir in the pressed garlic. Let its aroma fill your kitchen as you cook for about a minute. Then add those delicious chopped tomatoes along with the navy beans! Pour in your chicken stock or broth next; this is what makes the soup rich and comforting. Stir everything together until well combined.

Step 4: Simmer Away

Cover the pot and let it simmer gently for about 20 minutes. This allows all those flavors to meld together beautifully while ensuring your veggies are perfectly tender. After simmering away happily, turn off the heat before stirring in some chopped kale—its vibrant color will brighten up your soup! Finish off with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice; this little touch adds brightness that balances all those rich flavors.

Step 5: Serve It Up

To serve up this heartwarming soup, place a small amount of cooked gnocchi into each bowl before ladling some hot soup over them. A drizzle of olive oil on top plus a sprinkle of parmesan cheese makes each bite even more delightful! Enjoy every spoonful as you savor this comforting dish that feels like home.

Now you’re all set to create a fantastic pot of Italian Vegetable Soup with Spicy Sausage! Enjoy!

Pro Tips for Making Italian Vegetable Soup with Spicy Sausage

Making this soup is a delightful experience, and with a few pro tips, you can elevate it even further!

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables not only enhance the flavor but also add a vibrant color to your soup, making it visually appealing and nutritious.

• Adjust the spice level: If you prefer a milder soup, feel free to use sweet Italian sausage instead. Conversely, add crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick!

• Experiment with vegetables: Feel free to swap in seasonal vegetables or what you have on hand; zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach can all work beautifully in this recipe.

• Make it ahead of time: This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Simply store it in an airtight container in the fridge!

• Serve it warm: To fully enjoy the rich broth and flavors, serve the soup warm. You can also reheat leftovers gently on the stove or in the microwave.

How to Serve Italian Vegetable Soup with Spicy Sausage

Presenting this Italian vegetable soup is all about creating a comforting and inviting dining experience. Here are some ideas to make it special:

Garnishes

• Fresh herbs: A sprinkle of chopped basil or additional parsley adds freshness and enhances the overall flavor.
• Lemon zest: A touch of lemon zest can brighten up the dish with its citrusy aroma, adding a refreshing twist.
• Croutons: Homemade or store-bought croutons provide that perfect crunch against the tender gnocchi and veggies.

Side Dishes

• Garlic bread: Warm, crusty garlic bread served alongside is perfect for dipping into your rich soup. The buttery garlic spread complements the savory flavors beautifully.
• Caprese salad: A light caprese salad with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil offers a refreshing contrast to the hearty soup and balances out your meal.
• Mixed green salad: A simple mixed green salad dressed lightly with vinaigrette adds a refreshing crunch that pairs wonderfully with the warmth of the soup.
• Grilled cheese sandwich: A classic comfort food pairing, a gooey grilled cheese sandwich makes for a satisfying side that kids (and adults!) will love.

Enjoy your cozy bowl of Italian vegetable soup with spicy sausage, knowing you’ve made something deliciously wholesome!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Italian Vegetable Soup with Spicy Sausage is perfect for meal prep, as it stores beautifully and even tastes better the next day. You can easily whip up a batch at the beginning of the week and enjoy comforting bowls all week long.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• For best flavor, keep the gnocchi separate until ready to serve.

Freezing

• Portion out the soup into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Avoid freezing gnocchi; instead, cook fresh when you’re ready to enjoy.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen, or use the microwave on defrost setting.
• Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of broth or water if needed.
• If using refrigerated soup, simply reheat on low until hot.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delicious recipe!

Can I use a different type of sausage in Italian Vegetable Soup with Spicy Sausage?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with other types of sausage such as turkey or chicken sausage. Just ensure they are spicy enough to create that delightful flavor profile.

How can I make Italian Vegetable Soup with Spicy Sausage vegetarian?

You can substitute the spicy sausage with plant-based sausage alternatives. Additionally, you may want to enhance the flavor with smoked paprika or red pepper flakes for extra spice!

Can I add more vegetables to this soup?

Absolutely! This soup is versatile—try adding zucchini, bell peppers, or green beans based on your preferences or what you have on hand.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Italian Vegetable Soup with Spicy Sausage! It’s not just a meal; it’s a warm hug in a bowl filled with hearty goodness. Perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying solo on a cozy evening. Don’t hesitate to get creative and make it your own! Happy cooking!