Vegetable soup with spicy smoked Italian sausage

Vegetable Soup with Spicy Smoked Italian Sausage is the ultimate choice when you’re craving a cozy, hearty meal. This flavorful dish combines a medley of vibrant vegetables with the irresistible kick of spicy smoked Italian sausage, offering a comforting bowlful that warms you from the inside out. If you're looking to elevate your soup game, this recipe is perfect for creating a nourishing and delicious meal that hits all the right notes.

If you’re on the lookout for a hearty, flavorful soup that’s perfect for any time of year, you’re in the right place. Today, I’m sharing a recipe for Spicy Italian Sausage Soup that combines tons of veggies, rich chicken broth, and a delightful kick from Italian sausage. Whether you’re cooking up a batch for your family or just for yourself, this great recipe is designed to be as easy as it is delicious.

Moreover, we’re talking about a fantastic blend of bell peppers, green beans, and sweet potatoes simmered in a savory broth with a touch of tomato paste and Italian seasoning. Additionally, add some spicy Italian sausage (or vegan sausage if that’s more your style) and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, and you’ve got yourself a meal that’s not only comforting but bursting with flavor.

Furthermore, don’t worry if you’re new to the kitchen or if you’re short on time—this recipe comes together quickly and is a great option for those busy weeknights. Plus, it’s the kind of soup that gets even better the next day, making it a perfect choice for great leftovers. Serve it with some crusty bread, and you’ve got a meal that will keep you coming back for more.

So, grab your large soup pot or Dutch oven, and let’s get cooking. This is one recipe you’ll want to keep in your rotation—trust me, your taste buds and your whole family will thank you!

Ready to dive in? Let’s get started on this flavorful Italian sausage vegetable soup!

Do you like easy soups? If so, check out my beef tortellini soup, Romanian meatball soup, creamy mushroom soup, potato soup with smoked sausages and white bean soup with escarole and gremolata.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

If you love hearty, flavorful soups that warm you up from the inside out, you're in for a treat with this Vegetable Soup with Spicy Smoked Italian Sausage recipe. Here’s why this soup is bound to become a favorite in your kitchen:

Deliciously Spicy Kick: The smoky, spicy Italian sausage gives this soup a delightful depth of flavor and just the right amount of heat. It’s perfect for those who enjoy a bit of a kick without it being too overwhelming.

Tons of Veggies: This soup is packed with a colorful mix of fresh vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, green beans, and more. Not only does it look vibrant, but it’s also loaded with nutrients, making it a feast for both your taste buds and your eyes.

Hearty and Filling: With the addition of beans and sausage, this soup is incredibly satisfying. It’s perfect for cozy dinners or hearty lunches, making sure you feel full and content.

Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: Using everyday staples like tomato paste, Italian seasoning, and a touch of Parmesan cheese, this soup delivers comforting, big flavors without needing fancy extras. It’s a great example of how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly special.

Versatile and Easy to Customize: Whether you’re a fan of meat or prefer a vegetarian twist, this recipe is super flexible. You can easily swap out the sausage for a plant-based option or add in extra veggies to match your personal taste.

Quick and Convenient: This soup is easy and fast it is to make, so you can have a delicious, homemade meal ready in no time. It's perfect for busy weeknights or when you're craving something comforting without spending hours in the kitchen.

Great Leftovers: This soup keeps well and tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. It’s a fantastic make-ahead option for meal prepping or for feeding the whole family.

Ingredients

Let’s dive into the delicious ingredients for this flavorful and hearty vegetable soup and see why each one is a star of the show!

