Cozy Italian Sausage, Vegetable, and Rice Soup Recipe for Warmth

Steaming bowls of comfort emerge from kitchens when crafting this hearty Italian sausage vegetable rice soup that promises warmth and satisfaction.

Rich aromas of savory sausage and tender vegetables fill the air as each ingredient melds into a delightful harmony.

Robust flavors dance through the broth, creating a symphony of textures and tastes.

Tender rice absorbs the deep, nuanced seasonings, making every spoonful a culinary embrace.

Packed with nutrition and soul-warming goodness, this soup transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

The recipe celebrates rustic cooking traditions with its straightforward yet elegant preparation.

Prepare to savor a bowl that connects you directly to the heart of Italian comfort cuisine.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 150 kcal

Servings: 7

Italian Sausage, Vegetable, and Rice Soup Shopping List

• Italian Sausage: Adds rich, hearty flavor and meaty texture; choose fresh, high-quality sausage with good spice blend for maximum taste impact.

• Onion, Garlic: Builds foundational depth and complex flavor profile; select firm, fresh produce without soft spots or sprouting.
• Carrots, Celery, Bell Pepper, Zucchini: Provides nutritional variety and vegetable sweetness; pick crisp, vibrant vegetables with no blemishes.

• Diced Tomatoes: Introduces tangy brightness and creates robust soup base; opt for fire-roasted varieties for enhanced flavor complexity.
• Chicken Broth: Delivers smooth, savory undertone and helps blend ingredients; low-sodium versions allow better seasoning control.
• Italian Seasoning, Basil, Salt, Pepper: Creates authentic Mediterranean herb profile; use fresh dried herbs for maximum aromatic intensity.

• Rice: Adds comforting heartiness and absorbs surrounding flavors; long-grain varieties work best for maintaining distinct texture.
• Spinach or Kale: Incorporates final burst of green nutrition; choose crisp, dark leaves for maximum freshness and color.
• Olive Oil: Facilitates initial cooking process and contributes subtle fruity undertone; select extra virgin for best quality.

Gear That Helps You Get the Right Texture

• Large Pot or Dutch Oven: Essential for cooking the entire soup, provides ample space for all ingredients.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for breaking up sausage and stirring ingredients without scratching the pot.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping vegetables like onions, carrots, and zucchini.
• Sharp Kitchen Knife: Will help you chop ingredients quickly and precisely.
• Measuring Cups: Useful for measuring rice, broth, and other ingredients accurately.
• Ladle: Great for serving the hot soup into bowls.

Cooking Directions for a Hearty Soup

• Brown the Sausage

Heat a large pot over medium flame and sizzle the Italian sausage, crumbling it into bite-sized pieces until golden and delicious.

• Awaken the Aromatics

Toss in chopped onions and minced garlic, letting them dance and release their mouth-watering fragrance for a few minutes.

• Welcome the Vegetables

Add a colorful blend of carrots, celery, bell peppers, and zucchini, stirring them gently and allowing them to soften and mingle.

• Pour and Season

Splash in diced tomatoes and chicken broth, then sprinkle Italian seasoning, basil, salt, and pepper to create a flavor explosion.

• Simmer and Cook

Bring the soup to a rolling boil, then introduce rice. Lower the heat, cover the pot, and let everything bubble gently for 20-25 minutes until the rice becomes tender.

• Final Touch

Stir in fresh spinach or kale, letting the greens wilt and add a final burst of color and nutrition to your hearty soup.

Serve This Soup in a Bowl or Bread

• Cozy Dinner Companion: Pair this hearty soup with a slice of crusty garlic bread for soaking up the delicious broth and adding extra texture.
• Cheese Lover's Delight: Sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan or pecorino romano on top just before serving to enhance the Italian flavors and add a creamy richness.
• Fresh Green Sidekick: Serve alongside a crisp mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the soup's robust and warm characteristics, creating a complete and satisfying meal.
• Comfort Bowl Topping: Garnish with some chopped fresh basil or parsley right before serving to bring a bright, fresh element to the rich and warming soup.

Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions

• Keep leftover soup in airtight containers, refrigerated for up to 4 days. Separate rice and liquid to prevent soggy grains.
• Freeze soup without rice or leafy greens for maximum 3 months. Add fresh rice and spinach when reheating to maintain texture and flavor.
• Divide soup into single-serving containers for quick grab-and-go lunches or dinners. Label with date and contents for easy tracking.
• When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture. Warm gently on stovetop or microwave, stirring occasionally to distribute heat evenly.

Seasoning Tips and Optional Add-Ins

• Try different protein options like turkey sausage or plant-based sausage for lighter versions of the soup.
• Replace white rice with quinoa, brown rice, or cauliflower rice for added nutrition and texture variation.
• This soup freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Store in airtight containers and reheat slowly for best flavor preservation.
• Skip the rice and add extra vegetables or riced cauliflower to keep the soup hearty while reducing carbohydrate content.
• Experiment with seasonal vegetables like butternut squash, parsnips, or turnips to add depth and nutritional variety to the soup.

Hearty Italian Sausage, Vegetable, and Rice Soup

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4.6 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Hearty italian sausage, vegetable, and rice soup celebrates rustic comfort with bold Mediterranean flavors. Savory sausage, tender vegetables, and perfectly cooked rice blend into a warm embrace that invites you to savor each spoonful of authentic Italian goodness.

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Ingredients

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• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 lb (454 g) Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
• 1 (14.5 oz/411 g) can diced tomatoes (with juice)
• ¾ cup uncooked long grain white rice
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 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 tsp dried Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp dried basil
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 cups fresh spinach or kale (optional)
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)

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Instructions

1. Sauté Base: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Brown Italian sausage, breaking it into crumbles, then introduce diced onions and minced garlic, allowing aromatics to develop for 3-4 minutes.
2. Vegetable Layer: Incorporate carrots, celery, bell pepper, and zucchini into the pot, sautéing for 5-6 minutes to enhance their flavors and slightly soften the vegetables.
3. Liquid Infusion: Pour in diced tomatoes and chicken broth, seasoning with Italian seasoning, basil, salt, and pepper. Raise heat to create a robust boil.
4. Rice Integration: Introduce rice, reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and allow the soup to simmer gently for 18-22 minutes until rice reaches perfect tenderness and absorbs the rich, savory liquid.
5. Final Touch: Fold in fresh spinach or kale, letting the greens wilt gracefully into the soup for 2-3 minutes, creating a vibrant and nutritious final presentation.

Notes

• Choose high-quality Italian sausage with good fat content for richer flavor and better texture in the soup.
• Add rice near the end of cooking to prevent overcooking and maintain its perfect al dente texture.
• Cut vegetables into uniform, bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the soup.
• Easily make this soup gluten-free by using gluten-free chicken broth and substituting rice with quinoa for a protein-packed alternative.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg