If you’re looking for a soul-warming, hearty meal that combines the fresh goodness of veggies with the bold kick of spicy sausage, this Italian Vegetable Soup with Spicy Sausage Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s a beautiful medley of colorful vegetables simmered to perfection and enriched by savory sausage, creating a vibrant and nutritious dish that feels like a big comforting hug in a bowl. Perfect for any time of year, this soup balances robust flavors and wholesome ingredients in a way that makes every spoonful utterly satisfying. Trust me, once you make it, it’ll quickly become one of your favorite go-to dinners.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Italian Vegetable Soup with Spicy Sausage Recipe lies in its simple but purposeful ingredients. Each component plays a vital role to build layers of flavor and texture—from the boldness of the sausage to the fresh crunch of the vegetables, ending with fragrant herbs that tie everything together.
- 1 pound spicy Italian sausage, casings removed: Adds a rich, spicy depth and hearty protein to the soup.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Used for sautéing and brings a silky, fruity base flavor
- 1 onion, diced: Provides a sweet, savory foundation when softened.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Injects an aromatic punch that elevates the overall savoriness.
- 2 medium carrots, sliced: Adds natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- 2 celery stalks, diced: Contributes a subtle earthiness and tender crunch.
- 1 zucchini, diced: Brings juicy freshness and keeps the soup light.
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced: Offers a sweet, tangy contrast and brightens the dish.
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces: Adds a satisfying snap and green goodness.
- 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes, with juice: Infuses the soup with a tangy, hearty tomato base.
- 6 cups vegetable broth: Forms the savory, comforting liquid that ties the ingredients together.
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs that amplifies the Italian soul of the soup.
- 1 bay leaf: Adds a subtle aromatic depth during simmering.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasoning to balance and enhance the flavors.
- 2 cups fresh spinach or kale: Provides a nutrient-packed leafy green finish.
- 1 cup cooked pasta (optional): For extra heartiness and texture variety.
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving: Melts beautifully on top, adding a savory, creamy touch.
- Fresh basil, for garnish: Adds a pop of color and a fragrant herbal note to finish.
How to Make Italian Vegetable Soup with Spicy Sausage Recipe
Step 1: Browning the Sausage
The first step to building flavor is cooking the spicy Italian sausage in olive oil over medium heat. Break the sausage into small crumbles as it browns, which releases its oils and spices, infusing the pot with a rich aroma. Once cooked through and nicely browned, set the sausage aside but keep those flavorful drippings in the pot for the veggies to sauté in.
Step 2: Sautéing Onion and Garlic
Using the same pot with those tasty drippings, add diced onion and cook until translucent. This unlocks their natural sweetness. Then toss in minced garlic, cooking only until fragrant to avoid bitterness. These two create the essential aromatic base that complements the robust sausage and fresh vegetables.
Step 3: Adding the Vegetables
Carrots, celery, zucchini, and yellow bell pepper join the party next, sautéed until they just start to soften. This brief cooking enhances their flavors and preserves some texture so that your soup won’t turn mushy but stays vibrant and fresh with every spoonful.
Step 4: Combining Greens, Tomatoes, and Broth
Next, stir in green beans, canned diced tomatoes with their juice, vegetable broth, Italian seasoning, and a comforting bay leaf. Bringing it to a boil and then reducing to a gentle simmer helps the flavors meld beautifully while tenderizing the vegetables further. This is where the soup really comes alive with layers of Italian flair.
Step 5: Reintroducing Sausage and Seasoning
Return the browned sausage to the pot and season with salt and pepper to taste. If you love a bit more substance, now’s the perfect moment to stir in cooked pasta to soak up all that lovely broth and make the dish even heartier.
Step 6: Adding the Leafy Greens
Right before serving, mix in fresh spinach or kale. Their gentle wilt adds a beautiful burst of green and a subtle bitterness that balances the sausage’s spice and the soup’s richness. Be sure to remove the bay leaf at this point for a smooth finish.
Step 7: Serving with Garnishes
Serve your Italian Vegetable Soup with Spicy Sausage Recipe hot, topped with freshly grated Parmesan and scattered basil leaves. These final touches elevate every bite, making the soup feel like a gourmet experience straight from your kitchen.
