Italian Vegetable Soup with Spicy Sausage
If you’re looking for a cozy, heartwarming dish that brings everyone together, this Italian Vegetable Soup with Spicy Sausage is just the ticket! It’s one of those recipes that fills the kitchen with an irresistible aroma and warms your soul. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this soup combines vibrant vegetables with zesty sausage, making it a delightful meal that everyone will love.
The best part? It’s easy to whip up and can be made in under an hour. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in some veggies while enjoying a deliciously rich broth!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just 20 minutes of prep time, this soup comes together quickly, making it perfect for those hectic evenings.
- Hearty and Filling: The addition of gnocchi adds a delightful touch, turning this soup into a satisfying meal that everyone will adore.
- Family-Friendly: Packed with flavor and nutritious ingredients, it’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters in your family.
- Versatile: Feel free to customize it with your favorite vegetables or swap out the sausage for something else—it’s flexible!
- Make Ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day, so you can enjoy leftovers or meal prep for the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this Italian Vegetable Soup with Spicy Sausage, you’ll need some simple, wholesome ingredients. They come together beautifully to create a dish that’s both comforting and delicious!
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 flexible! You can easily adapt it based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.
- Swap the protein: Try using turkey sausage or a plant-based sausage alternative for a lighter option.
- Add more greens: Toss in some spinach or Swiss chard for added nutrition and color.
- Change up the veggies: Use seasonal vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers to keep things fresh.
- Spice it up: If you love heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick!
How to Make Italian Vegetable Soup with Spicy Sausage
Step 1: Prepare the Gnocchi
If you are using gnocchi in your soup, start by cooking them according to the package instructions. Setting them aside while you prepare the soup keeps them warm without getting mushy.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
In a large soup pot over medium-high heat, drizzle in about 2 tablespoons of oil. Once hot, crumble in your spicy Italian sausage. Browning the sausage adds depth of flavor to your soup. Cook it for a few minutes until it’s nicely golden.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
Next up are your leeks, fennel, parsnip, carrot, and celery. Add these beauties directly into the pot! Stir them together with a pinch of salt and pepper along with Italian seasoning. Sautéing these vegetables allows their natural sweetness to shine through as they soften.
Step 4: Add Garlic and Tomatoes
Once your veggies are tender and fragrant from sautéing—don’t forget to stir in garlic until aromatic—add those chopped tomatoes along with navy beans. Pour in your chicken stock/broth at this point too; it’s what makes this soup so brothy and comforting.
Step 5: Simmer Away
Cover your pot and let everything simmer for about 20 minutes. This is where all those flavors meld together beautifully. Once done cooking, turn off the heat and stir in kale, parsley, and that refreshing squeeze of lemon juice—this brightens everything up!
Step 6: Serve It Up!
When you’re ready to serve up this hearty goodness—add a small amount of cooked gnocchi into each bowl before ladling on that hot soup! Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with parmesan if desired. Now sit back and enjoy every spoonful of warmth!
And there you have it—your new favorite go-to recipe for cozy nights in! Enjoy!
Pro Tips for Making Italian Vegetable Soup with Spicy Sausage
Creating the perfect Italian vegetable soup is all about enhancing the flavors and textures, so here are some tips to make your soup even more delightful!
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Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs will bring out the best flavors in your soup. Opt for seasonal produce when possible to make your dish vibrant and nutritious.
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Adjust spice levels: If you prefer a milder flavor, consider using sweet Italian sausage instead of spicy. You can also control the heat by adjusting the amount of sausage you add.
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Let it simmer: Allowing the soup to simmer longer can deepen the flavors. If you have time, let it cook for up to 30 minutes to truly meld all the ingredients together.
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Experiment with beans: While navy beans are delicious, feel free to swap them out for other varieties like cannellini or chickpeas for an extra twist and added protein.
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Make it ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day! Make a big batch and store leftovers in the refrigerator to enjoy throughout the week.
