Creamy Italian Sausage Soup Recipe

This Creamy Italian Sausage Soup is a rich, flavorful, and hearty dish that's perfect for cozy nights or when you're craving something warm and comforting. Made with savory Italian sausage, tender vegetables, and a creamy broth infused with garlic and herbs, this soup is as satisfying as it is delicious. It's also quick and easy to prepare, making it a great option for weeknight dinners or a special weekend meal. Whether you're feeding the family or meal-prepping for the week, this creamy sausage soup is sure to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen!

this Recipe

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What Is Creamy Italian Sausage Soup?

Creamy Italian Sausage Soup is a hearty soup made with crumbled Italian sausage, tender potatoes (or pasta), vegetables like spinach or kale, and a rich, creamy broth. It combines the flavors of traditional Italian herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme with the bold, savory taste of Italian sausage. The result is a comforting, creamy soup that's perfect for a satisfying meal any time of year. You can customize the soup with various vegetables or spices, making it a versatile recipe to fit different tastes.

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Ingredients List for Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delicious Creamy Italian Sausage Soup:

For the Soup:

• 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, according to your preference)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups baby spinach (or kale)
• 3 medium potatoes, diced (or substitute with 1 ½ cups uncooked small pasta like ditalini)
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
• 2 tablespoon olive oil, for sautéing

For Garnish (optional):

• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Chopped fresh parsley
• Crusty bread (for serving)

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Substitutions and Variations

This Creamy Italian Sausage Soup is versatile, so you can easily customize it to suit your taste or dietary needs. Here are a few popular substitutions and variations:

• Vegetarian Option: Use plant-based sausage or omit the sausage and add more vegetables, like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers. Replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth for a fully vegetarian dish.
• Pasta or Potatoes: If you prefer a chunkier texture, use diced potatoes. For a more classic Italian-style soup, swap the potatoes for small pasta like ditalini or orecchiette.
• Lighter Version: Use turkey or chicken sausage instead of pork sausage. You can also use half-and-half instead of heavy cream to reduce the richness.
• Extra Vegetables: Add vegetables like carrots, celery, or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Spicy Twist: Use hot Italian sausage and increase the amount of red pepper flakes if you like your soup with a spicy kick.

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these easy steps to make Creamy Italian Sausage Soup:

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

• Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
• Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up into small crumbles as it browns, about 6-8 minutes.
• Once fully cooked, remove the sausage from the pot with a slotted spoon and set it aside, leaving the drippings in the pot for extra flavor.

Step 2: Sauté the Onions and Garlic

• In the same pot, add the chopped onions and sauté for 4-5 minutes, or until softened.
• Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3: Add the Broth and Potatoes (or Pasta)

• Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
• Add the diced potatoes (or uncooked pasta if you're using pasta instead of potatoes) and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender or the pasta is al dente.

Step 4: Add Tomatoes and Seasonings

• Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juices), dried basil, oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using).
• Return the cooked sausage to the pot, and let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 5: Add the Spinach and Cream

• Stir in the spinach (or kale) and cook for another 2-3 minutes until wilted.
• Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Let the soup simmer for 5 more minutes, but don’t bring it to a boil to avoid curdling the cream.

Step 6: Taste and Adjust Seasonings

• Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
• If the soup is too thick, you can thin it out with a little more broth or water.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

• Ladle the soup into bowls and top with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley if desired.
• Serve with crusty bread for dipping and enjoy!

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How to Cook Creamy Italian Sausage Soup: A Step-by-Step Guide

This Creamy Italian Sausage Soup comes together quickly, thanks to the rich flavor of browned sausage, tender vegetables, and a creamy broth. Start by browning the sausage for maximum flavor, then sauté the onions and garlic in the drippings to build depth. Potatoes (or pasta) cook in the broth until tender, and then the soup is finished with spinach or kale and a generous splash of cream. The result is a hearty, comforting soup that’s perfect for any occasion.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your Creamy Italian Sausage Soup turns out perfectly every time, avoid these common mistakes:

• Overcooking the cream: Once you add the cream, be sure to keep the heat low. Bringing the cream to a boil can cause it to curdle.
• Not browning the sausage: Browning the sausage properly helps develop its flavor. Don’t rush this step, and be sure to break the sausage into small pieces as it cooks.
• Overcooking the potatoes or pasta: If using pasta, check it frequently to ensure it doesn't become too soft. If you're using potatoes, cook them until tender but not mushy.
• Forgetting to taste for seasoning: Always taste your soup before serving to ensure it's properly seasoned. Potatoes can absorb a lot of salt, so you may need to add more salt or herbs.

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Serving and Presentation Tips

Here are some tips for serving Creamy Italian Sausage Soup to make it look as good as it tastes:

• Serve with bread: Pair this soup with crusty bread, garlic bread, or breadsticks for dipping into the creamy broth.
• Top with fresh herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley, basil, or even chopped green onions adds a fresh pop of color and flavor to the soup.
• Add a side salad: For a balanced meal, serve the soup alongside a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette.

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How to Serve Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

This soup is hearty enough to be served as a main course. Simply ladle it into bowls and top with Parmesan cheese, a drizzle of olive oil, and fresh herbs. Serve it with a side of warm, crusty bread or a light salad to complete the meal. You can also serve it family-style, with toppings and bread on the side for everyone to customize their bowls.

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Presentation Ideas for Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

Here are a few ideas to make your Creamy Italian Sausage Soup look even more appealing:

• Garnish with Parmesan: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top for a rich, savory finish.
• Serve with a swirl of cream: Drizzle a little extra heavy cream or olive oil on top of each bowl for a beautiful swirl effect.
• Use fresh herbs: Add chopped fresh parsley, basil, or thyme to garnish the soup and give it a fresh, vibrant look.

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Creamy Italian Sausage Soup Recipe Tips

Here are a few extra tips to ensure your Creamy Italian Sausage Soup turns out perfectly every time:

• Use quality sausage: For the best flavor, use high-quality Italian sausage, whether it's mild or spicy. You can also mix mild and spicy sausage for a balanced flavor.
• Don’t overcook the cream: Once the cream is added, keep the heat low and let it gently simmer to avoid curdling.
• Adjust the texture: If the soup is too thick, you can add a little more broth or water. If it's too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to thicken.
• Leftovers: This soup stores well and tastes even better the next day. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make Creamy Italian Sausage Soup ahead of time?

Yes! You can make this soup ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat it gently on the stovetop. You may need to add a little extra broth or cream when reheating.

Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, but keep in mind that the texture of the cream can change when frozen. If you plan to freeze it, you may want to add the cream after thawing and reheating the soup.

What kind of sausage should I use?

You can use either mild or spicy Italian sausage, depending on your taste preference. You can also use turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter version.

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Conclusion

Creamy Italian Sausage Soup is the ultimate comfort food, combining savory sausage, tender vegetables, and a rich, creamy broth into one hearty and satisfying meal. Whether you're serving it as a weeknight dinner or for a special gathering, this soup is easy to make and full of flavor. Customize it with your favorite vegetables, adjust the heat with spices, and serve it with crusty bread for dipping. Once you try this recipe, it’s sure to become a regular in your meal rotation!

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