Creamy Italian Sausage Soup Recipe

Homemade Creamy Italian Sausage Soup Recipe: Pure Comfort Bliss

Comfort wraps around you like a warm blanket in this creamy Italian sausage soup that promises pure culinary delight.

Hearty ingredients dance together in a rich, velvety broth that whispers stories of rustic kitchens.

Robust sausage chunks mingle with tender vegetables, creating layers of robust flavor.

Fragrant herbs add depth and complexity to each spoonful, making every bite a celebration.

Aromatic and satisfying, this soup transforms simple ingredients into a remarkable meal.

Cozy moments await you with this soul-warming recipe that feels like an embrace from an Italian grandmother.

Dive into a bowl of pure, comforting magic that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Creamy Italian Sausage Soup You’ll Crave Again

  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Transforms classic French onion flavors into a hearty, satisfying beef casserole that delights family and friends with its rich, creamy texture.
  • Simplify Weeknight Cooking: Combines familiar ingredients like ground beef, noodles, and caramelized onions into a one-dish meal that saves time and reduces kitchen cleanup.
  • Customize with Ease: Offers flexible ingredients like optional wine, different cheese choices, and crunchy toppings, allowing home cooks to personalize the recipe to their taste preferences.
  • Elevate Ordinary Ingredients: Transforms basic pantry staples into a gourmet-inspired dish with professional-level techniques like caramelizing onions and layering complex flavors.

All You Need For Italian Sausage Soup

For the Protein:
  • Italian Sausage: A flavorful meat that adds richness and depth to the soup.
For the Vegetables:
  • Onion, Garlic: These aromatics create a robust flavor base for the soup.
  • Potatoes: Provide hearty texture and help thicken the soup.
  • Baby Spinach: Adds a fresh, nutritious green element to the dish.
  • Diced Tomatoes: Contribute acidity and a slight tang to the soup's overall flavor.
For the Liquids and Seasonings:
  • Chicken Broth: Forms the liquid foundation of the soup.
  • Heavy Cream: Creates a creamy, luxurious texture.
  • Olive Oil: Used for sautĂ©ing and adding a subtle richness.
  • Basil, Oregano: Classic Italian herbs that enhance the soup's flavor profile.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Optional ingredient that adds a subtle heat.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing the soup's flavors.
For the Garnish:
  • Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty finish to the soup.
  • Fresh Parsley: Provides a bright, fresh garnish.
  • Crusty Bread: Serves as a perfect accompaniment for dipping.

Simple Directions For Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

Step 1: Brown Sausage Meat

Heat a large pot over medium flame. Drizzle olive oil and add Italian sausage.

Break the meat into small crumbles while cooking until it turns golden brown. Transfer cooked sausage to a separate plate.

Step 2: Soften Aromatic Vegetables

In the same pot, sauté chopped onions until they become translucent and soft. Add minced garlic and stir quickly to prevent burning.

Step 3: Build Soup Base

Pour in chicken broth and add:
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Basil
  • Oregano
  • Red pepper flakes
  • Diced potatoes

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat. Let the soup simmer until potatoes become tender, approximately 15-20 minutes.

Step 4: Enrich and Wilt Greens

Gently stir heavy cream into the soup. Add baby spinach and allow it to wilt completely.

Return previously cooked sausage to the pot. Let everything blend together for an additional 5 minutes.

Season with salt and pepper according to preference.

Step 5: Plate and Finish

Ladle hot soup into serving bowls.

Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top. Garnish with chopped parsley.

Serve alongside warm crusty bread for a hearty meal.

Pro Tips For Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

  • Choose lean Italian sausage to reduce fat content while maintaining rich flavor.
  • Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or milk for a lighter version of the soup.
  • Cut potatoes into uniform small cubes to ensure even cooking and consistent texture.
  • Use fresh spinach just before serving to preserve nutrients and vibrant green color.
  • Allow soup to simmer gently to develop deeper flavors and prevent burning or sticking.

Fun Twists For Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

  • Vegetarian Harvest: Replace Italian sausage with roasted cauliflower and add white beans for protein, using vegetable broth for a hearty plant-based version.
  • Spicy Mediterranean: Incorporate chorizo instead of Italian sausage, add roasted red peppers, and increase red pepper flakes for a bolder flavor profile.
  • Seafood Coastal: Swap sausage with shrimp or white fish, use seafood stock, and include fresh herbs like dill for a lighter coastal-inspired soup.
  • Tuscan Kale Upgrade: Use ground turkey sausage, increase kale quantity, add cannellini beans, and finish with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for authentic Italian flair.

