Italian Sausage, Vegetable, and Rice Soup

Italian Sausage, Vegetable, and Rice Soup is a hearty, comforting dish packed with bold flavors and nourishing ingredients. This one-pot meal is perfect for chilly days, offering a delicious balance of protein, vegetables, and grains in every spoonful. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal prepping for the week, this soup is a satisfying and easy option.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This soup brings together the robust flavor of Italian sausage with the wholesome goodness of fresh vegetables and tender rice. It’s a complete meal in a bowl—warm, filling, and incredibly easy to customize based on what you have on hand. With minimal prep and simple steps, it’s a great go-to dinner for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays. Plus, it makes fantastic leftovers.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
• Onion
• Carrots
• Celery
• Garlic
• Zucchini
• Diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
• Tomato paste
• Chicken or vegetable broth
• Cooked rice (white or brown)
• Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper
• Olive oil
• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

directions

this recipe

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Remove excess grease if needed.
3. Stir in diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
4. Add garlic and zucchini, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
5. Stir in tomato paste, diced tomatoes, and Italian seasoning. Mix well to coat the vegetables.
6. Pour in the broth and bring the soup to a gentle boil. Reduce heat and let simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until vegetables are tender.
7. Stir in the cooked rice and season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes to heat the rice through.
9. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving, if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 35 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes

Variations

• Make it spicy: Use hot Italian sausage and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.
• Add beans: Stir in a can of cannellini or kidney beans for extra protein and fiber.
• Low-carb version: Skip the rice or substitute with cauliflower rice.
• Use different veggies: Try spinach, kale, bell peppers, or green beans depending on what’s in season.
• Swap the grain: Replace rice with cooked barley, farro, or quinoa for a different texture.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, warm the soup on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. If the rice has absorbed too much liquid, add a splash of broth or water when reheating.

For longer storage, this soup can be frozen (without rice) for up to 3 months. Add fresh-cooked rice when reheating to maintain the best texture.

FAQs

Can I use uncooked rice in this soup?

Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time and add extra broth, as the rice will absorb more liquid as it cooks.

What kind of sausage should I use?

Both mild and spicy Italian sausage work well. You can also use chicken or turkey Italian sausage for a leaner option.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Absolutely. Omit the sausage, use vegetable broth, and consider adding beans or lentils for protein.

How do I keep the rice from getting mushy?

Use cooked rice and add it near the end of the cooking time to keep it from overcooking in the soup.

Can I use frozen vegetables?

Yes, frozen vegetables are a convenient substitute and will still work great in this soup.

Is this soup gluten-free?

Yes, as long as the sausage and broth you use are gluten-free, this soup is naturally gluten-free.

Can I use brown rice?

Yes, brown rice works well and adds a slightly nutty flavor. Make sure it’s fully cooked before adding to the soup.

How do I make this soup thicker?

Let it simmer a bit longer with the lid off to reduce the liquid, or mash a few veggies to add natural thickness.

What’s the best broth for this recipe?

Chicken broth adds a rich flavor, but vegetable broth works great too, especially for a vegetarian version.

Can I add pasta instead of rice?

Yes, small pasta shapes like orzo or ditalini make a great substitute. Just cook them separately and stir them in at the end.

Conclusion

Italian Sausage, Vegetable, and Rice Soup is the kind of meal that warms your soul while keeping dinner simple and satisfying. With hearty ingredients and layers of flavor, this soup is a favorite for any season. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a comforting dish to share, this recipe delivers on all fronts.

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