• Olive Oil: Start your soup with a splash of olive oil in your large pot. It’s perfect for sautéing veggies and adds a lovely, rich base of flavor. Plus, it's a healthy choice that adds a bit of good fat to your meal.
• Spicy Smoked Italian Sausage (or Your Favorite Italian Sausage): Whether you choose spicy smoked Italian sausage or a milder option, this ingredient brings a hearty, savory kick to your soup. Slice it up and let it mingle with all the other ingredients for big, bold flavors.
• Onion: Onions are the backbone of many great soups. Sautéed until soft and translucent, they add a sweet and savory depth that really enhances the flavor of your Italian sausage soup.
• Garlic: A few cloves of garlic, minced and sautéed with the onions, bring a wonderful aromatic touch to your soup. Garlic adds a punch of flavor that makes each spoonful extra satisfying.
• Carrots: Sweet, tender carrots add a hint of natural sweetness and vibrant color. They’re perfect for adding some healthy, crunchy goodness to your soup.
• Celery Stalks: Celery is a great way to add a bit of crunch and freshness to your soup. Plus, it’s one of those veggies that really soaks up all the delicious flavors around it.
• Red Bell Pepper: Red bell peppers are fantastic for adding a bit of sweetness and color. They not only make the soup look inviting but also contribute to the overall flavor profile with their mild, sweet taste.
• Yellow Squash: Tender yellow squash adds a mild, buttery flavor that pairs beautifully with the other veggies. It’s a great way to incorporate some summer veggies into your hearty soup.
• Green Beans: Fresh green beans add a delightful crunch and a splash of green. They’re perfect for making your soup feel even more hearty and filling.
• Diced Tomatoes: These provide a nice tangy base and lots of flavor. They help create a rich, flavorful broth that brings everything together beautifully.
• Tomato Paste: A couple of tablespoons of tomato paste are essential for adding a concentrated tomato flavor. It thickens the soup and enriches the overall taste.
• Chicken or Vegetable Broth: Choose chicken broth for a richer flavor or vegetable broth for a lighter, vegan option. Either way, it’s the liquid that turns your pot full of veggies into a delicious, comforting soup.
• Green Beans: These beans add heartiness and texture to your soup. They’re a great source of protein and fiber, making your soup more filling and satisfying.
• Pasta: Adding small pasta to your soup makes it heartier and more satisfying, with each tiny pasta piece soaking up the flavorful broth and enhancing the overall texture.
• Bay Leaf: Toss in a bay leaf for a subtle hint of earthiness. It’s one of those ingredients that adds a layer of complexity to your soup’s flavor profile.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme, Italian seasoning brings that classic Italian flair to your soup. It’s a great way to infuse your soup with lots of big flavors.
• Red Pepper Flakes: If you like a bit of extra heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes. They give your soup a spicy kick that can be adjusted to your taste.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese: Top your soup with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. It adds a wonderful salty, nutty flavor and a touch of creaminess that makes each bowl extra special.
• Parmesan Rind: For an extra layer of rich, savory flavor, toss in a Parmesan rind while the soup is simmering. It infuses the broth with a deep, cheesy taste that’s absolutely delicious.

Step by Step Instructions

1. Heat Oil and Cook Sausage:
   • In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced Italian sausage and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside.
2. Sauté Vegetables:
   • In the same pot, add diced onion, carrots, celery, and bell pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
3. Add Flavorings:
   • Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to enhance its flavor. Add the diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Cook for another minute.
4. Simmer Soup:
   • Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and add the Parmesan rind if using. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Add Beans and Sausage:
   • Add the navy beans or cannellini beans and the browned sausage back into the pot. Stir to combine and let the soup simmer for another 10 minutes until all the vegetables are tender.
6. Finish and Serve:
   • If using, stir in the fresh spinach or collard greens and let them wilt. Season with salt, pepper, and red wine vinegar if desired. Remove the Parmesan rind and bay leaf. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese.
7. Garnish and Enjoy:
   • Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve with crusty bread for dipping.

Substitutions and Additions

Substitutions:

1. Sausage: If you’re not a fan of spicy sausage, you can use mild Italian sausage or even sweet Italian sausage for a less intense flavor. For a lighter twist, try chicken sausage or turkey kielbasa sausage. And if you prefer a plant-based option, vegan sausage works great too!
2. Broth: Swap out chicken broth for vegetable broth to keep it vegetarian, or use beef broth if you want a heartier flavor. You can also use low-sodium options if you're watching your salt intake.
3. Beans: Navy beans and cannellini beans are fantastic, but you can easily replace them with great northern beans, garbanzo beans, or even black beans. Whatever beans you choose will add heartiness and texture.
4. Vegetables: Feel free to mix and match your veggies based on what you have. If you’re out of green beans, you can use peas or even frozen corn. No yellow squash? Zucchini is a perfect substitute.
5. Tomato Products: If you’re out of tomato paste, a bit of extra tomato sauce can work. Alternatively, you can use crushed tomatoes for a slightly different texture.
6. Italian Seasoning: No Italian seasoning on hand? A mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme can do the trick. Also you can check my recipe for Italian Seasoning.

Additions:

• Extra Veggies: Toss in some collard greens, sweet potatoes, or even leftover roasted vegetables for a hearty and nutrient-packed boost. You can also add some navy beans or cannellini beans, summer veggies like corn or zucchini for extra flavor.
• Spices: If you love a little more heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. For more depth, a sprinkle of smoked paprika or a splash of red wine vinegar can bring extra layers of flavor.
• Cheese: Boost the cheesy goodness by stirring in some extra grated Parmesan cheese just before serving. You can also sprinkle some shredded mozzarella on top for a creamy touch.
• Fresh Herbs: A handful of fresh herbs like parsley or basil added at the end of cooking can brighten up the soup and add a fresh, aromatic note.
• Creaminess: For a creamy twist, stir in a bit of coconut milk or a splash of heavy cream. It’s a great way to make the soup feel even more comforting and rich.

