Italian Vegetable Soup with Spicy Sausage

If you’re looking for a cozy, heartwarming dish that brings the family together, this Italian Vegetable Soup with Spicy Sausage is just what you need! It’s the kind of recipe that fills your home with delightful aromas and warms your soul. Packed with vibrant vegetables and a zesty kick from the spicy sausage, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re hosting friends for dinner. Trust me, once you try this soup, it will quickly become a cherished favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This soup comes together in just 45 minutes, making it a fantastic choice when time is tight.
• Family-Friendly: With its rich flavors and hearty ingredients, even picky eaters will enjoy every spoonful.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: It stores wonderfully in the fridge and tastes even better the next day—ideal for meal prep!
• Packed with Nutrients: Full of vegetables and beans, this soup is not only tasty but also nutritious.
• Customizable: Feel free to mix in your favorite veggies or adjust the spice level to suit your taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple and wholesome ingredients is half the fun of cooking! For this Italian vegetable soup with spicy sausage, you’ll want to ensure you have everything ready before you start. Here’s what you’ll need:

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

One of the best things about this soup is its flexibility! You can easily adjust it based on what you have on hand or personal preferences. Here are some fun variations to consider:

• Swap the protein: Use turkey sausage or your favorite plant-based sausage for a lighter option.
• Add more greens: Toss in spinach or Swiss chard along with the kale for even more nutrients.
• Change up the beans: White beans or chickpeas work wonderfully if navy beans aren’t available.
• Spice it up: Add crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick if you like heat!

How to Make Italian Vegetable Soup with Spicy Sausage

Step 1: Prepare the Gnocchi

If you’re using gnocchi in your soup, start by cooking them according to the package instructions. This step ensures they are tender and ready to soak up all those delicious flavors later on. Set them aside while you prepare the rest of the soup.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Heat a large soup pot over medium-high heat and drizzle in about 2 tablespoons of oil. Once hot, crumble in the spicy Italian sausage. Browning it adds depth to your soup’s flavor! After a few minutes, add the leeks, fennel, parsnip, carrot, and celery. Stir everything together while adding a pinch of salt and pepper plus some Italian seasoning. Sauté until those beautiful veggies start to soften.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Tomatoes

Now it’s time for some aromatic goodness! Stir in the garlic until fragrant—this only takes about a minute. Then add in your chopped tomatoes along with the navy beans. Pour in the chicken stock/broth next; this will form your broth base that ties all these flavors together beautifully.

Step 4: Simmer Away

Cover your pot and let everything simmer for about 20 minutes. This allows all those lovely flavors to meld together while ensuring that all veggies are perfectly tender. Once done simmering, turn off the heat and stir in kale, parsley, and that refreshing squeeze of lemon juice. Be sure to taste it; adjust salt and pepper as needed!

Step 5: Serve It Up

To serve this comforting bowl of joy, place some warm gnocchi into each bowl before ladling over that steaming hot soup. Drizzle with a little extra olive oil if desired—and sprinkle on some parmesan cheese for that finishing touch! Enjoy every delightful spoonful!

Pro Tips for Making Italian Vegetable Soup with Spicy Sausage

Making this Italian vegetable soup with spicy sausage is a delightful experience, and these tips will help you create the perfect bowl every time!

• Choose fresh vegetables: Fresh produce not only enhances the flavor but also adds vibrant colors to your soup, making it more visually appealing and nutritious.

• Adjust spice levels: If you prefer a milder soup, feel free to reduce the amount of spicy sausage or use a milder version. Conversely, if you like it hotter, add red pepper flakes for an extra kick.

• Let it simmer longer: Allowing the soup to simmer beyond 20 minutes can deepen the flavors as the ingredients meld together beautifully. Just be sure to check on the veggies so they maintain their texture!

• Use homemade stock when possible: Homemade chicken stock can elevate the dish’s flavor profile and give your soup a richer taste compared to store-bought versions.

• Store leftovers properly: To keep your soup fresh, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. This will help retain its flavors and textures for future meals.

How to Serve Italian Vegetable Soup with Spicy Sausage

Serving this hearty soup is just as rewarding as making it! Here are some ideas to make your presentation special.

Garnishes

• Fresh herbs: A sprinkle of chopped basil or additional parsley on top adds freshness and a pop of color.
• Chili flakes: For those who enjoy an extra touch of heat, a dash of chili flakes can enhance the spiciness without overpowering the other flavors.
• Lemon zest: A little grated lemon zest sprinkled on top brightens up the dish and adds a lovely aromatic finish.

Side Dishes

• Crusty bread: A warm loaf of crusty bread is perfect for dipping into your soup, providing a satisfying contrast in texture.
• Mixed green salad: A simple mixed greens salad dressed with olive oil and lemon balances out the richness of the soup and adds a refreshing crunch.
• Garlic breadsticks: These are not only delicious but also easy to make. They pair perfectly with the broth for sopping up every last drop!
• Roasted vegetables: A side of roasted seasonal vegetables adds depth to your meal while keeping everything wholesome and healthy.

Enjoy every spoonful of your Italian vegetable soup with spicy sausage—it’s a warm hug in a bowl!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Italian vegetable soup with spicy sausage is perfect for meal prep! Not only does it taste even better the next day, but it also makes weeknight dinners a breeze. Here’s how to store, freeze, and reheat your delicious soup.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the soup to cool to room temperature before storing.
• Transfer it to an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• If you’ve added gnocchi, store them separately to maintain their texture.

Freezing

• Let the soup cool completely before freezing.
• Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
• Leave some space at the top of containers for expansion.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for the best quality.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
• For microwave reheating, use a microwave-safe bowl and heat in intervals, stirring in between.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this comforting recipe!

Can I make Italian Vegetable Soup with Spicy Sausage vegetarian?

Yes! Simply omit the sausage and add more vegetables or plant-based protein like lentils or chickpeas for a hearty version.

What can I serve with Italian Vegetable Soup with Spicy Sausage?

This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal!

How long can I keep Italian Vegetable Soup with Spicy Sausage in the fridge?

You can store it in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Just remember to keep any added gnocchi separately!

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you enjoy making this Italian vegetable soup with spicy sausage as much as I do! It’s not just nourishing; it’s a warm hug in a bowl that brings friends and family together. So grab your ingredients, get cozy in your kitchen, and savor every spoonful. Happy cooking!