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This Zucchini Tomato Italian Sausage Soup is a delicious way to use up all of those fresh garden vegetables!
Our backyard garden is on the brink of starting to produce massive amounts of fresh zucchini and tomatoes, and I can’t wait! Especially because I know that Jack will be cooking up a batch of this fantastic Zucchini Tomato Italian Sausage Soup!
Now, I know that some of you may be thinking that a hot soup is the last thing you’d think about cooking in the middle of the summer – and I totally get that. But we make and eat soups all year long – especially when they are as delicious as this Zucchini Tomato Italian Sausage Soup.
In fact, we love the convenience of cooking up a big pot of this soup, then reheating leftovers in the microwave for a light, quick meal.
How do you make Zucchini Tomato Italian Sausage Soup?
Most of the prep in this Zucchini Tomato Italian Sausage Soup is chopping and dicing and grating – garden zucchini, tomatoes, onions, celery, red bell peppers, garlic, and carrots, plus fresh basil and oregano, and Parmesan cheese.
After browning some sweet Italian sausage and sautéing the onions, celery and bell pepper in a pot, you’ll add all of the other ingredients including vegetable stock to the pot. Then, a ten to fifteen minute simmer on the stove finishes off this flavorful Zucchini Tomato Italian Sausage Soup – just long enough so that the zucchini and other vegetables are tender and the flavors meld.
Can I add other vegetables in this soup?
Absolutely! We created this Zucchini Tomato Italian Sausage Soup to use up fresh zucchini, tomatoes and some of the fresh herbs from our garden – but you can also add other fresh vegetables and herbs if that is what you have growing in your garden.
You can also add pre-cooked pasta to this soup if you’d like. And, if you like things extra zesty, feel free to swap in hot Italian sausage instead of the sweet.
Can I make this Zucchini Tomato Italian Sausage Soup in the slow cooker?
From the questions we often get, I know that a lot of our readers like to use their slow cooker during the summer to avoid heating up the kitchen! (So, I’m anticipating being asked this question!) 🙂
We haven’t tried making this recipe in the slow cooker ourselves – mostly because it only takes about thirty minutes (or less) to cook this soup on the stove. While a slow cooker will sort of technically work, you’ll still want to brown the sausage before adding it to the slow cooker, which is half of the cooking time listed in this recipe. Additionally, the zucchini may end up over-cooked before the rest of the vegetables are tender. So, while it’s possible, we’d still recommend cooking this Zucchini Tomato Italian Sausage Soup recipe as written because it will take less time and the results will be better.
If you want to save some time when you are rushing to get dinner on the table, feel free to chop all of the vegetables ahead of time.
You may enjoy these other garden zucchini and tomato recipes:
- Scarpaccia (Zucchini Tart)
- Stewed Tomatoes
- Best Zucchini Bread Ever
- Zucchini Lasagna
- Italian Tomato Sauce
We love seeing what you made! Tag us on Instagram at @afamilyfeast or hashtag #afamilyfeast so we can see your creations!
Zucchini Tomato Italian Sausage Soup
Once the zucchini is added to the pot, try to avoid overcooking. The squash should be just tender.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 pound Italian sweet sausage, removed from casings
2 cups onion, diced
1 cup celery, diced
1 cup carrots, diced
2 cups red bell pepper, diced (about one large pepper)
2 tablespoons fresh garlic, minced
Pinch red pepper flakes
1/4 cup tomato paste
5 fresh plum tomatoes, diced
2 pounds zucchini cut into bite-sized pieces
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 quarts good quality vegetable broth
1 cup coarsely grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
A few Parmesan cheese rinds (optional but recommended)
2 tablespoons fresh basil chopped
1 tablespoon fresh oregano chopped
Instructions
In a large soup pot or large Dutch oven, place olive oil over medium high heat and once hot, add sausage meat. Break up meat while it cooks.
Once the meat has browned, add onion, celery, carrots and bell pepper and sauté for four minutes.
Move the vegetables to the sides and lower heat to medium. Add garlic, pepper flakes and tomato paste to center and cook for two minutes, stirring occasionally. Add tomatoes, zucchini, salt, pepper, broth, Parmesan cheese and Parmesan rinds along with fresh basil and fresh oregano and stir to combine.
Bring to a medium simmer and cook just long enough until the vegetables are tender, about 10-15 minutes.
Remove from heat and remove and discard the Parmesan rinds.
Serve immediately with additional Parmesan cheese on the side.
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Maya says
I am looking for non dairy soups I can make ahead and freeze. Have you tried freezing this?
Martha says
Hi Maya – We haven’t but I know from earlier comments that other readers have tried. The zucchini might get a little bit mushy after being thawed, but if that doesn’t bother you, this soup should freeze nicely.
Jeanie Miller says
One of the best soups I’ve ever made. Thank you!
Martha says
You’re very welcome Jeanie! So glad you enjoyed the soup!
Linda Brehm says
Looks beautiful and taste great. I used frozen Italian meatballs, fresh zucchini’s, onion, & red pepper. Half a bag of frozen mixed veggies. I am not feeling well today so I improvised.
Martha says
Sounds like a delicious adaptation Linda! Hope you feel better soon.
Ashley says
This turned out so good! Very simple and yummy recipe!
Martha says
Thanks Ashley – glad you enjoyed the soup!
Lisa B says
Made this tonight for dinner. Was really great! Have enough for lunches for the week. Will make this again!
Martha says
So glad you enjoyed the soup Lisa!
Barb says
Loved this soup. Used canned tomatoes and added some chopped kale. Will definitely make this again.
Martha says
Thanks Barb – glad you liked the soup!
LeaMarie Gralia says
I added potatoes. It was amazing. Even the kids loved it.
Martha says
So glad the recipe was a hit LeaMarie! As the mom of a picky eater, I always love hearing about kids who enjoy our recipes!
Ali says
I added some spinach and cut the onion back to 1/2 cup, 2 cups is A LOT and when I don’t care for onions and you have kids that hate onions…. I have to be discreet…
I also only diced up 3 tomatoes and it was plenty. It was pretty good and zucchini isn’t my husbands favorite!
Martha says
Thanks Ali!
Nathaniel says
It turned out great and my kids loved it even my aunt loved it I even loved it too my self too it was soo great my family loved it so so much thank you
Martha says
You’re welcome Nathaniel – so glad the recipe was a hit!
Jeaniemmiller says
Seriously the best soup I’ve ever made. I’m currently making it again.
Martha says
Wow – thank you!!