Hearty Italian Sausage Soup Recipe

Cozy Creamy Italian Sausage Soup Recipe: A Heartwarming Blend

Whipping up a hearty italian sausage soup transports you straight to a cozy trattoria tucked away in tuscany.

Comfort arrives in a steaming bowl packed with robust flavors and tender ingredients.

Rustic and warming, this recipe promises a delightful culinary adventure for hungry souls.

Succulent sausage mingles with rich, velvety broth, creating a symphony of taste that dances across your palate.

Herbs and spices weave magic through each spoonful, promising a meal that feels like a warm embrace.

Simple yet sophisticated, the dish comes together effortlessly in your kitchen.

Ladle this incredible soup and watch as smiles spread around the table.

FAQs

  • Is this soup spicy?

The red pepper flakes add a mild kick, but you can adjust the amount or omit them entirely for a milder version.

  • Can I use a different type of sausage?

Absolutely! You can substitute Italian sausage with turkey sausage or chorizo for a different flavor profile.

  • Is this soup nutritious?

Yes, it’s packed with vegetables like spinach, carrots, and potatoes, providing a good balance of protein and nutrients.

  • Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Replace the sausage with plant-based sausage or add extra beans for protein, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Creamy Italian Sausage Soup Features

  • Savor Hearty Comfort: This soup packs a punch of rich, satisfying flavors that warm you from the inside out, perfect for chilly evenings or when you crave a substantial meal.
  • Master Simple Cooking: Beginners can nail this recipe with basic kitchen skills, requiring just one pot and minimal prep work, making it an ideal dish for home cooks of all levels.
  • Nutrient-Packed Meal: Loaded with protein from sausage, vegetables like spinach and carrots, and creamy goodness, this soup delivers a balanced and nutritious dining experience that keeps you full and satisfied.
  • Quick Family Pleaser: Easily adaptable for picky eaters, this soup comes together in under an hour and offers something delicious for everyone at the table, from kids to adults.

Ingredients for Italian Sausage Soup

Protein Base:
  • Italian Sausage: A flavorful meat that provides a rich, hearty base for the soup.
Aromatic Vegetables:
  • Onion, Garlic, Carrots, Celery: These vegetables create a deep, savory foundation and add layers of flavor to the soup.
Soup Components:
  • Potatoes: Starchy vegetables that add thickness and substance to the soup.
  • Chicken Broth: A liquid base that provides depth and richness to the soup.
  • Heavy Cream: Adds a luxurious, creamy texture and smooths out the soup's overall flavor.
  • Spinach or Kale: Leafy greens that bring nutrition and a fresh touch to the dish.
  • Salt, Pepper, Red Pepper Flakes: Seasonings that enhance and balance the soup's taste profile.
  • Parmesan Cheese: An optional garnish that adds a salty, nutty finish to the soup.

Stepwise Guide for Italian Sausage Soup

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Grab your large pot and cook the Italian sausage until it develops a beautiful golden color. Once browned, transfer the sausage to a plate, keeping those delicious drippings in the pot.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggie Base

In the same pot with sausage drippings, toss in your chopped vegetables:
  • Onions
  • Garlic
  • Carrots
  • Celery

Sauté these until they become soft and fragrant, releasing their incredible flavors.

Step 3: Create the Soup Foundation

Add the potatoes and chicken broth to the pot.

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer. Allow the potatoes to become tender and start breaking down slightly, which will help thicken the soup.

Step 4: Enrich and Finish the Soup

Stir in these creamy, delicious ingredients:
  • Heavy cream
  • Cooked sausage
  • Spinach or kale

Cook until the greens wilt and become tender, creating a lush, hearty texture.

Step 5: Season and Serve

Sprinkle in salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to your taste.

Give everything a final stir. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an extra flavor boost.

Tips for Italian Sausage Soup

  • Swap regular Italian sausage with turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter protein option that keeps the soup's rich flavor profile.
  • Chop vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the soup.
  • Prevent cream from curdling by adding it at the end of cooking and keeping the heat low when stirring it into the soup.
  • Include additional vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for extra nutrition and color variation.
  • Use gluten-free chicken broth and check sausage ingredients if preparing for gluten-sensitive individuals.

