If you’re searching for a warm hug in a bowl, let me introduce you to Creamy Italian Sausage Soup. This rich, soul-satisfying soup is loaded with crumbled Italian sausage, tender pasta, vibrant greens, and the silkiest broth that’s spiked with a touch of cream. Every spoonful delivers smokiness, gentle spice, and a medley of flavors that truly sing, making it a go-to comfort dish for any night of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Creamy Italian Sausage Soup lies in a small handful of classic ingredients, each one essential for creating that irresistible depth of flavor, texture, and color. Gather these basics and you’re halfway to a restaurant-worthy pot of comfort.
- Italian sausage (1 lb): Choose mild or spicy depending on your preference—the sausage brings bold, savory flavor that anchors the entire soup.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Just a drizzle helps soften the onions and infuse the base with warmth and richness.
- Yellow onion, diced (1 small): Onion adds sweetness and depth to the soup’s foundation.
- Garlic, minced (3 cloves): Fresh garlic perfumes the soup and gives it classic Italian appeal.
- Chicken broth (3 cups): A good-quality broth creates savory undertones and lovely body for the soup.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): The key to that luscious, silky texture—don’t skimp!
- Diced tomatoes, undrained (14.5 oz can): Tomatoes add both pops of color and a delicate tanginess to balance the cream.
- Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): A blend of herbs that ties everything together with those unmistakable Italian notes.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (1/2 teaspoon, optional): For a little heat—add more or less to suit your spice level.
- Chopped kale or spinach (2 cups): Choose your favorite green; kale holds its bite, while spinach melts in for a softer touch.
- Uncooked small pasta (1 cup): Ditalini, elbows, or any small shape soak up all that creamy broth—don’t skip it unless you’re going low-carb.
- Salt and black pepper: Season to taste—these classic staples finish the flavor perfectly.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup): A generous finish of nutty, salty Parmesan sends this soup over the top.
- Fresh parsley for garnish: Just a sprinkle adds freshness and a gorgeous pop of green to every bowl.
How to Make Creamy Italian Sausage Soup
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by heating a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Toss in your Italian sausage and break it up with a wooden spoon as it sizzles. You want lovely browned bits because they’ll add so much flavor later! Once it’s thoroughly cooked, set the sausage aside on a plate and, if there’s a lot of grease, drain some off—leave just enough for a bit of flavor.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
In the same pot, pour in that tablespoon of olive oil if needed, then add your diced yellow onion. Stir and let it cook until it becomes soft, translucent, and aromatic, about 4–5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and let it sizzle for just 30 seconds, stirring so it doesn’t burn—your kitchen will already smell amazing at this point!
Step 3: Add the Broth and Build the Base
Pour in the chicken broth, followed by the heavy cream and the entire can of diced tomatoes (juice and all). Sprinkle in Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes if you want some heat. Stir everything together and bring the soup to a gentle simmer—watch as it transforms from a simple base to something that smells seriously crave-worthy.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
Add your choice of small pasta to the simmering pot. Let it cook uncovered, stirring occasionally so nothing sticks to the bottom. In about 8–10 minutes, the pasta will be perfectly al dente and ready to delight every spoonful.
Step 5: Finish with Sausage and Greens
Return the browned sausage to the pot along with your chopped kale or spinach. Stir them in and let the soup gently simmer for another 2–3 minutes—just until the greens wilt and everything is well combined. Give it a taste and season with salt and black pepper as needed.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Ladle the hot Creamy Italian Sausage Soup into bowls, then top with a cascade of grated Parmesan and a flutter of fresh parsley. Every bowl is both rustic and elegant—get ready to dig in!
How to Serve Creamy Italian Sausage Soup
Garnishes
One of the best finishing touches for Creamy Italian Sausage Soup is a generous shower of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Add a sprinkle of chopped parsley for color and an extra kick of freshness. If you want even more zing, try a dash of cracked black pepper or a drizzle of good olive oil on top—simple touches make each bowl feel special and inviting.
