Italian Sausage, Vegetable & Rice Soup Recipe for Hearty Comfort

My grandma’s hearty italian sausage, vegetable, and rice soup recipe always brings comfort during chilly evenings.

Memories of her kitchen flood back with each spoonful of rich, warm broth.

Robust sausage mingles perfectly with tender vegetables and fluffy rice grains.

Every ingredient tells a story of home-cooked goodness and love.

Spices dance through the soup, creating layers of deep, satisfying flavor.

Fresh herbs sprinkled on top add a bright, aromatic touch that makes this dish shine.

You’ll want to savor every delicious bite and share this soul-warming recipe with everyone you know.

Quick Help for Italian Sausage, Vegetable, and Rice Soup Questions

• Can I use a different type of meat instead of Italian sausage?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef, ground turkey, or chicken for a lighter option. Just ensure the meat is fully cooked and seasoned well.

• Is this soup gluten-free?

The recipe can be gluten-free if you use gluten-free chicken broth and verify that your Italian sausage doesn’t contain gluten. Always check ingredient labels to be sure.

• How can I make this soup more protein-rich?

Add white beans, chickpeas, or increase the amount of meat. You can also top the soup with grated Parmesan cheese for extra protein and flavor.

• Can I prepare this soup in advance?

Absolutely! This soup tastes even better the next day. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a little extra broth if needed.

Why Italian Sausage, Vegetable, and Rice Soup Wins People Over

• Swap ingredients based on what's in your kitchen, making this soup adaptable to your preferences and available produce.
• Prepare this hearty soup in just 40 minutes, perfect for busy families seeking a nutritious and satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Loaded with vegetables, lean protein from sausage, and wholesome rice, this soup delivers a balanced meal that supports overall health and keeps you feeling full.
• Minimize cleanup with this single-pot recipe that combines all ingredients seamlessly, reducing dish washing and saving precious time after dinner.

Everything You Need to Start Italian Sausage, Vegetable, and Rice Soup

• Italian Sausage: Hearty protein that adds rich, savory flavor and creates a robust base for the soup.

• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic foundation that builds depth and complexity in the soup's flavor profile.
• Carrots, Celery, Bell Pepper, Zucchini: Colorful mix of vegetables that provides nutrition, texture, and freshness.
• Spinach or Kale: Optional leafy green that adds extra nutrients and vibrant color.
• Diced Tomatoes: Adds acidity, moisture, and a slightly tangy background to the soup.

• Chicken Broth: Liquid base that provides smooth, savory foundation and helps cook other ingredients.
• Rice: Filling grain that makes the soup more substantial and satisfying.
• Olive Oil: Helps sauté ingredients and adds a subtle, smooth flavor.
• Italian Seasoning, Basil, Salt, Pepper: Herb and spice blend that enhances overall taste and brings Mediterranean-inspired warmth.

How to Cook Italian Sausage, Vegetable, and Rice Soup from Scratch

Step 1: Sizzle the Sausage

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add Italian sausage and break it into smaller pieces while cooking until it browns nicely.

Step 2: Awaken the Aromatics

Toss in onions and garlic. Sauté until the kitchen fills with a delicious fragrance.

Step 3: Introduce the Vegetable Medley

• Carrots
• Celery
• Bell peppers
• Zucchini

Cook and stir for about 5 minutes until vegetables start to soften.

Step 4: Build the Soup Base

• Diced tomatoes
• Chicken broth

• Italian seasoning
• Basil
• Salt
• Pepper

Step 5: Simmer and Cook

Bring the soup to a boil. Add rice, then reduce heat to low. Cover and let simmer for 20-25 minutes until rice becomes tender.

Step 6: Finish with Greens

Stir in spinach or kale. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until greens wilt and become tender.

Serve hot and enjoy your comforting soup!

