Creamy Italian Sausage Soup Recipe

Hearty Creamy Italian Sausage Soup Recipe for Cozy Nights

Steaming bowls of comfort emerge from kitchens worldwide, with this creamy italian sausage soup recipe promising pure culinary magic.

Rich aromas fill the air as hearty ingredients dance together in a delightful melody of flavors.

Tender sausage and velvety broth create a symphony of warmth that instantly soothes the soul.

Packed with robust seasonings and fresh vegetables, this soup delivers a robust experience that feels like a warm embrace.

Each spoonful tells a story of traditional Italian cooking, blending rustic charm with modern comfort.

The recipe transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary meal that sparks joy and satisfaction.

You’ll find yourself craving this soul-warming dish again and again, eager to savor every delicious bite.

Ingredients for Creamy Sausage Soup

Protein Base:
  • Italian Sausage: A flavorful meat that provides a rich, savory foundation for the soup.
  • Chicken Broth: Creates a light and hearty liquid base for the soup.
Vegetables:
  • Onion, Garlic: Aromatic ingredients that build a deep flavor profile for the soup.
  • Potatoes: Starchy vegetables that add substance and thickness to the soup.
  • Kale, Spinach: Leafy greens that bring nutrition and color to the dish.
Dairy and Seasonings:
  • Heavy Cream: Adds a luxurious, creamy texture to the soup.
  • Parmesan Cheese: A sharp, salty cheese that enhances the overall flavor.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and elevate the soup's taste.
  • Olive Oil: Used for sautéing and adding a subtle, rich undertone.

Step-by-Step for Rich Italian Sausage Soup

Step 1: Brown Sausage

Place a sturdy pot on the stove and pour in a splash of olive oil.

Break up the Italian sausage and cook it until the meat turns a beautiful golden brown.

Once done, transfer the sausage to a plate and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

In the same pot with those delicious sausage drippings, toss in finely chopped garlic and diced onions.

Stir and cook until they become soft and fragrant, releasing their incredible flavor.

Step 3: Build the Soup Base

Pour in chicken broth and add chopped potatoes.

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, letting the liquid bubble and dance in the pot.

Step 4: Simmer and Soften

Reduce the heat and let the soup gently simmer.

Wait until the potatoes become tender and can be easily pierced with a fork.

This will take about 10-15 minutes.

Step 5: Create Creamy Perfection

Add back the cooked sausage to the pot.

Stir in fresh, chopped kale or spinach and pour in rich, velvety heavy cream.

The greens will soften quickly and add a beautiful color to the soup.

Step 6: Season and Finish

Sprinkle in salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Give everything a good stir.

When serving, shower the top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an extra burst of flavor.

Tips for the Best Creamy Sausage Soup

  • Choose mild or spicy Italian sausage based on your heat preference, enhancing the soup's overall flavor profile.
  • Swap kale or spinach with Swiss chard or collard greens for a different nutritional boost and texture.
  • Adjust heavy cream amount to make the soup lighter or richer, depending on your dietary needs and taste preferences.
  • Replace Italian sausage with ground turkey or plant-based sausage for a leaner or vegetarian alternative.
  • Let the soup simmer longer to allow ingredients to meld together, creating a more robust and complex taste.

Ways to Customize Italian Sausage Soup

  • Vegetarian Delight: Replace Italian sausage with plant-based sausage crumbles or chopped mushrooms for a meat-free version that maintains rich flavor and protein.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free chicken broth and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.
  • Low-Carb Alternative: Swap potatoes with cauliflower florets to reduce carbohydrate content while keeping the soup's creamy texture and satisfying taste.
  • Dairy-Free Version: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a lactose-free adaptation.

Serving Creamy Sausage Soup as a Main

  • Rustic Bread Companion: Slice a crusty Italian bread or sourdough to dip into the rich, creamy soup, soaking up all the delicious flavors and adding a delightful textural contrast.
  • Hearty Meal Enhancer: Serve the soup with a simple side salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to balance the soup's creaminess and add a fresh, crisp element to the meal.
  • Cheese Lover's Dream: Sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top or add a dollop of ricotta for additional creaminess and a burst of cheesy goodness that complements the Italian sausage perfectly.

