Italian Vegetable Soup with Spicy Sausage

If you’re looking for a comforting, hearty dish that warms you from the inside out, this Italian Vegetable Soup with Spicy Sausage is exactly what you need. It’s a delightful blend of fresh vegetables and zesty sausage that fills your kitchen with an inviting aroma. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings, this soup is not just food; it’s a hug in a bowl!

What makes this recipe truly special is how it brings people together. Whether you’re serving it on a chilly evening or enjoying leftovers for lunch, it’s bound to become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 20 minutes of prep and 25 minutes of cooking, you can have a delicious meal ready in under an hour.
• Family-Friendly: Packed with veggies and flavors, it’s appealing to both kids and adults alike!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: This soup tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can easily swap out veggies based on what’s in season or what you have on hand.
• Deliciously Hearty: The addition of gnocchi gives it a satisfying depth that will keep everyone coming back for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To create this wonderful Italian vegetable soup with spicy sausage, you’ll need simple and wholesome ingredients that you can find at any grocery store. Gather these essentials to get started:

• 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 recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to get creative based on your taste preferences or what you have on hand.

• Swap the protein: Try using chicken sausage or plant-based sausage for a lighter twist.
• Add more greens: Toss in spinach or Swiss chard for an extra boost of nutrients.
• Make it spicy: If you love heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes while sautéing the vegetables.
• Go vegetarian: Omit the sausage altogether and replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth for a delicious meat-free option.

How to Make Italian Vegetable Soup with Spicy Sausage

Step 1: Prepare the Gnocchi

If you’re adding gnocchi to your soup, start by cooking them according to the package instructions. Keeping them warm while preparing the soup ensures they remain tender without getting mushy later.

Step 2: Sauté the Sausage

In a large soup pot over medium-high heat, drizzle about 2 tablespoons of oil. Once hot, crumble in the spicy Italian sausage. Browning the sausage adds rich flavor to your soup. After a few minutes, toss in leeks, fennel, parsnip, carrot, and celery. Stir well! Adding salt and pepper along with Italian seasoning brings out the natural sweetness of these veggies as they sauté.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Tomatoes

Once your vegetables are tender and aromatic from sautéing for a few minutes, stir in the garlic. This step is crucial because garlic adds depth to your flavor profile. When fragrant—just after a minute—add in your chopped tomatoes and navy beans. Pour in chicken stock/broth next; this will be your soup base!

Step 4: Simmer Away

Cover the pot and let everything simmer for about 20 minutes until all veggies are perfectly tender. This gentle simmer allows flavors to meld beautifully. Once done cooking, turn off the heat and stir in kale along with parsley and lemon juice. A quick taste test might reveal if more salt or pepper is needed!

Step 5: Serve It Up

To serve up this deliciousness, add some cooked gnocchi to each bowl before ladling hot soup over them. A drizzle of olive oil on top plus some shaved parmesan cheese will elevate each bite! Enjoy this warm embrace of flavors!

With every spoonful of this Italian Vegetable Soup with Spicy Sausage, you’ll feel comforted by its warmth—perfect for any occasion!

Pro Tips for Making Italian Vegetable Soup with Spicy Sausage

Creating a delicious Italian vegetable soup is all about flavor and texture, and with a few pro tips, you can elevate your dish to the next level!

• Choose fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables not only enhance the flavor but also add vibrant colors to your soup. Visit your local farmers’ market or grocery store to find seasonal produce for the best results.

• Sauté the vegetables properly: Take your time when sautéing the leeks, fennel, and other veggies. Cooking them until they are tender brings out their natural sweetness, creating a more flavorful base for your soup.

• Adjust the spice level: If you prefer a milder taste, feel free to use less spicy sausage or even substitute it with a milder variety. Conversely, if you love heat, consider adding red pepper flakes for an extra kick.

• Let it simmer: Allowing the soup to simmer gives it time to develop rich flavors. The longer it cooks (up to 30 minutes!), the more harmonious the combination of ingredients will be.

• Customize with leftover veggies: Don’t hesitate to throw in any leftover vegetables you have on hand! This soup is versatile and can accommodate whatever you need to use up in your fridge.

How to Serve Italian Vegetable Soup with Spicy Sausage

Serving this hearty Italian vegetable soup is as enjoyable as making it! With just a few thoughtful touches, you can present a warm and inviting dish that will impress family and friends alike.

Garnishes

• Chopped fresh herbs: A sprinkle of additional parsley or basil adds a burst of freshness on top of each bowl.
• Extra virgin olive oil: Drizzling a little more olive oil right before serving enhances flavor and gives your soup a lovely sheen.
• Lemon zest: A hint of lemon zest brightens up the dish beautifully and complements the savory flavors perfectly.

Side Dishes

• Crusty bread: A slice of warm crusty bread or garlic bread is perfect for dipping into the rich broth, adding texture and heartiness.
• Mixed green salad: Pair your soup with a light mixed salad dressed in vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast. The crisp greens balance out the warmth of the soup.
• Cheesy polenta: Creamy polenta serves as an excellent side dish that adds richness and pairs wonderfully with the spicy notes of the sausage.
• Grilled vegetables: Lightly grilled vegetables bring an extra smoky flavor that harmonizes well with the earthiness of the soup while keeping things healthy.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’re all set to enjoy an incredible bowl of Italian vegetable soup with spicy sausage that’s sure to warm your soul!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Italian vegetable soup with spicy sausage is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make a big batch to enjoy throughout the week. Here’s how to store it successfully:

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the soup to cool before transferring it into airtight containers.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• If using cooked gnocchi, keep them separate from the soup to prevent them from becoming mushy.

Freezing

• Let the soup cool completely before freezing.
• Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some space for expansion.
• The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. If desired, freeze gnocchi separately.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen soup overnight in the refrigerator or use a microwave for quicker thawing.
• Reheat on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
• If reheating in the microwave, do so in short intervals, stirring in between for even heating.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making this delicious Italian vegetable soup with spicy sausage:

Can I make Italian Vegetable Soup with Spicy Sausage without gnocchi?

Absolutely! This soup is hearty enough on its own without gnocchi. Simply skip that step and enjoy a lighter version.

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

The soup will last up to 4 days in the refrigerator when stored properly in an airtight container.

What kind of beans can I use instead of navy beans?

You can substitute navy beans with cannellini beans or chickpeas if you prefer!

Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?

Yes! You can replace the spicy sausage with plant-based sausage alternatives and use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock.

Can I add more vegetables to this Italian Vegetable Soup with Spicy Sausage?

Absolutely! Feel free to add any seasonal vegetables you enjoy, such as zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach.

Final Thoughts

This Italian vegetable soup with spicy sausage is not just a meal; it’s a warm hug in a bowl! Its rich flavors and hearty ingredients make it special for family dinners or cozy nights in. I hope you enjoy making this recipe as much as I do—there’s nothing quite like sharing a delicious homemade meal. Happy cooking!