Sides To Pair With Italian Sausage Soup

  • Serve the soup in large, earthenware bowls for a cozy, rustic dining experience. Pair with a crusty sourdough bread brushed with garlic butter. Sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs for a hearty, homestyle presentation that feels like a warm hug.
  • Create an Italian-style family-style dinner by placing the soup in a large central pot. Surround with additional bread, fresh salad, and charcuterie board. Use wooden serving boards and classic white dishes to capture the authentic Mediterranean dining atmosphere.

Store Your Creamy Italian Sausage Soup Well

  • Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other food odors.
  • Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air before sealing to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2-3 months for best quality and taste.
  • Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat gently in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth if the soup seems too thick, helping restore its original creamy consistency.
  • If possible, store cream and spinach separately from the base soup to prevent separation and maintain optimal texture when reheating.

FAQs

  • What type of sausage works best in this recipe?

Italian sausage is recommended, preferably mild or hot depending on your spice preference. Removing the casing before cooking helps the meat blend seamlessly into the soup.

  • Can I make this soup healthier?

Use lean Italian sausage, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, and add extra vegetables like carrots or zucchini to increase nutritional value. You can also use low-sodium chicken broth.

  • Is this soup freezer-friendly?

Yes, you can freeze the soup without the cream and spinach. Add those ingredients fresh when reheating to maintain the best texture and flavor. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

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Creamy Italian Sausage Soup Recipe

Creamy Italian Sausage Soup Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 15 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty creamy Italian sausage soup brings robust flavors from classic Mediterranean ingredients. Spicy sausage, tender vegetables, and rich broth combine for a comforting meal you’ll crave during chilly evenings.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (0.45 kg) Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
  • 4 cups (960 ml) chicken broth
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
  • 1 can (14.5 oz or 411 g) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 3 medium potatoes, diced (or substitute with 1 1/2 cups uncooked small pasta like ditalini)
  • 2 cups (60 g) baby spinach (or kale)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsps (30 ml) olive oil (for sauteing)
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 0.5 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Sear the Italian sausage in a large pot with olive oil over medium heat, breaking it into crumbles until golden brown and fully cooked. Transfer to a separate plate.
  2. In the same pot, caramelize onions until translucent, approximately 4-5 minutes. Add garlic and sauté for an additional 60 seconds, releasing aromatic flavors.
  3. Pour chicken broth into the pot, incorporating diced tomatoes, dried herbs, and red pepper flakes. Introduce diced potatoes and bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to simmer for 15-18 minutes until potatoes become fork-tender.
  4. Gently pour heavy cream into the soup, creating a luxurious texture. Fold in fresh spinach or kale, allowing the greens to wilt and soften for 2-3 minutes.
  5. Reintegrate the reserved sausage into the soup, allowing flavors to meld together for an additional 4-5 minutes. Adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  6. Ladle the steaming soup into serving bowls. Sprinkle generously with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley. Accompany with crusty artisan bread for a complete dining experience.

Notes

  • Swap spicy Italian sausage with mild version for kid-friendly meal or lower heat preference.
  • Choose ground turkey sausage as leaner protein alternative that keeps soup’s rich flavor profile.
  • Vegetarian adaptation works perfectly by replacing sausage with plant-based crumbles or extra mushrooms for umami depth.
  • Reduce sodium by using low-sodium chicken broth and controlling additional salt seasoning during cooking process.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 370 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 750 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 14 g
  • Fiber: 2.5 g
  • Protein: 15 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Jack Monroe

Jack Monroe

Founder & Recipe Innovator

Expertise

Pacific Northwest cuisine, Single-serving recipe development, Sustainable sourcing and cooking, Modern comfort food​

Education

Brightwater
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Sustainable cooking, seasonal ingredients, and food systems education


Jack grew up with a fishing rod in one hand and a cast-iron skillet in the other. After graduating from Brightwater: A Center for the Study of Food, he set out to prove that cooking for one could still taste like a feast.
Jack believes that food should feel real: fresh, fearless, and a little wild, just like the rivers he grew up around. For Jack, every single dish is a small adventure, and the best ones are the ones you can cook with heart, not hassle.

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