Creamy Italian Sausage Soup Recipe: A Comforting Winter Hug

Hearty Italian sausage soup delivers a comforting embrace on chilly evenings when warmth matters most.

Fragrant herbs dance through rich broth, promising pure satisfaction.

Rustic ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a symphony of robust flavors.

Tender sausage chunks mingle with soft vegetables, telling a delicious story.

Simmering slowly, each spoonful whispers culinary secrets passed through generations.

Home kitchens will feel instantly transported to cozy Italian countryside dining rooms.

You’ll want to savor every magical bite of this soul-warming masterpiece.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of sausage in this soup?

Yes, you can substitute Italian sausage with spicy or mild sausage, or even ground turkey sausage for a leaner option.

• Is this soup spicy?

The soup has a mild heat from red pepper flakes, but you can adjust or omit them based on your spice preference.

• Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Replace sausage with plant-based sausage or add extra vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for protein and texture.

• How can I make the soup healthier?

Use low-sodium chicken broth, lean sausage, and reduce the amount of heavy cream or substitute with half-and-half.

Creamy Italian Sausage Soup: Hearty and Delicious

• Whip Up Comfort Quickly: This soup delivers rich, hearty flavors with minimal cooking skills required, perfect for home cooks wanting a delicious meal without complex techniques.
• Customize Your Culinary Adventure: Easily swap ingredients like kale for spinach or adjust spice levels to match personal taste preferences, making it a versatile recipe for different palates.
• Nourish Your Family with One-Pot Magic: Packed with vegetables, protein, and creamy goodness, this soup provides a complete meal that satisfies hunger and delights taste buds in a single pot, reducing cleanup time.
• Impress Guests Effortlessly: The restaurant-quality presentation and rich Italian-inspired flavors make this soup ideal for casual dinner parties or cozy family gatherings, allowing you to shine as a home chef.

Ingredients for Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

• Italian Sausage: A flavorful and hearty meat that adds rich taste to the soup.

• Onions, Garlic, Carrots, Celery: A classic mirepoix blend that creates a robust base for the soup.
• Spinach: A nutritious green that adds color and freshness to the dish.

• Chicken Broth: A savory liquid that provides the soup's foundational flavor.
• Diced Tomatoes: Adds moisture and tangy depth to the soup.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious and creamy texture.

• Italian Seasoning: A blend of dried herbs that brings traditional Italian flavor.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Provides a subtle heat and spicy kick.

• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty and nutty finish to the soup.
• Fresh Parsley or Basil: A bright, aromatic garnish that enhances the presentation.

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing and adding a subtle fruity undertone.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing the overall taste.

How to Make Italian Sausage Soup

Step 1: Fire Up the Flavor Base

Grab a large pot and drizzle olive oil across the bottom.

Crank the heat to medium and drop in the Italian sausage.

Break the meat into delicious crumbly pieces while it sizzles and browns beautifully.

Step 2: Unleash the Veggie Magic

Toss in chopped onions, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and diced celery.

Let these vegetables dance and soften in the pot, releasing their incredible aromas and creating a robust flavor foundation.

Step 3: Sprinkle Seasoning Excitement

Shake in Italian seasoning and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

Let the spices bloom and mingle with the vegetables for about a minute, intensifying the soup’s depth.

Step 4: Build the Liquid Landscape

Pour chicken broth and diced tomatoes into the pot.

Let everything simmer gently, allowing the flavors to intertwine and develop a rich, complex taste profile.

Cook for 10-15 minutes.

Step 5: Green and Creamy Transformation

Fold in fresh spinach and pour heavy cream into the bubbling mixture.

Watch the spinach wilt and the soup transform into a luxurious, velvety creation.

Step 6: Cheese Finale

Sprinkle Parmesan cheese into the soup, stirring until it melts completely.

Season with salt and pepper, adjusting to your taste preferences.

Step 7: Serve with Flourish

Ladle the steaming soup into bowls.

Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan.

Serve alongside crusty bread for the ultimate comfort meal experience.