Time-Tested Tips for Italian Sausage, Vegetable, and Rice Soup

• Sausage Selection Matters: Choose high-quality Italian sausage with balanced spices for deeper flavor complexity in the soup.
• Rice Texture Trick: Use long-grain white rice to prevent mushiness and maintain a perfect al dente texture throughout cooking.
• Vegetable Freshness Boost: Cut vegetables into uniform bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and consistent texture in every spoonful.
• Customize Dietary Needs: Swap regular sausage with turkey or plant-based sausage for lighter versions, and use gluten-free rice for celiac-friendly adaptation.
• Meal Prep Magic: This soup freezes wonderfully for up to 3 months, making it an excellent make-ahead meal that tastes even better after flavors meld together.

Best Ways to Keep Italian Sausage, Vegetable, and Rice Soup Ready

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the soup separate from rice to prevent it from becoming mushy.
• Warm soup in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture and prevent sticking.
• Transfer soup to a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until heated through.
• Cool soup completely, then freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Delicious Matches for Italian Sausage, Vegetable, and Rice Soup

• Choose a medium-bodied Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the robust flavors of the Italian sausage and hearty vegetables.
• Serve a crusty Italian ciabatta or focaccia with herb-infused olive oil for dipping, which enhances the soup's Mediterranean profile and provides delightful texture contrast.
• Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the soup's richness and add a refreshing element to the meal.
• Sprinkle freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano on top of the soup to elevate its umami flavor and add a salty, nutty dimension.

Flavorful Ways to Rethink Italian Sausage, Vegetable, and Rice Soup

• Vegetarian Sausage Swap: Replace Italian sausage with plant-based sausage or crumbled tempeh for a meat-free version that maintains protein and flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice to make the soup completely gluten-free and lower in carbohydrates.
• Spicy Kick Version: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to increase heat and create a more intense flavor profile for spice lovers.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Substitute rice with chopped cauliflower or zucchini noodles to reduce carbohydrate content while keeping the soup hearty and nutritious.

Italian Sausage, Vegetable, and Rice Soup Recipe

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4.8 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Italian sausage, vegetable, and rice soup delivers comfort in a bowl, blending robust flavors from savory ingredients. Simmering with Mediterranean warmth, this soul-satisfying soup invites you to savor each spoonful of rustic goodness.

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Ingredients

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Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed

Vegetables:

• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 1 zucchini, chopped
• 1 bell pepper (any color), chopped
• 1 (14.5 ounces/411 grams) can diced tomatoes (with juice)
• 2 cups fresh spinach or kale (optional)

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• ¾ cup uncooked long grain white rice
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)

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Instructions

1. Create a flavorful base by sizzling ground Italian sausage in olive oil over medium heat, methodically breaking the meat into crumbly texture.
2. Infuse aromatic depth by incorporating minced onions and garlic, allowing them to release their fragrant essence and soften slightly.
3. Introduce a colorful medley of diced carrots, celery, bell peppers, and zucchini, stirring to distribute evenly and develop their natural sweetness.
4. Amplify the soup’s robust profile by adding diced tomatoes and rich chicken broth, complemented with a harmonious blend of Italian seasoning, fresh basil, salt, and pepper.
5. Elevate the liquid to a gentle boil, then carefully fold in uncooked rice, reducing heat and covering to allow gentle simmering until grains become perfectly tender.
6. During the final moments of cooking, delicately fold fresh spinach or kale into the soup, letting the verdant greens wilt and integrate their nutritional richness.
7. Remove from heat and let the soup rest momentarily, allowing flavors to meld and intensify before serving in warm bowls.

Notes

• Customize the protein by swapping Italian sausage with ground turkey or plant-based sausage for a lighter, healthier alternative.
• Ensure rice doesn’t become mushy by using long-grain varieties like basmati or jasmine, which hold their shape better during cooking.
• Make the soup gluten-free by confirming chicken broth is certified gluten-free and using gluten-free Italian seasoning blend.
• Boost nutrition by adding extra vegetables like diced butternut squash or chopped kale for increased fiber and vitamins.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 720
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 650mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 68g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 54g
• Cholesterol: 180mg