Creamy Italian Sausage Soup Recipe

There’s nothing like a bowl of hearty, warm soup to comfort your soul, and this Creamy Italian Sausage Soup does exactly that.

Bursting with flavor from the savory sausage, fresh vegetables, and rich creamy broth, this dish is bound to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or prepping it for meal times during the week, this soup is easy, delicious, and perfect for those chilly days when you need something cozy.

So, what makes this recipe stand out? Not only is it loaded with protein and vegetables, but it’s also incredibly adaptable. If you’re looking for something that feels indulgent but is simple to prepare, keep reading!

What is Creamy Italian Sausage Soup?

Creamy Italian Sausage Soup is a luscious blend of savory Italian sausage, tender vegetables, and a silky, creamy broth. It’s one of those meals that feels like it took hours to make but can come together in under an hour. The classic combination of Italian herbs, sausage, and creamy broth brings out rich flavors that will leave you craving more.

The soup typically includes ingredients like Italian sausage, spinach or kale, potatoes, onions, garlic, and heavy cream. It’s a hearty dish that’s perfect for cold weather and can easily be customized to suit your taste.

Ingredient Substitutions and Alternatives

• Sausage: If you prefer less spice, go for a mild sausage. Alternatively, turkey or chicken sausage works well if you’re seeking a leaner option.
• Heavy cream: Swap out the cream for coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative, or use half-and-half if you want a lighter soup.
• Spinach or kale: Both are nutritious options, but if you’re not a fan of greens, feel free to omit them or use Swiss chard.

The Health Benefits of Italian Sausage Soup

Beyond its rich flavor, this soup packs some serious nutritional value. Italian sausage is high in protein, which helps you feel full longer, and the addition of fresh vegetables like spinach or kale adds a punch of vitamins A and C. If you’re using a lower-fat sausage or opting for turkey sausage, this soup can also be a relatively healthy option. Additionally, you can make the dish healthier by:

• Using low-sodium chicken broth
• Cutting down on the heavy cream and opting for a lighter version
• Adding more vegetables like carrots or zucchini

Choosing the Right Sausage for Your Soup

Selecting the best sausage is crucial for the overall flavor of your soup. Italian sausage comes in both mild and spicy varieties, and either will work depending on your spice preference. For the most authentic taste, try to find high-quality, fresh sausage that’s well-seasoned with traditional Italian spices like fennel, garlic, and red pepper flakes.

Tips for Selecting High-Quality Sausage

• Check the fat content. Sausages with a good amount of fat will render beautifully and add richness to the broth.
• Buy fresh from the butcher if possible. It often has better seasoning and texture compared to pre-packaged versions.
• Avoid sausages with excessive fillers or artificial preservatives.

Perfect Vegetables to Add

Vegetables are key to balancing out the richness of the sausage and cream in this soup. The standard recipe calls for:

• Spinach or kale: These leafy greens add texture and a dose of nutrition.
• Potatoes: They help thicken the soup and make it more filling.
• Onions and garlic: Both aromatics provide depth and warmth to the broth.

Feel free to experiment with other veggies such as:

• Carrots
• Zucchini
• Bell peppers

How to Add Creaminess to Your Soup

A creamy soup like this one should have the perfect consistency. Most recipes use heavy cream, but there are ways to achieve a similar creaminess without dairy.

Dairy vs. Non-Dairy Options

• Dairy: Heavy cream gives you that luxurious texture. If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute it with whole milk or half-and-half.
• Non-Dairy: Coconut milk is a great alternative for those avoiding dairy. It adds creaminess without compromising flavor.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Here’s how you can make your own Creamy Italian Sausage Soup at home:

1. Sauté the sausage: In a large pot, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Brown the sausage until cooked through. Remove and set aside.
2. Cook the aromatics: In the same pot, add diced onions and garlic. Sauté until softened.
3. Add the broth and potatoes: Pour in the chicken broth and toss in the diced potatoes. Bring to a boil and then reduce to a simmer. Let cook until the potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes.
4. Add greens and cream: Stir in spinach or kale and cook until wilted. Pour in the heavy cream and return the sausage to the pot. Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes.
5. Season and serve: Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Serve hot with crusty bread.

How to Serve Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

This soup pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Some popular options include:

• Crusty bread (perfect for dipping)
• Garlic breadsticks
• Caesar salad for a lighter accompaniment

Tips for Storing and Reheating

• Storing: Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat the soup on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally to maintain its creamy texture.

Can You Freeze Creamy Italian Sausage Soup?

Yes, you can freeze this soup! Follow these steps for the best results:

1. Let it cool: Always allow the soup to cool completely before freezing.
2. Use freezer-safe containers: Transfer the soup into airtight containers or freezer bags.
3. Thawing and reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw the soup overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat slowly on the stovetop, stirring frequently.

Variations of the Recipe

• Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
• Vegetarian Option: Swap the sausage for plant-based sausage or leave it out entirely, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the sausage: This can make the meat tough. Cook until just browned and no longer pink.

Yield: 6

Creamy Italian Sausage Soup Recipe

Print

There’s nothing like a bowl of hearty, warm soup to comfort your soul, and this Creamy Italian Sausage Soup does exactly that. Bursting with flavor from the savory sausage, fresh vegetables, and rich creamy broth, this dish is bound to become a favorite in your household. Whether you're making it for a family dinner or prepping it for meal times during the week, this soup is easy, delicious, and perfect for those chilly days when you need something cozy.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Total Time 40 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 medium carrot, peeled and diced
• 1 celery stalk, diced
• 4 cups chicken broth (low sodium)
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups baby spinach
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup small pasta (such as ditalini or orecchiette)
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

1. Brown the SausageHeat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it into crumbles with a spoon. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage and set aside, leaving the fat in the pot.
2. Sauté VegetablesIn the same pot, add the diced onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté until the vegetables are soft, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Add Broth and TomatoesPour in the chicken broth and the can of diced tomatoes (with juice). Stir in the dried oregano, basil, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a simmer.
4. Cook the PastaAdd the small pasta to the soup and cook for about 10 minutes or until the pasta is tender.
5. Add Cream and SpinachReduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream and baby spinach. Let the soup heat through for 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts and the soup becomes creamy.
6. Season and ServeAdd salt and pepper to taste. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley.

Notes

piciness: Adjust the heat level by using spicy or mild Italian sausage and controlling the amount of red pepper flakes.

Pasta Substitute: Feel free to use any small pasta, like elbow macaroni or mini shells.

Make it Gluten-Free: Swap out the pasta for a gluten-free variety or skip it altogether for a lower-carb version.

Storing: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.