Italian Vegetable Soup with Spicy Sausage

If you’re looking for a cozy, heartwarming dish that brings everyone to the table, this Italian Vegetable Soup with Spicy Sausage is just the ticket! It’s one of those recipes that warms you from the inside out and fills your home with delightful aromas. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, it’s a bowl of comfort that everyone will love. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hearty and Filling: This soup is rich and brothy, making it a satisfying meal on its own or paired with a crusty bread.
• Family-Friendly: With its delicious flavors and colorful vegetables, it’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters!
• Easy to Prepare: Most of the ingredients are simple to chop and toss into the pot, so you can whip this up in no time.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: This soup keeps well in the fridge and even tastes better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep!
• Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite veggies or adjust the spice level to suit your family’s preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be happy to know that this recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that you can easily find at your local grocery store. Gather these goodies to create a delicious Italian vegetable soup that’s not only comforting but also packed with nutrients.

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 Italian vegetable soup is how flexible it is! You can easily adapt it based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.

• Swap the protein: If you want a lighter option, try using turkey sausage or omit the sausage altogether for a vegetarian version.
• Add more greens: Spinach or Swiss chard would work wonderfully in place of kale for added nutrition.
• Change up the beans: Instead of navy beans, kidney beans or chickpeas would add great texture.
• Spice it up: If you love heat, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick!

How to Make Italian Vegetable Soup with Spicy Sausage

Step 1: Cook the Gnocchi

If you’re using gnocchi in your soup, start by cooking them according to package instructions. This step ensures they are tender and ready to soak up all those delicious flavors when added to your soup later.

Step 2: Sauté the Sausage and Vegetables

In a large soup pot over medium-high heat, drizzle in about 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once hot, crumble in your spicy Italian sausage. Browning it first adds amazing flavor! After a few minutes, toss in leeks, fennel, parsnip, carrot, and celery. Stir everything together with a pinch of salt and pepper along with some Italian seasoning until those beautiful veggies become tender—this only takes a few minutes!

Step 3: Add Garlic and Tomatoes

Next up is garlic! Stir it into your sautéed veggies until aromatic—it really brings everything together. Then add in your chopped tomatoes along with navy beans. Pour in chicken stock/broth and give everything a good stir. This hearty broth will be the base for all those wonderful flavors.

Step 4: Simmer Away

Cover your pot and let everything simmer for about 20 minutes. This allows all those vibrant flavors to meld together beautifully while ensuring your veggies are perfectly tender. Once done simmering, turn off the heat before stirring in kale, parsley, and that squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Don’t forget to taste! Adjust any salt or pepper if needed.

Step 5: Serve Up Your Soup

To serve this delightful soup, add a small amount of cooked gnocchi into each bowl then ladle some hot soup over them. Finish off with a drizzle of olive oil and sprinkle some parmesan cheese on top if you’d like—this adds an extra layer of flavor!

Enjoy every warm spoonful!

Pro Tips for Making Italian Vegetable Soup with Spicy Sausage

Making Italian vegetable soup is a wonderful way to warm up on a chilly day, and these pro tips will help you elevate your soup to the next level!

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables not only enhance the flavor but also provide a vibrant color and texture that makes your soup visually appealing. Look for seasonal produce to get the best taste.

• Adjust Spice Levels: If you’re sensitive to heat or prefer a milder flavor, feel free to adjust the amount of spicy sausage you use. You can even substitute with a milder sausage or omit it entirely for a vegetarian version!

• Customize Your Veggies: Don’t hesitate to swap in your favorite vegetables or whatever you have on hand! This recipe is versatile; try adding zucchini, bell peppers, or even some fresh spinach for added nutrition.

• Make It Ahead: Soups often taste better the next day as the flavors meld together. Prepare your soup in advance and let it sit in the fridge overnight for an even richer taste when you reheat it.

• Serve It Hot: Ensure your soup is served piping hot, as this not only enhances its comforting qualities but also brings out all those delicious flavors.

How to Serve Italian Vegetable Soup with Spicy Sausage

Serving Italian vegetable soup can be just as delightful as making it! Here are some creative ideas to present this hearty dish beautifully.

Garnishes

• Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil right before serving can add a burst of freshness and enhance the aroma.
• Drizzle of Olive Oil: A light drizzle of high-quality olive oil adds richness and depth, taking your bowl of soup from good to unforgettable.
• Parmesan Cheese: If desired, serve with shaved or grated Parmesan cheese on top for a savory finish that complements the broth wonderfully.

Side Dishes

• Crusty Bread: Serve with a loaf of crusty bread for dipping into the broth. A nice baguette or sourdough can complement the flavors beautifully and provide that satisfying crunch.
• Mixed Green Salad: A simple salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the warmth of the soup.
• Cheesy Garlic Breadsticks: These are perfect for soaking up any leftover broth and bring an indulgent touch that pairs perfectly with the soup’s overall flavor.
• Roasted Vegetables: For an extra dose of nutrients, serve alongside roasted seasonal vegetables. Their caramelized sweetness provides a lovely balance to the savory notes in the soup.

Enjoy making this Italian Vegetable Soup with Spicy Sausage! It’s hearty, healthy, and sure to bring smiles around your table. Happy cooking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Italian Vegetable Soup with Spicy Sausage is not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep! You can whip up a big batch, store it, and enjoy it throughout the week. Here’s how to keep your soup fresh and flavorful.

Storing Leftovers

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• It will stay fresh for up to 4 days.
• If storing with gnocchi, keep them separate to prevent them from becoming mushy.

Freezing

• Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
• Label with the date so you know when you made it!

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of broth if needed to loosen it up.
• Stir frequently until heated through. You can also reheat individual servings in the microwave.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delightful soup!

Can I make Italian Vegetable Soup with Spicy Sausage vegetarian?

Yes! Simply omit the sausage and add more hearty vegetables or beans for protein. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock.

How do I adjust the spiciness of my Italian Vegetable Soup with Spicy Sausage?

To reduce spiciness, choose mild Italian sausage or use less sausage overall. For more heat, add red pepper flakes or use hot sausage.

What other vegetables can I add to my Italian Vegetable Soup?

Feel free to include seasonal veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach. The beauty of this soup is its versatility!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Italian Vegetable Soup with Spicy Sausage! It’s a wholesome dish that warms both the heart and soul while bringing a taste of Italy right into your kitchen. Enjoy every spoonful, and don’t hesitate to experiment with your favorite veggies. Happy cooking!