Savory Sausage and Vegetable Soup Recipe for Cozy Evenings

Chilly nights call for a hearty sausage and vegetable soup that warms you from the inside out.

My grandmother’s recipe always brings comfort during cold seasons.

Rich, savory aromas fill the kitchen while this delicious soup simmers gently.

Tender sausage chunks blend perfectly with colorful seasonal vegetables, creating a satisfying meal.

Mediterranean influences shine through in this rustic, warming dish that feels like a culinary hug.

Nutrition meets incredible flavor in every spoonful of this simple yet robust soup.

You’ll want to grab a crusty bread and dive right into this soul-warming creation.

Why Sausage And Vegetable Soup Is A Bowl Of Cozy Goodness

• Quick and Easy Weeknight Meal: This sausage and vegetable soup comes together in under 40 minutes, making it perfect for busy families seeking a hearty, nutritious dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Loaded with Nutritious Vegetables: Packed with a colorful mix of carrots, zucchini, bell peppers, green beans, and spinach, this soup delivers a powerful punch of vitamins, minerals, and fiber in every delicious spoonful.
• Versatile and Customizable Comfort Food: The recipe allows easy modifications like swapping sausage types, adding different vegetables, or adjusting seasonings to suit personal tastes and dietary preferences.
• One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup and straightforward cooking process make this soup a stress-free meal solution that lets you spend more time enjoying dinner and less time washing dishes.

All You Need For Sausage And Vegetable Soup

• Sausage: Hearty protein that adds rich flavor and depth to the soup, preferably Italian-style or spicy ground sausage.

• Onion, Garlic: Classic base that creates a flavor foundation, fresh and firm bulbs are best.
• Carrots, Celery: Traditional soup vegetables that provide sweetness and earthy undertones, crisp and bright colored.

• Zucchini, Bell Pepper, Green Beans: Colorful mix that adds texture and nutritional variety, choose fresh and vibrant vegetables.
• Diced Tomatoes: Provides acidity and liquid base, canned variety works perfectly.

• Broth: Creates soup's primary liquid, chicken or vegetable stock recommended.
• Italian Seasoning, Smoked Paprika, Salt, Pepper: Spice blend that enhances overall soup flavor, use fresh ground spices for best results.

• Baby Spinach: Adds final freshness and nutritional boost, tender leaves preferred.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright garnish that provides color and light herb flavor.

• Crusty Bread: Perfect accompaniment for dipping.
• Parmesan Cheese: Optional topping for extra richness.

• Olive Oil: Provides initial cooking medium and subtle flavor base.

Simple Instructions For Hearty Sausage And Vegetable Soup

Step 1: Sizzle The Sausage

Heat a large pot over medium flame. Drizzle olive oil and crumble sausage into the pan. Cook the meat until golden brown and crispy, breaking it into small pieces. Use a wooden spoon to stir and ensure even cooking. Once browned, transfer sausage to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat.

Step 2: Wake Up The Vegetables

• Chopped onions
• Minced garlic
• Sliced carrots
• Diced celery

Sauté the veggies until they become soft and fragrant. The kitchen will start smelling amazing!

Step 3: Build The Soup Foundation

• Zucchini chunks
• Colorful bell peppers
• Crisp green beans
• Juicy diced tomatoes
• Chicken or vegetable broth
• Italian herbs
• Smoked paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Reduce heat and let the soup simmer gently.

Step 4: Final Flavor Boost

Allow the soup to bubble softly for about 20 minutes. The vegetables will become tender and the flavors will dance together. Toss in fresh baby spinach and watch it melt into the soup. Give it a taste and adjust seasonings if needed.

Step 5: Serve With Love

Ladle the steaming soup into bowls. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness. Serve with crusty bread or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Enjoy your comforting meal!

Tips For A Rich And Flavorful Soup Base

• Sausage Selection Strategy: Choose spicy or mild Italian sausage depending on your heat preference, or swap with turkey sausage for a leaner option.
• Veggie Variation Technique: Customize the soup by substituting seasonal vegetables like kale, butternut squash, or cauliflower for added nutrition and variety.
• Liquid Love Adjustment: Increase broth quantity for a soupier consistency or reduce for a heartier stew-like texture that suits different meal preferences.
• Quick Cooking Hack: Prep all vegetables beforehand to streamline the cooking process and ensure smooth, efficient meal preparation.
• Low-Carb Transformation: Skip starchy vegetables and serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles to make the recipe keto-friendly and lower in carbohydrates.

How To Store Sausage And Vegetable Soup Easily

• Refrigerate leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Cool the soup completely before storing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for maximum 3 months.
• When reheating, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm gently on the stovetop, stirring occasionally to maintain consistency.
• Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make vegetables mushy and change the soup's texture.
• Pro tip: Store spinach separately if you plan to freeze, as leafy greens can become soggy when defrosted.
• Always check for any signs of spoilage before consuming refrigerated or frozen soup.

