Italian Sausage Lentil Stew

Cozy up with a hearty bowl of Italian Sausage Lentil Stew, a soul-warming dish that’s as flavorful as it is nourishing. This one-pot recipe combines the bold, savory notes of Italian sausage with tender lentils, a medley of aromatic vegetables, and classic Italian herbs like thyme and oregano. Simmered to perfection in a rich tomato and chicken broth base, this stew achieves incredible depth of flavor in just under an hour. Optional baby spinach adds a pop of color and extra nutrients, while a sprinkle of fresh parsley lends a bright, herbaceous finish. Perfect for chilly evenings or meal prepping for the week, this gluten-free comfort food is a satisfying and protein-packed option the whole family will love. Serve it with crusty bread for the ultimate cozy meal!

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 stalks celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 0.5 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 cup green or brown lentils, rinsed
• 14.5 ounces canned diced tomatoes (with juices)
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
• 2 cups baby spinach (optional)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the Italian sausage, breaking it into small chunks with a wooden spoon, and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.

Step 3

Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened.

Step 4

Stir in the minced garlic, dried thyme, dried oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant.

Step 5

Add the lentils, canned diced tomatoes (with juices), chicken broth, and bay leaf. Stir to combine.

Step 6

Return the cooked sausage to the pot. Season with kosher salt and black pepper.

Step 7

Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover. Simmer for 30-35 minutes or until the lentils are tender.

Step 8

If using baby spinach, stir it into the stew during the last 5 minutes of cooking, allowing it to wilt.

Step 9

Remove the bay leaf before serving.

Step 10

Ladle the stew into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve warm.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	3007.8 grams (3007.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1960

Total Fat 126.50g	162%
Saturated Fat 36.70g	184%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 267mg	89%
Sodium 8034mg	349%
Total Carbohydrate 107.50g	39%
Dietary Fiber 32.20g	115%
Total Sugars 33.50g
Protein 112.80g	226%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 600mg	46%
Iron 23mg	128%
Potassium 5413mg	115%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 56.4%

Protein: 22.3%

Carbs: 21.3%