Hearty Sausage & Zucchini Soup with Fresh Herbs and Parmesan Perfection

Warm Up with a Bowl of Rustic Goodness: Sausage, Zucchini, and Parmesan Perfection.

Hearty Sausage & Zucchini Soup with Fresh Herbs and Parmesan Perfection

There's nothing like a bowl of Hearty Sausage & Zucchini Soup with Fresh Herbs and Parmesan Perfection to warm you up on a chilly winter day. This soup is surprisingly easy to make and comes together in just 30 minutes, making it a lifesaver for busy weeknights. With simple, wholesome ingredients, it strikes the perfect balance of healthy and hearty. The nutrient-packed zucchini, bell peppers, and tomatoes pair beautifully with the savory richness of Italian sweet sausage. The addition of fresh herbs and a touch of Parmesan brings everything together with a comforting, satisfying flavor that feels like a warm hug in every spoonful. Bonus? It’s kid-friendly and sure to please even picky eaters, making it a fantastic choice for family dinners.

This versatile soup is perfect for a variety of occasions. Serve it as a cozy weeknight meal with some crusty bread, or make a big batch for a casual gathering with friends. Its nourishing ingredients and quick cooking time make it ideal for winter months when you’re craving something that’s both good for you and incredibly satisfying. Whether you're warming up after a day in the snow or need a delicious, comforting meal to share with loved ones, this soup delivers on every level. Give it a try—you’ll find yourself making it again and again all season long!

Enjoy!

What Ingredients do I need?

Produce

• celery
• yellow onion 
• red bell pepper
• zucchini
• plum tomatoes
• garlic cloves
• Fresh basil 
• fresh thyme

Meat

• Italian sweet sausage

Pantry

• extra-virgin olive oil
• red pepper flakes
• ¼ cup tomato paste
• low-sodium chicken broth

Dairy

• Parmesan cheese

Substitutions and Variations

Substitutions

• Italian Sweet Sausage: Substitute with turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or plant-based sausage for a lighter or vegetarian option.

• Vegetarian Option: Omit the sausage entirely and add a can of cannellini beans, chickpeas, or lentils for plant-based protein.

• Zucchini: Use yellow squash, eggplant, or even diced sweet potatoes for a slightly different flavor and texture.

• Bell Pepper: Replace with green, yellow, or orange bell peppers, or use diced carrots for a sweeter alternative.

• Plum Tomatoes: Substitute with canned diced tomatoes (14 oz) for convenience.

Variations

• Spicy Italian Twist:  Use spicy Italian sausage instead of sweet sausage for a bolder flavor.  Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika or extra red pepper flakes for more heat.

• Rustic Bean & Sausage Soup:  Add a can of cannellini beans, kidney beans, or chickpeas for extra heartiness.  This variation is perfect for adding protein and fiber.

• Vegetarian Garden Soup:  Skip the sausage and add more veggies like carrots, leeks, or spinach.  Toss in a handful of quinoa or barley for added texture.

Kitchen Tips and Notes

• Prep Ingredients First: Chop all vegetables and measure out ingredients before starting to cook for a smooth and stress-free process.

• Brown the Sausage Well: Cooking the sausage until nicely browned adds a rich, savory flavor to the soup base.

• Deglaze the Pan: When adding the tomato paste and broth, scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the pot for added depth.

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors develop even more after sitting overnight!

• Freezing: This soup freezes well. Cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

     Equipment and Items You May Need     

• Dutch Oven: For browning the sausage and cooking the soup.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: To stir and scrape up any browned bits during cooking.
• Chef’s Knife: For chopping vegetables, sausage, and herbs.
• Cutting Board: A sturdy surface for prepping all your ingredients.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurately measuring broth, tomato paste, and seasonings.
• Ladle: For serving the soup into bowls.
• Bowls: Deep bowls work best for hearty soups like this one.

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Hearty Sausage & Zucchini Soup with Fresh Herbs and Parmesan Perfection

serve 8

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 pound Italian sweet sausage, removed from casings
1 cup diced celery (2-3 stalks)
1 large yellow onion, chopped
2 cups red bell pepper, diced (about one large pepper)
2 garlic cloves, minced
A pinch red pepper flakes
¼ cup tomato paste
2 pounds zucchini cut into bite-sized pieces (3-4 medium zucchini)
5 fresh plum tomatoes, diced
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 (32 oz quarts) low-sodium chicken broth 
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
1 fresh thyme sprig
1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese for garnish, optional


In a large pot or large Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add Italian sausage meat and cook, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, until browned, about 5 minutes. Add onion, celery, and bell pepper and sauté for 4 minutes.

Move the meat and vegetables to the sides and lower the heat to medium Add garlic, pepper flakes, and tomato paste to the center of the Dutch oven and cook for two minutes, stirring occasionally.

Add tomatoes, zucchini, pepper, chicken broth, and Parmesan cheese along with fresh basil and fresh thyme and stir well to combine.  Bring the soup to a boil then reduce the heat to low and simmer  covered until the vegetables are tender – about 10 to 15 minutes.

Remove the soup from heat and serve immediately with more fresh basil and Parmesan cheese on top.