Tips and Notes

• Start with the Basics: Heat some olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Sauté sliced onions and minced garlic until they're soft and aromatic. This step builds a savory base that enhances all the other flavors.
• Brown Your Sausage: If you're using spicy Italian sausage, slice it up and brown it in the pot before adding it to the soup. This caramelizes the sausage and infuses the soup with a deep, savory flavor.
• Season Well: Sprinkle in Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes to taste. These seasonings give your soup its distinctive Italian flavor and a bit of heat. Adjust the seasoning as needed to match your personal taste.
• Simmer Slowly: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer. This slow cooking process helps all the flavors meld together beautifully.
• Add the Parmesan: For a final touch, stir in some grated Parmesan cheese and throw in a Parmesan rind if you have one. This adds a wonderful depth of flavor and a touch of creaminess to the soup.
• Perfect the Texture: Keep an eye on the veggies to make sure they’re cooked to your liking. If you prefer your soup with a bit of crunch, add delicate vegetables like green beans and yellow squash a little later in the cooking process.

Serving Suggestions for vegetable soup with sausage

• Crusty Bread: Nothing pairs better with a hearty soup than a slice of warm, crusty bread. Whether it’s a rustic sourdough, a baguette, or some fresh Italian bread, it’s perfect for dipping and soaking up all that flavorful broth.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese: Top each bowl with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. It adds a lovely salty, nutty flavor and a touch of creaminess that complements the soup beautifully.
• Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil can brighten up the soup and add a burst of fresh flavor. It’s a simple touch that makes a big difference in presentation and taste.
• Side Salad: Serve your soup with a crisp, refreshing side salad. A mix of greens with a light vinaigrette or a simple Caesar salad can provide a nice contrast to the hearty soup.
• Garlic Bread: For an extra indulgent touch, make some garlic bread to go alongside your soup. It’s great for sopping up every last bit of that delicious broth.
• Sandwiches: Pair your soup with a sandwich for a well-rounded meal. A classic grilled cheese or a panini with your favorite fillings makes for a comforting and satisfying combo.
• Croutons: Add some crunch to your soup with homemade or store-bought croutons. They add a delightful texture and are perfect for adding a bit of extra flavor.
• Cheese Sticks: For a fun twist, serve the soup with cheese sticks or cheese straws. They’re a great snack to munch on between spoonfuls of soup.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Storage Instructions:

1. Cool Before Storing: Let your soup cool to room temperature before transferring it to the fridge. This helps maintain its flavor and texture.
2. Airtight Containers: Store the soup in airtight containers to keep it fresh. You can use glass jars, plastic containers, or even resealable freezer bags.
3. Fridge or Freezer: If you plan to eat the soup within a few days, keep it in the refrigerator. It’ll stay fresh for about 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the soup. It’ll be good for up to 3 months in the freezer.
4. Label and Date: If you’re freezing the soup, label the containers with the date so you can keep track of how long it’s been in the freezer.

Reheating Instructions:

1. Thaw if Frozen: If your soup is frozen, let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. You can also use the defrost setting on your microwave if you’re short on time.
2. Reheat on the Stovetop: For the best results, reheat the soup in a large saucepan or pot on the stovetop over medium heat. Stir occasionally until it’s heated through. This usually takes about 5-10 minutes.
3. Microwave Option: You can also reheat your soup in the microwave. Transfer it to a microwave-safe bowl, cover it loosely, and heat it in 1-2 minute intervals, stirring between each interval, until it’s hot.
4. Add Extra Broth if Needed: If the soup has thickened a bit after being stored, you might need to add a splash of chicken or vegetable broth while reheating to bring it back to your desired consistency.

More favorite recipes to try:

Looking for some delicious sweet inspiration? Check out:

Chocolate Crinkle Cookies Recipe;

Best Raffaelo no bake cake ;

Butter cookies with walnuts and vanilla or

Meringues.

What is your favorite soup with veggies recipe?

If you make this recipe, snap a photo and hashtag it #alexascuisine. Leave a comment, rate it or PIN it.

I love to see your creations on Instagram and Facebook!

Thank you for visiting my blog, commenting, trying my recipes and sharing them on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest. I appreciate the love.

You’re amazing!!

Alexa

Recipe