Italian Vegetable Soup with Spicy Sausage

If you’re looking for a warm and comforting dish to brighten your day, this Italian Vegetable Soup with Spicy Sausage is just the ticket! It’s one of those recipes that feels like a hug in a bowl. Packed with vibrant vegetables and hearty flavors, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings. Plus, the addition of spicy sausage gives it an irresistible kick that keeps you coming back for more.

This soup is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. You can whip it up in about 45 minutes, making it an ideal choice for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it as a main dish or as a starter to a lovely meal, this soup will surely impress your loved ones!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: You can have this soup ready in just 45 minutes, perfect for those evenings when time is tight.
• Flavorful and Hearty: The combination of spicy sausage and fresh veggies creates a robust flavor that warms the soul.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the colorful ingredients and delicious taste—it’s sure to become a family favorite!
• Make-Ahead Friendly: This soup stores well in the fridge or freezer, making it great for meal prep.
• Customizable: With so many veggie options, you can tailor this soup to include your favorites!

Ingredients You’ll Need

To create this delightful Italian vegetable soup with spicy sausage, you’ll need some simple and wholesome ingredients. Don’t worry; they’re easy to find at your local grocery store!

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! Feel free to mix things up based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.

• Swap the protein: If you’re not in the mood for spicy sausage, consider using turkey sausage or even plant-based sausage for a lighter option.
• Add more greens: Toss in some spinach or Swiss chard along with the kale for added nutrition.
• Switch up the beans: Instead of navy beans, try cannellini beans or chickpeas for a different twist.
• Spice it up further: 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’re adding gnocchi to your soup (and I highly recommend it!), cook them according to the package instructions. This will ensure they are tender and ready to soak up all that delicious broth later on. Set them aside while you prepare the rest of the soup.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

In a large soup pot over medium-high heat, drizzle about 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once hot, crumble in the spicy Italian sausage. Browning the sausage adds depth of flavor to your soup. Let it cook for a few minutes until it’s beautifully browned.

Step 3: Sauté Your Veggies

Now it’s time to add in the leeks, fennel, parsnip, carrot, and celery. Stir everything together with a pinch of salt and black pepper along with Italian seasoning. Sautéing these veggies will bring out their natural sweetness and enhance their flavors—this step is key!

Step 4: Add Garlic & Tomatoes

Once your veggies are tender (about 5 minutes), stir in the garlic until it’s aromatic—this usually takes about 30 seconds. Then add in the chopped tomatoes along with navy beans. Pour in your chicken stock/broth next; this forms the heart of your flavorful soup.

Step 5: Simmer & Finish Up

Cover your pot and let everything simmer for about 20 minutes until all veggies are tender. After that time passes, turn off the heat and stir in kale, parsley, and a squeeze of lemon juice. This adds brightness! Taste your soup now; adjust salt and pepper if needed.

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!

To serve up this delightful dish, place a small amount of cooked gnocchi in each bowl before ladling hot soup over them. Drizzle with extra olive oil if desired and sprinkle some parmesan cheese on top. Now sit back and enjoy every comforting spoonful!

Pro Tips for Making Italian Vegetable Soup with Spicy Sausage

Making this Italian vegetable soup is a delightful experience, and a few handy tips can elevate your dish to the next level!

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables not only enhance the flavor but also provide better texture and nutrients, making your soup more vibrant and wholesome.
• Customize your spice level: If you enjoy a bit more heat, consider adding red pepper flakes or using an extra spicy sausage. This allows you to tailor the soup to your personal taste preferences.
• Let it simmer longer: Allowing the soup to simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes can deepen the flavors even further. The longer cooking time helps meld the ingredients beautifully.
• Refrigerate overnight: If you have leftovers, refrigerating the soup overnight will allow the flavors to develop even more. It often tastes even better the next day!
• Experiment with herbs: Feel free to swap in different herbs like thyme or rosemary for a unique twist. Fresh herbs can add a fragrant aroma and an extra layer of flavor.

How to Serve Italian Vegetable Soup with Spicy Sausage

Serving this hearty soup is all about presentation and pairing it with complementary flavors that enhance the overall experience.

Garnishes

• Fresh herbs: A sprinkle of chopped basil or additional parsley right before serving adds freshness and color.
• Olive oil drizzle: A light drizzle of high-quality olive oil on top just before serving gives a beautiful sheen and enhances richness.
• Lemon zest: A touch of lemon zest can brighten up the flavors, offering a refreshing contrast to the hearty soup.

Side Dishes

• Crusty bread: Serve with slices of crusty bread or garlic bread for dipping. The bread soaks up the delicious broth and adds a satisfying crunch.
• Simple green salad: A light salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette complements the rich flavors of the soup, providing a refreshing balance.
• Grilled cheese sandwiches: Pairing this soup with gooey grilled cheese sandwiches creates a comforting meal that’s perfect for chilly days.
• Roasted vegetables: Roasted seasonal vegetables can make an excellent side dish, enhancing your meal’s overall vegetable theme while adding depth of flavor.

Enjoy serving this Italian vegetable soup with spicy sausage as part of a warm gathering or cozy dinner! It’s sure to impress friends and family alike.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Italian Vegetable Soup with Spicy Sausage is perfect for meal prep! It not only tastes fantastic but also stores beautifully, making it a convenient option for busy days.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Keep the gnocchi separate if you plan to add them later, as they may become mushy.

Freezing

• Portion the soup into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space at the top for expansion.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.
• For best results, freeze without gnocchi; add freshly cooked gnocchi once reheated.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
• If using a microwave, heat in a microwave-safe bowl, covered, in 1-minute intervals until hot.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delightful recipe!

Can I make Italian Vegetable Soup with Spicy Sausage vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can omit the spicy sausage and replace it with additional vegetables or plant-based sausage alternatives. The soup will still be deliciously hearty.

How long does Italian Vegetable Soup with Spicy Sausage last in the fridge?

This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. Just remember to store it in an airtight container to maintain its freshness!

Can I use different vegetables in my Italian Vegetable Soup with Spicy Sausage?

Yes! Feel free to get creative. Vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or green beans can be excellent additions or substitutes based on your preferences or what you have on hand.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Italian Vegetable Soup with Spicy Sausage as much as I do! It’s a comforting dish that warms both your heart and your home. Perfect for chilly nights or any occasion where you want something nourishing and delicious. Don’t hesitate to get creative with your ingredients, and I’d love to hear how yours turns out. Happy cooking!