Tips for Creamy Italian Sausage Soup Perfection

• Replace Italian sausage with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option that still packs incredible flavor.
• Adjust red pepper flakes based on your heat preference – start small and add more gradually to suit your taste buds.
• Use half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version, or coconut milk for a dairy-free twist that keeps the soup creamy.
• Toss in extra vegetables like zucchini or kale to increase nutrition and add more texture to the soup.
• Store leftover soup in airtight containers for up to 3 days, or freeze for a quick future meal that reheats beautifully.

Variations on Italian Sausage Soup

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace sausage with plant-based sausage or crumbled firm tofu, using vegetable broth for a meat-free version.
• Low-Carb Comfort: Swap out carrots and use cauliflower or zucchini as alternative vegetables, reducing overall carbohydrate content.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or almond milk cream, using nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for richness.
• Spicy Mediterranean Remix: Add chopped kalamata olives, swap red pepper flakes for harissa paste, and include diced roasted red peppers for extra flavor complexity.

Serving Ideas for Italian Sausage Soup

• Rustic Bread Pairing: Slice a crusty Italian or sourdough bread, toast it lightly, and serve alongside the soup for a delightful dipping experience that soaks up the rich, creamy broth.
• Hearty Meal Companion: Transform this soup into a complete dinner by adding a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the sausage and cream.
• Cheese Lover's Dream: Sprinkle extra freshly grated Parmesan on top just before serving, or add a dollop of ricotta for an extra creamy texture that elevates the soup's indulgence.
• Herb Garden Finish: Garnish with a generous handful of fresh chopped basil or parsley to brighten the flavors and add a pop of fresh green color to the comforting soup.

Storing Italian Sausage Soup Properly

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring it cools completely before sealing.
• Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers or freezer bags, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 2-3 months, avoiding dairy ingredients which may separate.
• Warm soup over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth to restore creamy consistency and prevent scorching.
• Pour soup into a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly heated.

Creamy Italian Sausage Soup Recipe

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4.9 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Italian sausage soup brings comfort in a bowl with rich, savory flavors. Robust ingredients blend perfectly, creating a satisfying meal for chilly evenings you’ll savor to the last spoonful.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 1 pound (454 grams) Italian sausage

Vegetables:

• 1 medium onion
• 3–4 garlic cloves
• 2 medium carrots
• 2 celery stalks
• 2 cups fresh or frozen spinach

Liquids and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cups (946 milliliters) chicken broth
• 1 can (14.5 ounces/411 grams) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
• 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Salt
• Pepper

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Instructions

1. Brown Italian sausage in olive oil over medium heat, breaking into crumbles until fully cooked and golden.
2. Incorporate chopped onions, minced garlic, diced carrots, and sliced celery into the pot, sautéing until vegetables turn tender and release aromatic flavors.
3. Sprinkle Italian seasoning and optional red pepper flakes, stirring to distribute spices evenly and enhance the soup’s depth.
4. Pour chicken broth and diced tomatoes into the mixture, allowing the liquid to reach a gentle simmer for 12-15 minutes to develop rich, complex flavors.
5. Gently fold fresh spinach leaves into the bubbling soup, watching them wilt and integrate seamlessly with the creamy base.
6. Stream heavy cream into the pot, creating a luxurious texture, then gradually whisk in grated Parmesan cheese until smoothly melted.
7. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, tasting to ensure balanced flavor profile.
8. Ladle hot soup into serving bowls, garnishing with fresh chopped parsley or basil, and offer crusty bread alongside for a complete, comforting meal.

Notes

• Swap out traditional pork sausage for turkey or chicken sausage to reduce fat content and create a lighter version of the soup.
• Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a less caloric alternative that still maintains a creamy texture.
• Add extra vegetables like zucchini or kale to boost nutritional value and create more depth in the soup’s flavor profile.
• For a gluten-free option, ensure the sausage is gluten-free and skip any bread accompaniments or use gluten-free bread for serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 363 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 810 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 7 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg