Name: Zucchini Tomato Italian Sausage Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil; 1 pound Italian sweet sausage, removed from casings; 1 cup diced celery; 2 cups chopped onion; 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; 5 fresh plum tomatoes, diced; ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 2 quarts (2 liters) low-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth; 1 cup coarsely grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tablespoon Parmesan rind (optional); 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil; 1 fresh thyme sprig; 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese for garnish (optional)

Jump to Recipe

If you are craving a comforting bowl brimming with vibrant flavors and wholesome goodness, this Zucchini Tomato Italian Sausage Soup Recipe is about to become your new go-to. It perfectly balances savory Italian sausage, fresh garden vegetables, and fragrant herbs, making every spoonful a joyful explosion of taste and texture. Whether you’re looking to warm up on a chilly evening or impress dinner guests with a hearty homemade meal, this soup brings together simplicity and sophistication in one delightful pot.

A close-up view of a bowl filled with a vibrant soup featuring chunky ground meat browned and scattered through the mix, bright green zucchini pieces cut into small cubes, and red tomato chunks adding pops of color throughout the orange-red broth. Fresh chopped green herbs are sprinkled on top along with small shreds of pale white cheese, lightly melting into the soup. The white bowl sits on a white marbled surface, and the overall image captures the warm, hearty texture and colorful ingredients of the dish. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting together the ingredients for this soup is refreshingly straightforward, yet each element plays an essential role in building the depth of flavor, lively color, and satisfying texture you’ll love. From the sweet Italian sausage to the fresh basil, every item contributes something special to this dish.

Extra-virgin olive oil: Adds a rich, fruity base for sautéing and depth to the overall flavor.
Italian sweet sausage, 1 pound: The star protein that brings a savory and slightly sweet note that harmonizes beautifully with vegetables.
Celery, 1 cup diced: Provides subtle crunch and an aromatic base that balances the richness of the sausage.
Onion, 2 cups chopped: Adds sweetness and layers of savory flavor when sautéed.
Red bell pepper, 2 cups diced: Offers vibrant color and a naturally sweet, crisp bite.
Garlic, 2 cloves minced: Infuses a sharp, aromatic punch that lifts every ingredient.
Red pepper flakes, a pinch: Brings just the right amount of heat without overpowering.
Tomato paste, ¼ cup: Concentrates tomato flavor and adds richness to the broth.
Zucchini, 2 pounds cut into bite-sized pieces: Delivers tender texture and fresh green bursts that make this soup feel light yet filling.
Fresh plum tomatoes, 5 diced: Adds juiciness and vibrant acidity to balance the richness.
Freshly ground black pepper, ½ teaspoon: Enhances the savoriness and adds subtle warmth.
Low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth, 2 quarts: The savory liquid foundation that ties all flavors together, keeping it light and healthy.
Coarsely grated Parmesan cheese, 1 cup plus 1 tablespoon for garnish: Brings creamy, salty depth and a luscious finish.
Parmesan rind, 1 tablespoon (optional): Adds an extra layer of umami during simmering for richer complexity.
Fresh basil, 2 tablespoons chopped: Provides a fragrant, herbaceous brightness that breathes life into the soup.
Fresh thyme sprig, 1: Imparts subtle earthiness to round out the flavor profile.

How to Make Zucchini Tomato Italian Sausage Soup Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sweet sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks until browned and fragrant. This caramelized meat base is crucial because it infuses the entire soup with savory depth.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Next, toss in chopped onion, celery, and red bell pepper. Let them soften and mingle with the sausage for about four minutes. These vegetables create a flavorful aromatic foundation, adding both sweetness and texture that balance the meatiness.

Step 3: Build the Tomato Base

Push the meat and vegetables aside to make room in the center of the pot. Lower the heat to medium and add minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and tomato paste. Cook for a couple of minutes, stirring occasionally. This caramelizes the tomato paste, enhancing its natural sweetness and depth.

Step 4: Add Fresh Tomatoes, Zucchini, and Broth

Now, stir in diced plum tomatoes and zucchini pieces, followed by freshly ground black pepper and the chicken broth. Don’t forget to add the Parmesan rind if you’re using it, as well as the grated Parmesan, fresh basil, and thyme sprig. This colorful mix comes alive as everything combines into a rich, aromatic stew.

Step 5: Simmer Until Tender

Bring the soup to a gentle simmer, then cover the pot and cook until the vegetables are tender, about 10 to 15 minutes. The zucchini softens perfectly without losing its shape, and the flavors meld together beautifully in this comforting bowl.

Step 6: Final Touches

Remove the soup from heat and fish out the Parmesan rind and thyme sprig. Ladle the Zucchini Tomato Italian Sausage Soup Recipe into bowls, topping with extra fresh basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a gorgeous finishing touch.

How to Serve Zucchini Tomato Italian Sausage Soup Recipe

A white bowl filled with a rich red-orange soup sits on a white marbled surface. The soup has several layers: the base is a smooth, slightly oily red broth, floating with small chunks of cooked ground meat that are light brown with a coarse texture. Mixed throughout are vibrant pieces of diced yellow and green vegetables, likely squash or zucchini, adding bright pops of color. On top, finely chopped green herbs create a fresh, textured layer. The bowl rests on a white plate, and a silver spoon with a textured handle lies beside it on the surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like chopped basil or thyme work wonders to brighten this soup just before serving. A generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds a delightful salty creaminess that melts into each spoonful. For a little extra kick, consider a few crushed red pepper flakes on top.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs perfectly with warm crusty bread or garlic knots to soak up every bit of the delicious broth. A simple green salad tossed with olive oil and lemon zest can lighten the meal and add crisp texture alongside the hearty soup.

Creative Ways to Present

For a charming presentation, serve the soup in rustic bowls with a small basil sprig on top. You might also hollow out small round bread loaves to create edible bowls, making for a cozy, inviting experience that’s sure to impress friends and family alike.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Zucchini Tomato Italian Sausage Soup Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors continue to deepen overnight, making for an even tastier lunch or dinner later on.

Freezing

This soup freezes wonderfully. Let it cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It will maintain top quality for up to 3 months, so you can enjoy a ready-made comforting meal anytime.

Reheating

When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, reheat the soup gently over medium-low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally. Adding a splash of broth or water can help loosen the texture if it has thickened too much during storage.

FAQs

Can I use spicy Italian sausage instead of sweet?

Absolutely! If you prefer a little extra heat, substituting spicy sausage will add a nice kick while keeping the soup’s rich flavor intact.

What type of tomatoes are best for this soup?

Fresh plum tomatoes are ideal because they’re juicy and have great natural sweetness, but you can use any ripe, firm tomato you have on hand.

Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?

Yes. Simply leave out the sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add hearty mushrooms or extra beans to boost protein and texture.

Can I prepare this soup ahead of time for a dinner party?

Definitely. It’s perfect for making a day in advance since the flavors marry beautifully after sitting overnight, and reheating is quick and easy.

Should I add the Parmesan rind while cooking?

Using a Parmesan rind while simmering enriches the broth with a lovely umami and creamy depth that’s subtle but noticeable, making the soup even more delicious.

Final Thoughts

This Zucchini Tomato Italian Sausage Soup Recipe is one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. It’s full of fresh ingredients that nourish and satisfy, straightforward enough for any night but special enough to share with loved ones. Give it a try — you’ll love the way all those flavors come together in every comforting spoonful.

Zucchini Tomato Italian Sausage Soup Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need