Hearty Sausage and Vegetable Soup Recipe

Cozy Hearty Sausage and Vegetable Soup Recipe to Warm Your Soul

Chilly evenings call for a comforting bowl of hearty sausage and vegetable soup that warms you from the inside out.

Packed with robust flavors and nutritious ingredients, this soup delivers a satisfying meal in every spoonful.

Italian sausage brings a rich, savory depth to the classic vegetable medley, creating a dish that’s both rustic and delightful.

Tender chunks of sausage mingle with colorful vegetables, releasing aromatic herbs and spices that dance across your palate.

Each ingredient is carefully selected to provide maximum flavor and nutrition.

The soup simmers gently, allowing all the elements to blend seamlessly into a harmonious, soul-warming experience.

Grab a ladle and prepare to savor every delicious bite of this nourishing culinary creation.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 260 kcal

Servings: 4

Ingredients That Build Sausage and Vegetable Soup

For Protein:
  • Sausage: Adds rich, savory flavor and hearty texture to the soup, choose an Italian-style or spicy variety for extra depth.
For Vegetables:
  • Onion, Garlic: Provides aromatic base and foundational flavor, select fresh bulbs with firm texture and no soft spots.
  • Carrots, Celery: Contributes sweet and earthy undertones, pick crisp and vibrant vegetables for maximum nutrition.
  • Zucchini, Bell Pepper: Brings colorful texture and mild sweetness, choose firm and bright-colored vegetables.
  • Green Beans: Adds crisp texture and fresh green flavor, select tender and bright green pods.
  • Baby Spinach: Introduces delicate leafy nutrition, pick fresh leaves with bright green color.
For Liquids and Seasonings:
  • Olive Oil: Creates perfect sautéing base, choose extra virgin for best flavor.
  • Diced Tomatoes: Provides tangy acidity and moisture, select no-salt-added variety for better control.
  • Broth: Creates soup's liquid foundation, use low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth for balanced taste.
  • Italian Seasoning, Thyme, Salt, Pepper: Builds complex flavor profile, use fresh herbs when possible.
  • Optional Pasta: Adds hearty substance to soup, choose small shapes like orzo or shells.
  • Fresh Parsley: Offers bright garnish and fresh finish, select vibrant green leaves.

Soup-Making Tools to Speed Things Up

  • Large Pot or Dutch Oven: Essential for cooking the entire soup, providing ample space for sautéing and simmering ingredients.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for breaking up sausage and stirring vegetables without scratching the pot.
  • Cutting Board: Needed for chopping onions, garlic, carrots, celery, zucchini, and bell peppers.
  • Sharp Knife: Crucial for precise vegetable and herb preparation.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Helps accurately measure broth, seasonings, and other ingredients.
  • Ladle: Useful for serving the hot soup into bowls.
  • Colander (optional): Helpful if rinsing vegetables or draining excess sausage fat.

A Simple Guide to Cooking Sausage Veggie Soup

  • Launch the Sausage Sizzle

Heat olive oil in a hefty pot and toss in sausage. Break it into delectable chunks while cooking until perfectly golden brown. Drain any extra grease for a cleaner taste.

  • Wake Up the Veggie Party

Tumble onions and garlic into the pot, letting them dance and release their aromatic magic. Quickly add carrots, celery, zucchini, and bell peppers. Let them soften and mingle together for a few vibrant minutes.

  • Build the Flavor Foundation

Pour in diced tomatoes and broth, sprinkling Italian seasoning, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then dial back the heat. Let everything simmer and get acquainted for 15-20 minutes until vegetables surrender their crunch.

  • Final Flavor Flourish

Introduce green beans and pasta to the bubbling pot. Let them swim together for about 10 minutes. Gently fold in baby spinach, watching it wilt into the soup’s warm embrace.

  • Serve with Love

Taste and adjust seasonings as your palate desires. Sprinkle with fresh parsley. Ladle into bowls and pair with crusty bread for a soul-warming meal.

Boosting Flavor in Your Sausage and Vegetable Soup

  • Choose spicy Italian sausage for extra kick or mild sausage for a gentler flavor. Swap between pork, chicken, or turkey sausage based on dietary preferences.
  • Replace zucchini with butternut squash during winter months. Swap green beans with frozen mixed vegetables for quick preparation.
  • Skip pasta entirely or substitute with cauliflower rice for a keto-friendly version. Use spiralized zucchini noodles as a nutritious alternative to traditional pasta.
  • Replace sausage with plant-based sausage or firm tofu crumbles. Add extra beans like cannellini or chickpeas for protein boost.
  • This soup freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Store in individual containers for quick, nutritious lunches. Wait to add spinach until reheating to maintain its fresh texture and vibrant color.

