Sausage and Vegetable Soup

Sausage and Vegetable Soup is a hearty and flavorful dish loaded with savory sausage, fresh vegetables, and a rich broth. This easy one-pot soup is perfect for a cozy dinner, offering a warm and satisfying meal that’s both nutritious and delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hearty and filling with a mix of protein and vegetables
• Easy to make in one pot with minimal cleanup
• Great for meal prep and freezes well
• Perfect for a comforting meal on a cold day
• Customizable with your favorite veggies and sausage types

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casing removed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 1 zucchini, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth (low sodium)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into pieces
• 1 cup baby spinach (optional)
• 1/2 cup small pasta (optional, like ditalini or orzo)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

1. Brown the Sausage:
   • In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat.
   • Add the sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces. Remove excess fat if needed.
2. Sauté Vegetables:
   • Add onion and garlic to the pot and sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
   • Add carrots, celery, zucchini, and bell pepper. Cook for 5 minutes until slightly softened.
3. Add Broth and Seasonings:
   • Stir in diced tomatoes (with juices), broth, Italian seasoning, thyme, salt, and pepper.
   • Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
4. Add Remaining Ingredients:
   • Stir in green beans and pasta (if using). Simmer for an additional 10 minutes until the pasta is tender.
   • Add baby spinach and cook for 1-2 minutes until wilted.
5. Serve:
   • Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley.
   • Serve hot with crusty bread or crackers.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6-8
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Chicken Sausage Soup: Substitute Italian sausage with chicken or turkey sausage for a lighter version.
• Keto-Friendly: Omit the pasta and add extra low-carb vegetables like cauliflower or spinach.
• Spicy Sausage Soup: Use hot Italian sausage and add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
• Beans and Greens: Add a can of white beans (like cannellini) and more leafy greens for added fiber.
• Slow Cooker Version: Brown the sausage first, then add all ingredients to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze for up to 3 months in freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm in a pot over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. Add a splash of broth if needed.

FAQs

1. Can I use pre-cooked sausage?

Yes, slice or crumble pre-cooked sausage and add it during the sauté step with the vegetables.

2. Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, replace sausage with a plant-based sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

3. How do I make the soup thicker?

Add a tablespoon of tomato paste or blend a portion of the soup and stir it back in for a thicker consistency.

4. Can I add potatoes to this soup?

Absolutely! Diced potatoes add extra heartiness. Add them when adding the broth and cook until tender.

5. What other vegetables can I add?

Corn, peas, kale, or mushrooms are great additions to this versatile soup.

6. How do I keep the pasta from getting mushy?

If you expect leftovers, cook the pasta separately and add it to individual servings to avoid overcooking.

7. Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?

Yes, use about 3 times the amount of fresh herbs as dried, adding them towards the end of cooking.

8. How do I make this soup gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta or skip it altogether. Ensure the sausage and broth are also gluten-free.

9. Can I add rice instead of pasta?

Yes, add 1/2 cup of uncooked rice when adding the broth. Cook until the rice is tender.

10. What can I serve with this soup?

Serve with crusty bread, garlic bread, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Conclusion

Sausage and Vegetable Soup is a hearty, flavorful, and easy-to-make meal that brings warmth and comfort to your table. Loaded with fresh vegetables and savory sausage, this soup is a perfect choice for cozy dinners, meal prepping, or enjoying as leftovers throughout the week. With its rich broth and customizable ingredients, it’s a versatile dish that will quickly become a family favorite!

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