Italian Sausage & Vegetable Soup is a bold, comforting one-pot meal that brings together savory sausage, tender vegetables, and a rich, herb-infused broth. Inspired by rustic Italian cooking, this soup is satisfying, deeply flavorful, and perfect for cold nights, busy weeknights, or meal prep.

With its balance of protein, vegetables, and aromatic seasonings, this soup delivers the warmth of classic Italian comfort food without requiring complicated techniques or long cooking times.

Why Italian Sausage & Vegetable Soup Is So Popular

This soup remains a favorite because it is:

Rich and hearty without being heavy
Packed with vegetables
High in protein

Easy to make in one pot
Perfect for leftovers and meal prep
Customizable with seasonal produce

It’s the kind of soup that tastes even better the next day.

Flavor Profile of Italian Sausage & Vegetable Soup

A great bowl of this soup should be:

Savory and bold from Italian sausage

Aromatic from garlic and herbs
Slightly sweet from tomatoes and carrots
Earthy from vegetables

Balanced with gentle acidity

Every spoonful should feel warm, satisfying, and deeply comforting.

Ingredients for Italian Sausage & Vegetable Soup

Main Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
1 medium onion, diced
2 carrots, sliced

2 celery stalks, sliced
4 cloves garlic, minced

Vegetables

1 zucchini, diced

1 cup green beans, chopped
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
1 can (15 oz) white beans, drained

Broth & Seasoning

6 cups chicken broth
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil

½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste

Optional Add-Ins

Spinach or kale

Parmesan rind
Fresh parsley or basil

Choosing the Right Italian Sausage

Italian sausage is the backbone of this soup’s flavor. You can use:

Mild Italian sausage for a classic profile
Hot Italian sausage for a spicy kick
Chicken or turkey sausage for a lighter version

Always brown the sausage well—this builds deep flavor at the base of the soup.

Why Vegetables Matter in This Soup

Vegetables add texture, nutrition, and balance to the richness of the sausage. A mix of soft and firm vegetables ensures that every bite has variety without becoming mushy.

Adding vegetables in stages prevents overcooking and preserves flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add sausage and cook until browned, breaking it into chunks. Remove excess grease if needed.

Step 2: Build the Aromatic Base

Add onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook until softened and fragrant.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Herbs

Stir in garlic, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. Cook briefly until aromatic.

Step 4: Add Tomatoes and Broth

Pour in diced tomatoes and chicken broth. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle boil.

Step 5: Add Beans and Vegetables

Add white beans, zucchini, and green beans. Reduce heat and simmer for 20–25 minutes.

Step 6: Finish with Greens

Stir in spinach or kale during the final few minutes of cooking.

Step 7: Adjust and Serve

Season with salt and black pepper. Serve hot with fresh herbs and Parmesan.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Skipping sausage browning: Loses depth
Overcooking vegetables: Results in mushy texture
Under-seasoning: Broth needs salt
Using low-quality sausage: Affects overall flavor

Italian Sausage & Vegetable Soup Variations

Low-Carb Version

Skip beans and add extra vegetables.

Creamy Version

Add a splash of cream or grated Parmesan at the end.

Pasta Addition

Add small pasta like ditalini for extra heartiness.

Tomato-Forward

Use crushed tomatoes for a thicker broth.

What to Serve with Italian Sausage Soup

This soup pairs perfectly with:

Crusty Italian bread
Garlic bread

Focaccia
Side salad
Grilled cheese

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Refrigeration

Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezing

Freeze for up to 2 months (best without pasta).

Reheating

Reheat gently and add broth as needed.

Health Benefits of Italian Sausage & Vegetable Soup

High protein content
Rich in vitamins and minerals
Balanced macronutrients

Naturally filling
Easily adaptable to lighter diets

By adjusting sausage type and vegetables, this soup can fit many dietary needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, add them toward the end.

Q2: Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes—brown sausage first, then cook on low 6–8 hours.

Q3: Is this soup spicy?
Only if spicy sausage or chili flakes are used.

Q4: Can I add potatoes?
Yes, dice them small and add early.

Why This Italian Sausage & Vegetable Soup Recipe Works

Proper sausage browning
Balanced vegetable layering

Classic Italian seasoning
One-pot simplicity
Deep, comforting flavor

It’s a reliable, crowd-pleasing soup every time.

Conclusion

Italian Sausage & Vegetable Soup is the ultimate expression of rustic comfort cooking. Bold, hearty, and packed with nourishing ingredients, it’s a soup that satisfies both body and soul. Easy enough for weeknights yet impressive enough for guests, this recipe deserves a permanent place in your rotation.

Italian Sausage & Vegetable Soup: Hearty, Rustic, and Full of Flavor

Author: WAFA LI

Print Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 12 oz Italian turkey or chicken sausage (mild or hot, casings removed)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp fennel seeds (crushed—essential for authentic flavor!)
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, no salt added
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 (15 oz) can white beans (cannellini), rinsed
• 2 cups chopped kale or spinach
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp dried basil
• Sea salt & black pepper to taste
• Optional: 2 tbsp grated Parmesan or nutritional yeast

PRO TIP: For extra umami, add 1 tbsp tomato paste with the garlic—or a Parmesan rind while simmering (remove before serving).

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high. Add sausage; cook 5–6 min, breaking into crumbles, until browned. Remove with slotted spoon; set aside.
In same pot, sauté onion, carrots, and celery 5–6 min until softened. Add garlic and fennel seeds; cook 1 min.

Stir in tomatoes (with juice), broth, oregano, and basil. Bring to a simmer.
Return sausage and add beans. Simmer 15 min to meld flavors.
Stir in kale/spinach; cook 3–4 min until wilted.

Season with salt & pepper. For creamier texture, mash ¼ cup beans and stir in.
Serve hot, topped with Parmesan or nutritional yeast.