How to Present Sausage Soup for Comfort Food Moments

  • Rustic Bread Companion: Slice up a hearty sourdough or crusty baguette to soak up the delicious broth. The bread adds a perfect textural contrast and helps mop up every last drop of the savory soup.
  • Cheese Sprinkle Magic: Top the soup with grated Parmesan or crumbled feta cheese for an extra layer of rich, salty flavor. The melting cheese creates a creamy, indulgent finish that elevates the entire dish.
  • Herb Freshness Boost: Garnish with a generous handful of chopped fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or parsley. These bright green herbs add a pop of color and bring a fresh, aromatic dimension to the hearty soup.
  • Protein Power-Up: Serve alongside a small side salad with grilled chicken or hard-boiled eggs for additional protein. This makes the meal more filling and provides a balanced, nutritious dining experience.

Storage Ideas for Soup That Lasts

  • Transfer cooled soup to airtight containers, ensuring a tight seal to lock in freshness and prevent flavor leakage.
  • Store the soup in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, keeping it in the coldest section for maximum quality and safety.
  • Freeze soup portions in freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Label with the date and contents for easy tracking.
  • Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight, then gently reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally to distribute heat evenly and maintain the soup's delicious texture. Add a splash of broth if the soup seems too thick during reheating.
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Hearty Sausage and Vegetable Soup Recipe

Hearty Sausage and Vegetable Soup Recipe


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4.7 from 16 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Hearty Sausage and Vegetable Soup warms hungry souls with rich, comforting flavors from Italian sausage and farm-fresh vegetables. Simmering in one pot, this rustic dish delivers pure satisfaction that draws friends and family around the table.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (500 g) Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
  • 4 cups (1 liter) chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 can (14.5 oz / 400 g) diced tomatoes (with juice)
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 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)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
  • ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
  • ¼ tsp black pepper

Instructions

  1. Sausage Preparation: Warm olive oil in a spacious pot over medium flame. Crumble sausage and cook until golden brown, eliminating excess grease.
  2. Vegetable Infusion: Introduce onion and garlic, sautéing until aromatic. Incorporate carrots, celery, zucchini, and bell pepper, allowing them to soften and release their flavors.
  3. Liquid and Seasoning Blend: Pour diced tomatoes, broth, and herbs into the pot. Elevate heat to boiling, then reduce to a gentle simmer, letting vegetables tenderize for approximately 15-20 minutes.
  4. Final Touches: Fold in green beans and pasta, continuing to simmer until ingredients reach desired consistency. Gently wilt spinach into the mixture, creating a vibrant and nutritious soup.
  5. Presentation: Calibrate seasoning to taste. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve piping hot alongside rustic bread or crisp crackers.

Notes

  • Select fresh, flavorful sausage like Italian or spicy varieties to enhance the soup’s overall taste and depth.
  • Adjust broth amount based on desired soup thickness; add more liquid if too dense or simmer longer to reduce.
  • Add softer vegetables like zucchini later to prevent overcooking and maintain their texture and nutritional value.
  • Replace pasta with quinoa or cauliflower rice for low-carb option; use plant-based sausage for vegetarian version.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Fiber: 5 g
  • Protein: 10 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
William Hawkins

William Hawkins

Founder & Culinary Director

Expertise

  • Modern American and Southern Cuisine
  • Farm-to-Table Practices
  • Restaurant Concept Development
  • Culinary Education and Mentorship​

Education

Sullivan University, Louisville, KY

  • Degree: Associate of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Focused on mastering culinary methods and food science, immersive externships, hands‑on training in industry‑standard kitchen labs, and equipping graduates for roles in restaurant operations.

William Hawkins isn’t just a chef, he’s a storyteller through food. From his hometown of Louisville, KY, he’s spent years refining his craft, turning local ingredients into something extraordinary. 

With classical training from Sullivan University and a career marked by innovation, mentorship, and Southern soul, William approaches every recipe with purpose. His kitchen is where old techniques meet fresh ideas, and where comfort food gets a thoughtful, modern twist. 

When he’s not building dishes from the ground up, he’s out gathering inspiration from nature, markets, and the stories people share around the table.

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