To a large pot, add Italian sausage. Cook over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring and crumbling the sausage.
Remove the sausage and allow to drain on a paper towel lined plate.
To the same pot, add the olive oil and heat over medium-high heat. Add carrots and onion to the hot oil. Sauté for 5 minutes. or until the onion begins to soften, scraping the bottom of the pot occasionally with a wooden spoon.
Step 2: Add broth, diced zucchini, canned tomatoes, cabbage, basil, oregano, paprika and garlic powder. Bring the liquid to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and allow to simmer for one hour.
Step 3: Add beans, cooked sausage, sugar, salt, black pepper and red pepper flakes. Allow to simmer for 20 minutes more.