Storage for Creamy Sausage Soup

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool soup completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Transfer soup to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Avoid freezing if cream-based soup as texture might separate.
  • Warm gently over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth to restore creamy consistency if needed. Heat until steaming hot.
  • Pour soup into microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals. Stir between intervals to distribute heat evenly and prevent cold spots.

FAQs

  • Is this soup healthy?

The soup contains nutrient-rich kale or spinach and lean protein from Italian sausage, but it’s moderately high in calories due to heavy cream. Consider using half-and-half or milk for a lighter version.

  • Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Replace Italian sausage with plant-based sausage or crumbled tofu. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to maintain the savory flavor profile.

  • What type of potatoes work best?

Yukon gold or red potatoes are ideal because they hold their shape well during cooking and provide a creamy texture without falling apart.

  • How can I add more flavor to the soup?

Enhance the taste by adding red pepper flakes for heat, fresh herbs like thyme or basil, or a splash of white wine during the sautéing stage for depth of flavor.

Italian Sausage Soup with a Creamy Finish

  • Whip Up Comfort: Dive into a hearty soup that wraps you in warmth with its rich, creamy texture and bold Italian sausage flavors, perfect for chilly evenings or when you crave a satisfying meal.
  • Simplify Cooking: This one-pot wonder comes together easily, minimizing kitchen cleanup and allowing even novice cooks to create a restaurant-quality dish with minimal effort and basic cooking skills.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap kale for spinach, adjust spice levels, or add extra vegetables to make this recipe uniquely yours, making it a versatile option for different taste preferences and dietary needs.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Goodness: Packed with protein, vegetables, and creamy richness, this soup appeals to both kids and adults, turning mealtime into a delightful shared experience that brings everyone to the table.
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Creamy Italian Sausage Soup Recipe

Creamy Italian Sausage Soup Recipe


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4.8 from 13 reviews

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

Description

Hearty creamy italian sausage soup delivers comfort in a bowl, blending robust flavors from robust Italian ingredients. Simmering with rich spices and tender sausage, this soup promises warmth and satisfaction for hungry souls craving authentic Mediterranean comfort.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) Italian sausage

Main Vegetables:

  • 4 medium potatoes, cubed
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 3 cups fresh kale, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids and Seasonings:

  • 4 cups (946 milliliters) chicken broth
  • 2 cups (473 milliliters) heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
  • 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Garnish:

  • Grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat, crumble Italian sausage and cook until golden brown and fully rendered, approximately 6-8 minutes.
  2. Transfer sausage to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving behind flavorful drippings in the pot.
  3. Reduce heat to medium, add finely chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Pour chicken broth into the pot, add diced potatoes, and increase heat to bring the liquid to a rolling boil.
  5. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 10-12 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender and easily pierced.
  6. Return cooked sausage to the pot, gently stir in chopped kale or spinach, allowing greens to wilt slightly.
  7. Pour in heavy cream, stirring to create a rich, creamy consistency and heating through for 2-3 minutes.
  8. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, ensuring balanced flavors.
  9. Ladle soup into serving bowls and generously sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving hot.

Notes

  • Swap regular sausage for turkey or plant-based sausage to create a lighter, healthier version of this hearty soup.
  • Reduce cream content by using half-and-half or coconut milk for a lower-fat alternative that still maintains a rich texture.
  • Boost nutritional value by adding extra vegetables like carrots or celery during the sauté stage for additional flavor and nutrients.
  • Control sodium levels by using low-sodium chicken broth and being mindful of salt quantities when seasoning the soup.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 460 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 700 mg
  • Fat: 38 g
  • Saturated Fat: 14 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g
  • Fiber: 2.5 g
  • Protein: 18 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Michael Reyes

Michael Reyes

Founder & Lead Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Southwestern and Latin American cuisine
  • Developing easy single-serving recipes
  • Food styling and food photography

Education

Santa Fe Community College

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Practical, hands-on learning in essential kitchen skills, including food safety, hygiene, knife techniques, and kitchen organization.

Michael’s love for cooking runs deep, rooted in the bold, colorful flavors of his New Mexico upbringing.
After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from Santa Fe Community College, he spent years sharpening his skills in kitchens that celebrated traditional Southwestern and Latin American dishes.
He believes cooking should feel approachable and fun, never complicated. When he’s not stirring up new recipe ideas, Michael’s out hiking scenic trails, chatting with farmers at local markets, or chasing the perfect sunset shot for inspiration.

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