Side Dishes
This hearty soup absolutely shines alongside warm, crusty bread (I highly recommend garlic bread or a toasted baguette) for dipping and soaking up all that creamy broth. For a lighter meal, pair with a simple green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette. If you want an extra-Italian feast, serve with marinated olives or grilled vegetables on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
For dinner parties or family get-togethers, serve Creamy Italian Sausage Soup in large mugs for a cozy, handheld feel. You can also ladle it into hollowed-out mini bread bowls or garnish with extra sautéed greens for a chef’s touch. A sprinkle of smoked paprika, chili flakes, or even a swirl of pesto can reinvent the final look and flavor for something totally show-stopping.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer leftover Creamy Italian Sausage Soup to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. The flavors meld even more beautifully overnight, making tomorrow’s lunch extra special. It’ll keep well for up to 4 days, so you can enjoy hassle-free, delicious meals all week long.
Freezing
This soup is a great candidate for freezing—just be aware that the pasta might soften a bit when thawed. For best results, freeze the soup before adding the pasta or greens if you plan on storing it for longer than a month. Store in freezer-safe containers, leaving an inch for expansion, for up to 3 months.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm your Creamy Italian Sausage Soup over medium-low heat on the stove, stirring frequently so the cream doesn’t separate. If it’s a little thick, splash in a bit of chicken broth or cream to reach your desired consistency. Individual servings also reheat well in the microwave—cover loosely and heat in 1-minute bursts, stirring in between.
FAQs
Can I make Creamy Italian Sausage Soup dairy-free?
Absolutely! Swap the heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk or your favorite non-dairy creamer, and use a vegan Parmesan instead. You’ll get that same wonderful creaminess with a different, but still delicious, flavor profile.
What kind of sausage works best in this soup?
Both mild and spicy Italian sausage are fantastic in this recipe—choose based on your family’s heat preference. Pork sausage is traditional, but chicken or plant-based sausage also work without skipping a beat.
How can I make Creamy Italian Sausage Soup gluten-free?
Simply use your favorite gluten-free small pasta or substitute with cauliflower florets for a satisfying, lower-carb option. Check that your sausage and broth are gluten-free as well for the safest results.
Will the soup thicken as it sits?
Yes, the pasta will soak up some broth as it sits, making the Creamy Italian Sausage Soup thicker the next day. If you want, add a little chicken broth or water to loosen it up during reheating.
Can I add other vegetables to this soup?
Certainly! Feel free to stir in chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, carrots, or even zucchini when sautéing the onions for extra texture and flavor. This soup is totally adaptable to what you have on hand or what’s in season.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something heartwarming, flavorful, and just a tad indulgent, Creamy Italian Sausage Soup is a hands-down favorite that never disappoints. Each batch is packed with love, and I hope you’ll enjoy sharing it as much as I do. Grab your favorite bowl, a cozy spoon, and give this comfort classic a try tonight!
Print
Creamy Italian Sausage Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course, Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Warm up with a bowl of comforting Creamy Italian Sausage Soup, a hearty and flavorful dish perfect for chilly evenings. This soup combines savory Italian sausage, tender pasta, nutritious greens, and a creamy broth for a satisfying meal that is sure to please the whole family.
Ingredients
Italian Sausage Soup:
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (undrained)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 cups chopped kale or spinach
- 1 cup uncooked small pasta (like ditalini or elbow)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Italian Sausage: In a large pot over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until browned. Set aside.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: In the same pot, sauté onion and garlic until translucent.
- Add Broth and Cream: Stir in chicken broth, heavy cream, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Simmer.
- Cook Pasta: Add pasta and cook until al dente.
- Combine: Return sausage to the pot, add kale/spinach. Simmer until greens wilt.
- Season and Serve: Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot, garnished with Parmesan and parsley.
Notes
- For a lower-carb version, omit the pasta and add extra veggies like zucchini or cauliflower.
- You can use plant-based sausage for a vegetarian-friendly option.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 470
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 23 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 21 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
