Italian Vegetable Soup with Spicy Sausage

Name: Italian Vegetable Soup with Spicy Sausage
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: Gnocchi (optional); Olive or avocado oil; 2 links spicy Italian sausage or turkey 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)

Recipe By:

Juniper

Posted:

September 19, 2025

Updated:

September 19, 2025

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This Italian Vegetable Soup with Spicy Sausage is a hearty dish that brings warmth and comfort to any meal. Packed with rich flavors from fresh vegetables and spicy sausage, this soup is perfect for cozy dinners or when you need a quick, nutritious meal. The addition of tender gnocchi makes it truly satisfying, ensuring everyone leaves the table happy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and straightforward ingredients, making this soup is a breeze.
Flavorful and Satisfying: The combination of spices and fresh veggies creates a delightful taste experience.
Versatile Meal Option: Perfect as a light lunch or a filling dinner, this soup suits any occasion.
Nutritious Ingredients: Loaded with vegetables and beans, it’s packed with nutrients and fiber.
Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite veggies or adjust the spice level to suit your taste.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes cooking easier and more enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need to get started.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Large soup pot
Cutting board
Chef’s knife
Garlic press
Ladle

Importance of Each Tool

Large soup pot: Essential for cooking all ingredients evenly while allowing enough space for simmering.
Chef’s knife: A sharp knife makes chopping vegetables quick and safe.
Garlic press: This tool ensures you get maximum flavor from your garlic by crushing it finely.

Ingredients

This Italian vegetable soup with spicy sausage is deliciously rich and brothy, made extra hearty with a spoonful of tender gnocchi!

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

How to Make Italian Vegetable Soup with Spicy Sausage

Step 1: Prepare the Gnocchi

If preparing the gnocchi, cook them according to the package instructions. Once cooked, set them aside while keeping them warm.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

Place a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Drizzle in about 2 tablespoons of oil. Once hot, crumble in the spicy sausage. Brown for a few minutes until fully cooked.

Step 3: Add Vegetables

Add in the leeks, fennel, parsnip, carrot, and celery. Stir everything together. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper plus the Italian seasoning. Sauté for a few minutes until the veggies become tender.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Stir in the garlic until fragrant. Next, add the chopped tomatoes and navy beans into the pot. Pour in the chicken stock/broth and mix well.

Step 5: Simmer the Soup

Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 20 minutes or until all veggies are tender. Turn off the heat before stirring in kale, parsley, and lemon juice. Taste for seasoning adjustments.

Step 6: Serve

In serving bowls, add some cooked gnocchi first. Then ladle hot soup over each bowl. Finish with extra olive oil drizzle and sprinkle parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy!

How to Serve Italian Vegetable Soup with Spicy Sausage

Serving Italian vegetable soup with spicy sausage is a delightful experience. This hearty soup pairs well with various accompaniments to enhance its flavors and provide a complete meal.

Garnish Ideas

Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped basil or additional parsley for a fresh touch.
Lemon Zest: Grate lemon zest on top for an extra citrus kick.
Chili Flakes: Add a sprinkle of chili flakes for those who enjoy more heat.

Accompanying Bread

Crusty Baguette: Serve slices of warm, crusty baguette for dipping.
Garlic Bread: Toasted garlic bread complements the soup’s flavors beautifully.

Salad Pairings

Mixed Greens Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup.
Caesar Salad: The creamy dressing and crunchy croutons in Caesar salad work well together.

How to Perfect Italian Vegetable Soup with Spicy Sausage

To make your Italian vegetable soup with spicy sausage even better, consider these tips that enhance flavor and texture.

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables will provide vibrant flavors and textures.
Adjust Spice Levels: Modify the amount of spicy sausage based on your heat preference.
Simmer Longer: Allowing the soup to simmer longer can deepen the flavors.
Add More Veggies: Feel free to add seasonal vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for variety.
Experiment with Broth: Using homemade chicken broth can enhance the flavor significantly.

Best Side Dishes for Italian Vegetable Soup with Spicy Sausage

Pairing side dishes with your Italian vegetable soup will round out your meal perfectly. Here are some delicious options:

Garlic Bread: Crunchy and buttery, perfect for dipping in soup.
Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil offer a refreshing contrast.
Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with chopped tomatoes and basil adds a delightful crunch.
Cheesy Polenta: Creamy polenta makes a comforting side that complements the soup’s heartiness.
Stuffed Peppers: Peppers filled with rice or quinoa provide extra substance to your meal.
Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal veggies roasted until caramelized enhances the overall dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Italian vegetable soup with spicy sausage can be simple, but there are a few common mistakes to watch out for. Here are some tips to help you perfect your recipe.

Skipping the aromatics: Failing to sauté the leeks and fennel properly can lead to a lack of flavor. Always take your time to cook these until they soften and become fragrant.
Overcooking the vegetables: Cooking the veggies for too long can make them mushy. Keep an eye on them while simmering, ensuring they remain tender yet firm.
Not seasoning properly: Under-seasoning is a common mistake. Taste your soup as it cooks and adjust salt and pepper accordingly for balanced flavors.
Using too much liquid: Adding excess broth can dilute the taste of your soup. Stick to the recommended amount of chicken broth for optimal flavor richness.
Ignoring garnishes: Skipping out on garnishes like parsley or parmesan can make your dish less appealing. These toppings add both flavor and visual appeal, so don’t skip them!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover soup in an airtight container.
It will last for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Italian Vegetable Soup with Spicy Sausage

Freeze the soup in portions using freezer-safe containers or bags.
It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Italian Vegetable Soup with Spicy Sausage

Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the soup to an oven-safe dish and cover it with foil. Heat for about 20-30 minutes, or until hot.
Microwave: Place soup in a microwave-safe bowl and cover loosely. Heat in short intervals, stirring between each until heated through.
Stovetop: Pour the soup into a pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally until it’s warmed through, about 10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about Italian vegetable soup with spicy sausage.

What can I substitute for spicy sausage in this recipe?

You can use turkey sausage or any plant-based sausage alternative that suits your taste preferences while keeping the same spice level.

Can I add more vegetables?

Yes! Feel free to customize by adding vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or green beans for extra nutrients and flavors.

How do I make this soup vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock while adding more beans or lentils for protein.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Absolutely! If you prefer fresh tomatoes, use about 2-3 cups chopped fresh tomatoes and adjust cooking time as needed since they may take longer to break down.

Final Thoughts

This Italian vegetable soup with spicy sausage is not only hearty and comforting but also incredibly versatile. You can easily adapt it by adding different vegetables or spices according to your preference. Give it a try, and enjoy this delightful dish that warms the soul!