Flavor Variations for Italian Sausage Soup

  • Vegetarian Hearty Soup: Replace Italian sausage with plant-based sausage or crumbled tofu. Add extra mushrooms for meaty texture and umami flavor.
  • Gluten-Free Version: Ensure chicken broth is gluten-free certified. Use cornstarch instead of traditional thickeners if needed.
  • Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower florets. Reduce total carbohydrate content while maintaining creamy consistency.
  • Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream. Select dairy-free sausage and garnish with nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions for Italian Sausage Soup

  • Rustic Dinner Delight: Serve this hearty soup in large, deep ceramic bowls to showcase its rich colors and textures.
  • Cozy Bread Companion: Pair with crusty garlic bread or toasted sourdough slices to soak up the creamy broth and add extra crunch.
  • Italian Comfort Platter: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top and add a small side salad with mixed greens for a complete, balanced meal that brings warmth and satisfaction.
  • Winter Wellness Bowl: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or basil for a pop of color and added freshness, making this soup perfect for cold nights and boosting comfort.

Storage Guidelines for Italian Sausage Soup

  • Refrigerate leftover soup in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Store soup in the refrigerator for 3-4 days maximum, keeping it sealed tightly to maintain freshness.
  • Transfer soup to shallow containers to help it cool faster and ensure even chilling.
  • Use freezer-safe containers to freeze soup for up to 3 months, leaving some space for expansion.
Print
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Hearty Italian Sausage Soup Recipe

Hearty Italian Sausage Soup Recipe


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4.8 from 17 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty Italian sausage soup blends robust flavors from Tuscany’s rustic kitchens. Rich broth, tender vegetables, and spicy sausage create a comforting meal you’ll savor to the last spoonful.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 1 pound Italian sausage

Vegetables:

  • 1 medium onion
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 2 medium carrots
  • 2 stalks celery
  • 2 medium potatoes

Liquid and Seasonings:

  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 2 cups spinach or kale
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Brown Italian sausage in a large pot over medium-high heat until fully cooked and crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
  2. In the same pot, sauté diced onions, minced garlic, chopped carrots, and sliced celery until vegetables become translucent and fragrant, approximately 4-5 minutes.
  3. Add diced potatoes and chicken broth to the vegetable mixture. Bring the liquid to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender.
  4. Pour in heavy cream and gently stir to incorporate. Return the cooked sausage to the pot and add fresh spinach or kale, allowing the greens to wilt and soften for 2-3 minutes.
  5. Taste the soup and season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to enhance the flavors. If desired, garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese before serving hot.

Notes

  • Swap spicy Italian sausage with mild versions for a kid-friendly meal or use plant-based sausage for vegetarian options.
  • Chop vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the soup.
  • Add extra depth by deglazing the pot with white wine after browning sausage, which captures delicious browned bits from the bottom.
  • Reduce cream or substitute with milk alternatives like coconut milk for lighter, dairy-free variations while maintaining creamy consistency.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 280 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 720 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 14 g
  • Cholesterol: 55 mg
Amanda Bennett

Amanda Bennett

Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Baking and Pastry Arts, Recipe Testing and Development, Culinary Instruction, Food Styling and Photography

Education

​Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, Asheville, NC
​Diploma in Culinary Arts
Emphasized practical cooking skills, nutrition, and kitchen management.​

Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, Cambridge, MA
Certificate in Professional Pastry Arts
Specialized in baking techniques, dessert presentation, and flavor profiling


Amanda’s roots run deep in the Southern hills, where every meal started fresh from the garden and every dessert came with a story. She trained at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and sharpened her pastry skills at the Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, blending classic technique with everyday charm.
At The Liffey, Amanda’s passion is making baking and home cooking feel natural and joyful. She’s all about single recipes that are simple enough for a busy afternoon, but special enough to make someone’s day a little sweeter.

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