How to Serve Italian Vegetable Soup with Spicy Sausage
Serving your Italian vegetable soup with spicy sausage can enhance its appeal and create a cozy dining experience. Here are some ideas on how to present this delicious dish!
Garnishes
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Fresh herbs: A sprinkle of chopped basil or parsley adds freshness and color that brightens up each bowl.
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Lemon zest: A touch of lemon zest provides a fragrant kick that elevates the overall flavor profile of the soup.
Side Dishes
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Crusty bread: A slice of warm, crusty bread is perfect for dipping, soaking up all that rich broth, and adding texture to your meal.
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Simple green salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a vinaigrette dressing complements the heartiness of the soup without overwhelming it.
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Garlic knots: These soft, buttery bites filled with garlic flavor pair wonderfully with soup, making every bite even more satisfying.
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Cheesy polenta: Creamy polenta topped with a sprinkle of cheese serves as a comforting side that meshes beautifully with the flavors of Italian cuisine.
Enjoy your delicious Italian vegetable soup with spicy sausage, knowing that each bowl is packed full of warmth and nourishing goodness!
Make Ahead and Storage
This Italian Vegetable Soup with Spicy Sausage is a fantastic option for meal prep! It stores beautifully and tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
Storing Leftovers
- Item: Allow the soup to cool completely before storing.
- Item: Transfer it to an airtight container.
- Item: Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Freezing
- Item: Cool the soup entirely before freezing.
- Item: Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving space for expansion.
- Item: Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating
- Item: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
- Item: Reheat on the stove over medium heat until warmed through, adding a little water or broth if it’s too thick.
- Item: Alternatively, use a microwave—heat in short intervals, stirring in between.
FAQs
Here are some common questions about this recipe:
Can I make Italian Vegetable Soup with Spicy Sausage vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the spicy sausage and add more vegetables or legumes like chickpeas for protein. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock.
How long does Italian Vegetable Soup with Spicy Sausage last in the fridge?
When stored properly in an airtight container, this soup will last for up to 4 days in the fridge. Just reheat it before enjoying!
What type of beans can I use in Italian Vegetable Soup with Spicy Sausage?
Navy beans are great, but you can substitute them with cannellini beans or kidney beans based on your preference.
Can I add more vegetables to Italian Vegetable Soup with Spicy Sausage?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative—zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach would all be wonderful additions.
Final Thoughts
I hope you find joy in making this delightful Italian Vegetable Soup with Spicy Sausage! It’s not just a meal; it’s a warm hug on a chilly day that brings family and friends together around the dinner table. Enjoy every comforting spoonful, and don’t hesitate to make it your own by adding your favorite ingredients. Happy cooking!
Italian Vegetable Soup with Spicy Sausage
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Warm up your evenings with this delightful Italian Vegetable Soup featuring spicy sausage! This heartwarming dish combines a vibrant medley of fresh vegetables with flavorful sausage, creating a comforting meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. With its rich broth and sneaky servings of nutritious ingredients, it’s not just a soup—it’s a hug in a bowl. Plus, it can be prepared in under an hour, making it an ideal choice for those hectic days when you crave something hearty yet wholesome. Enjoy a satisfying, cozy dinner that everyone will adore!
Ingredients
- Gnocchi (optional)
- Olive or avocado oil
- Spicy Italian sausage (or turkey/plant-based alternative)
- Leeks
- Fennel bulb
- Parsnip
- Carrot
- Celery
- Garlic
- Canned whole tomatoes
- Navy beans
- Chicken stock/broth
- Kale
- Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Cook gnocchi according to package instructions; set aside.
- In a large pot over medium-high heat, drizzle oil and brown the spicy sausage until golden.
- Add leeks, fennel, parsnip, carrot, and celery; sauté with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning until tender.
- Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant; then add chopped tomatoes and navy beans.
- Pour in chicken stock/broth and simmer for about 20 minutes.
- Stir in kale and lemon juice just before serving. Serve with gnocchi if using.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