How to Serve Italian Vegetable Soup with Spicy Sausage Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is a must-have garnish that melts invitingly into the soup’s surface, lending a creamy, savory boost. A handful of fresh basil leaves scattered on top don’t just add color but brighten the overall flavor with a mildly sweet, herbaceous note.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with a crusty artisan bread or garlic breadsticks for dipping. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette complements the soup’s richness, providing a refreshing balance. For a more filling meal, try serving alongside a classic Caprese salad or roasted vegetables.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, serve the soup in rustic bread bowls that soak up the broth deliciously. You can also offer a parmesan crisp on the side for an elegant crunch. Stir in cooked small pasta shapes or beans for a variety of textures or top with a drizzle of good-quality extra virgin olive oil for added richness and shine.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Italian Vegetable Soup with Spicy Sausage Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it perfect for meal prep or next-day enjoyment.
Freezing
This soup freezes exceptionally well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months, making it a fantastic freezer-friendly meal for busy days.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw the soup overnight in the fridge if frozen, then warm gently on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. If you added pasta before freezing, you might want to add a bit more broth or water to loosen the consistency, as pasta tends to soak up liquid while stored.
FAQs
Can I use mild sausage instead of spicy Italian sausage?
Absolutely! If you prefer less heat, mild sausage works perfectly. You can always add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want to control the spice level yourself.
Is it necessary to add pasta to the soup?
Not at all. The pasta is optional and adds heartiness if you want a more filling meal. The soup is delicious and satisfying even without it.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, simply omit the sausage and use vegetable broth. You can add extra beans or mushrooms for protein and texture to keep things satisfying.
What type of vegetables work best if I want to substitute?
Feel free to swap in your favorite seasonal vegetables like butternut squash, peas, or spinach. Just adjust cooking times slightly to ensure everything cooks evenly.
How long does it take to prepare this soup?
The prep takes about 15 minutes with an additional 40 minutes to cook, making it a quick and rewarding dish for a weekday dinner or weekend treat.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Italian Vegetable Soup with Spicy Sausage Recipe enough. It’s a vibrant, nourishing meal that feels special yet is simple enough to make any weeknight. The combination of spicy sausage and fresh vegetables simmered in fragrant broth creates a bowlful of comfort that’s just waiting to be enjoyed. Give it a try, and I promise it will brighten your dinner rotation with every simmer and spoonful!
Print
Italian Vegetable Soup with Spicy Sausage Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 40m
- Total Time: 0h 55m
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A hearty and flavorful Italian Vegetable Soup with spicy sausage, packed with fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, and optionally enriched with pasta and Parmesan cheese, perfect for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
Sausage and Oil
- 1 pound spicy Italian sausage, casings removed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Vegetables
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 cups fresh spinach or kale
Liquids and Seasonings
- 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes, with juice
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional
- 1 cup cooked pasta
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
- Fresh basil, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Sausage: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the spicy Italian sausage, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 7-10 minutes. Remove the sausage from the pot and set aside, leaving the drippings in the pot.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: In the same pot, add diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until translucent. Then add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add Vegetables: Add sliced carrots, diced celery, zucchini, and yellow bell pepper to the pot. Sauté for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables begin to soften.
- Add Remaining Ingredients and Simmer: Stir in green beans, diced tomatoes with their juice, vegetable broth, Italian seasoning, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes.
- Reintroduce Sausage and Season: Return the cooked sausage to the pot, season with salt and pepper to taste. If desired, stir in cooked pasta and heat through.
- Add Greens and Finish: Just before serving, stir in fresh spinach or kale, allowing it to wilt gently in the hot soup. Remove the bay leaf.
- Serve: Serve hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil on top.
Notes
- You can substitute kale for spinach or vice versa depending on your preference.
- Using pre-cooked pasta helps keep the pasta from becoming mushy during simmering.
- Adjust the sausage quantity or omit it for a vegetarian version by replacing it with more vegetables or plant-based sausage.
- The soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- Adding Parmesan cheese adds a savory umami flavor, skip it for a dairy-free option.
