Italian Vegetable Soup with Spicy Sausage

If you’re looking for a cozy meal that warms your heart and soul, this Italian Vegetable Soup with Spicy Sausage is just the ticket! Packed with vibrant vegetables and a kick of spice, this soup is not only comforting but also incredibly satisfying. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need something quick and delicious or for family gatherings where everyone can gather around a big pot of goodness. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll become a staple in your kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 20 minutes of prep time, you can have a hearty meal on the table in under an hour.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the rich flavors and tender gnocchi in each bowl.
• Nutritious Ingredients: This soup is loaded with wholesome veggies and beans, making it both healthy and filling.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: It stores well in the fridge, so you can enjoy leftovers for lunch or dinner all week!
• Customizable: Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables or adjust the spice level to suit your taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s take a look at the simple, wholesome ingredients you’ll need to whip up this delicious soup. Most of these are pantry staples or easily found 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

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! You can easily adapt it based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.

• Swap the protein: Instead of spicy Italian sausage, try using ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
• Add more greens: Toss in some spinach or Swiss chard to boost the nutrition even further!
• Make it vegetarian: Omit the sausage entirely and replace the chicken stock with vegetable broth for a delicious meat-free version.
• Spice it up: If you like more heat, add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce while cooking.

How to Make Italian Vegetable Soup with Spicy Sausage

Step 1: Prepare the Gnocchi

If you’re including gnocchi in your soup, cook them according to package instructions. Setting them aside while preparing the rest ensures they stay warm without getting mushy. This little step adds an extra layer of heartiness to your dish!

Step 2: Brown the Sausage & Sauté Veggies

In a large soup pot over medium-high heat, drizzle about 2 tablespoons of oil. Crumble in your spicy sausage and let it brown for a few minutes. This enhances its flavor! Then add the leeks, fennel, parsnip, carrot, and celery. Stir everything together with a pinch of salt and pepper along with Italian seasoning. Sauté until those veggies are tender—it’s when their natural sweetness starts to shine!

Step 3: Build Your Soup Base

Once you’ve got that aromatic mix going on from sautéing the garlic until fragrant—add in those luscious chopped tomatoes along with navy beans. Pour in the chicken stock/broth next; it’s what makes this soup comforting and brothy! Stir well to combine everything so those flavors meld together beautifully.

Step 4: Simmer Away

Cover your pot and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. You’ll want those veggies to become nice and tender. Afterward, turn off the heat before stirring in fresh kale, parsley, and that crucial squeeze of lemon juice—it brightens up all those flavors! Be sure to taste before serving; adjusting salt or pepper if needed makes all the difference.

Step 5: Serve It Up!

When you’re ready to eat, place a small amount of cooked gnocchi in each bowl before ladling hot soup over top. A drizzle of extra olive oil adds richness; if you like cheese—sprinkle some parmesan on top! Enjoy every sip of this nourishing dish surrounded by loved ones.

This Italian Vegetable Soup with Spicy Sausage is truly a delight that brings warmth not just from its ingredients but also from sharing it with friends and family. Happy cooking!

Pro Tips for Making Italian Vegetable Soup with Spicy Sausage

Creating a perfect bowl of Italian vegetable soup is all about combining flavors and textures, so here are some handy tips to ensure your soup turns out delicious!

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables not only enhance the flavor but also add vibrant colors to your soup, making it visually appealing and nutritious.

• Don’t skip the sautéing step: Sautéing the sausage and vegetables first helps to develop deeper flavors, creating a more satisfying soup base.

• Adjust seasoning gradually: Taste as you go! Adding salt and pepper in increments allows you to control the seasoning perfectly, ensuring a well-balanced dish.

• Experiment with beans: Feel free to swap out navy beans for other varieties like cannellini or chickpeas. Each type offers a unique texture and flavor that can change up the dish.

• Make it ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day when the flavors have had time to meld. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for an easy meal later on!

How to Serve Italian Vegetable Soup with Spicy Sausage

This hearty soup can be served in various delightful ways that will impress your family and friends. Here are some ideas to elevate your dining experience!

Garnishes

• Fresh herbs: A sprinkle of chopped basil or additional parsley adds a burst of freshness that complements the rich flavors of the soup.
• Lemon zest: A touch of lemon zest brightens up the dish, enhancing its overall flavor profile without overpowering it.
• Croutons: Toasted bread cubes bring a satisfying crunch and can be seasoned with garlic or herbs for extra flavor.

Side Dishes

• Garlic bread: The perfect accompaniment, garlic bread is great for dipping into your soup while adding a warm, buttery flavor.
• Mixed green salad: A light salad with vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the hearty soup, balancing out the meal with crisp textures.
• Grilled cheese sandwich: This classic comfort food pairs beautifully with soup, offering gooey goodness that makes every bite enjoyable.
• Roasted vegetables: Roasting seasonal veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or Brussels sprouts enhances their natural sweetness and adds another layer of healthiness to your meal.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips in mind, you’re set to enjoy a cozy bowl of Italian Vegetable Soup with Spicy Sausage that’s sure to warm hearts and fill bellies!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Italian Vegetable Soup with Spicy Sausage is perfect for meal prep. It saves well and allows flavors to deepen over time, making it an excellent choice for busy weeks.

Storing Leftovers

• Cool the soup to room temperature before transferring it to airtight containers.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Keep gnocchi separate to maintain their texture, adding them only when serving.

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 the gnocchi; add them fresh when reheating.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
• If using a microwave, heat in short intervals until hot, ensuring even heating.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delicious soup!

Can I make Italian Vegetable Soup with Spicy Sausage vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can substitute the spicy sausage with plant-based sausage or omit it entirely. Just add more vegetables or beans for heartiness.

How do I know if my Italian Vegetable Soup with Spicy Sausage is done cooking?

The soup is ready when all vegetables are tender and flavors have melded together beautifully. A simmer of around 20 minutes should do the trick!

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

Definitely! Feel free to get creative with seasonal veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or green beans. Just adjust cooking times as needed.

How can I adjust the spice level of my Italian Vegetable Soup with Spicy Sausage?

To increase spiciness, add red pepper flakes or use a hotter sausage. For milder flavor, consider using sweet Italian sausage instead.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this rich and hearty Italian Vegetable Soup with Spicy Sausage as much as I do! It’s not just a meal; it’s a warm embrace in a bowl that brings comfort and joy. Whether you’re serving it to family or keeping it all for yourself during a cozy night in, this recipe is truly special. Happy cooking, and may your kitchen be filled with love and delightful aromas!