Delicious Pairings For Sausage And Vegetable Soup

• Craft Crusty Bread Companion: Slice a rustic sourdough or French baguette to soak up the rich, hearty broth. Toasting the bread with a light garlic butter creates an extra layer of flavor that complements the spicy sausage and tender vegetables.
• Pour Perfect Wine Partner: Select a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese to match the soup's robust profile. The wine's acidity and slight fruitiness will cut through the sausage's richness while enhancing the vegetable medley's depth.
• Blend Creamy Cheese Topping: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano or crumbled feta cheese on top of the soup. These cheeses add a salty, tangy dimension that elevates the overall taste and provides a luxurious creamy texture.
• Create Bright Salad Side: Prepare a crisp mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette. The salad's fresh, zesty notes will balance the soup's hearty character and provide a refreshing contrast to the warm, comforting meal.

Tasty Twists On Sausage And Vegetable Soup Recipes

• Spicy Chorizo Soup: Replace Italian sausage with spicy chorizo for a bold, zesty kick. Add diced jalapeños and a dash of cayenne pepper to increase heat levels. Garnish with fresh cilantro for an extra flavor punch.
• Mediterranean Lamb Soup: Swap sausage for ground lamb and incorporate Mediterranean herbs like oregano and mint. Include chickpeas and swap bell peppers for roasted eggplant. Top with crumbled feta cheese for authentic regional taste.
• Vegetarian Protein Soup: Remove sausage and substitute with firm tofu or plant-based sausage crumbles. Add extra protein-rich beans like cannellini or kidney beans. Include nutritional yeast for a savory depth and enhance vegetable seasonings.
• Creamy Sausage Chowder: Stir in heavy cream or coconut milk during final simmering stage for a richer texture. Blend some soup portions to create a thicker consistency. Incorporate diced potatoes for additional heartiness and substance.

Sausage And Vegetable Soup FAQs Answered

• What type of sausage works best for this soup?

Italian sausage or mild ground sausage are perfect for this recipe. They provide rich flavor and blend well with the vegetables. Choose lean or regular sausage based on your preference.

• Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace sausage with plant-based sausage or add extra beans like cannellini or chickpeas for protein. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to maintain the vegetarian profile.

• How nutritious is this soup?

This soup is incredibly nutritious. It’s packed with multiple vegetables providing vitamins, minerals, and fiber. The sausage adds protein, making it a balanced one-pot meal. The combination supports heart health and boosts immune system.

• Is this soup good for meal prep?

Definitely! The soup stores well in refrigerator for 4-5 days. The flavors actually improve overnight, making it an excellent option for preparing ahead. Simply reheat gently when ready to enjoy.

Sausage And Vegetable Soup Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Hearty sausage and vegetable soup brings warmth and comfort to chilly evenings. Packed with robust flavors and nutritious ingredients, this soul-satisfying dish will transport you to a cozy kitchen filled with delightful aromas.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 lb (500 g) Italian sausage (mild or spicy)

Vegetables:

• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 1 medium zucchini, diced
• 1 medium bell pepper, diced (any color)
• 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into pieces
• 1 cup baby spinach (optional)

Liquids and Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 can (14.5 oz / 400 g) diced tomatoes (with juice)
• 4 cups (1 liter) chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the foundational protein by rendering sausage in a spacious cooking vessel. Create golden-brown crumbles through gentle manipulation with a wooden utensil, ensuring even caramelization across the meat’s surface.
2. Introduce aromatic vegetable components into the rendered sausage base. Allow onions, garlic, carrots, and celery to soften and release their subtle flavor profiles through gentle sautéing.
3. Incorporate remaining vegetable medley including zucchini, bell peppers, and green beans. Pour in diced tomatoes and liquid broth, infusing the mixture with Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and freshly cracked pepper.
4. Elevate the liquid to a rolling boil, then reduce thermal intensity. Allow ingredients to meld and tenderize through a leisurely simmer, developing complex flavor nuances.
5. Introduce delicate spinach leaves during the final cooking moments. Gently fold greens into the soup, permitting them to wilt and integrate seamlessly with the existing ingredients.
6. Conduct a comprehensive flavor assessment, calibrating seasoning dimensions through strategic salt and pepper adjustments.
7. Transfer the vibrant, aromatic soup into serving vessels. Embellish with freshly chopped parsley and consider accompanying with crusty artisan bread or a complementary sprinkle of aged Parmesan cheese.

Notes

• Choose lean sausage like turkey or chicken for a lighter, healthier version of the soup with reduced fat content.
• Remove sausage casings before cooking to ensure even browning and better texture integration within the soup.
• Use low-sodium broth to control salt levels, especially helpful for those monitoring sodium intake.
• Swap zucchini with cauliflower or turnips for a different vegetable profile that maintains similar nutritional value.
• Prep vegetables in uniform sizes to guarantee consistent cooking and prevent some pieces from becoming mushy while others remain undercooked.
• Consider adding quinoa or barley for extra protein and complex carbohydrates, transforming the soup into a more substantial meal.
• Keep vegetable sizes bite-sized for easier eating and more attractive presentation.
• Store leftover soup in airtight containers for up to 4 days, knowing flavors will develop and intensify overnight in the refrigerator.
• Allow soup to cool completely before refrigerating to prevent condensation and potential bacterial growth.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 230
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 14 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg