Creamy Italian Sausage Soup Recipe

Craving a hearty, flavorful soup that combines the savory richness of Italian sausage with creamy broth and tender vegetables? This creamy Italian sausage soup is the perfect meal for cool nights, busy weeknights, or when you want to enjoy something cozy and indulgent. Packed with sausage, fresh greens, and a creamy broth, this dish is the perfect blend of comfort and bold Italian flavors. Ready to get started? Read on for the full recipe, tips, and serving suggestions!

this Recipe

What is Creamy Italian Sausage Soup?

Creamy Italian sausage soup is a rich and comforting soup that typically features ground Italian sausage, a creamy broth, and vegetables like onions, garlic, and leafy greens (such as spinach or kale). The soup is finished with heavy cream or half-and-half, making it silky and luscious. Think of it as the perfect marriage between a savory Italian pasta sauce and a hearty soup. It’s simple to make, but packed with flavor, making it an ideal option for family dinners or meal prep.

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Ingredients List for Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delicious and satisfying soup:

• 1 lb (450g) Italian sausage (hot or mild, depending on your preference)
• 1 medium onion (chopped)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 medium carrots (peeled and sliced)
• 2 stalks celery (chopped)
• 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or a blend of basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary)
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
• 3-4 cups fresh spinach or kale (chopped)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: ½ cup dry pasta (like ditalini or small shells, for a heartier soup)

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Substitutions and Variations

This creamy Italian sausage soup is highly adaptable, so feel free to make it your own with these substitutions and variations:

1. Sausage: You can use hot Italian sausage if you like some heat or go for mild sausage for a more classic flavor. You can also substitute with turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or plant-based sausage for a lighter or vegetarian version.
2. Leafy Greens: Kale and spinach are both excellent choices, but you can substitute them with Swiss chard, arugula, or even collard greens for a more robust flavor.
3. Cream: For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. For a dairy-free version, swap the cream for coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative.
4. Broth: Chicken broth adds depth of flavor, but vegetable broth is a great alternative for a vegetarian option.
5. Cheese: Parmesan adds a salty, umami-rich note to the soup, but you can use Pecorino Romano or even mozzarella for a different cheese flavor profile.
6. Add Pasta or Potatoes: For a heartier meal, add some pasta like ditalini, orecchiette, or small shells. You can also add diced potatoes to the soup for more texture and bulk.

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Here’s how to make this creamy Italian sausage soup in a few easy steps:

1. Brown the Sausage: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up into smaller pieces with a spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage from the pot and set it aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
3. Season and Add Broth: Stir in the Italian seasoning and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
4. Add the Greens and Cream: Stir in the chopped spinach or kale and return the cooked sausage to the pot. Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes until the greens are wilted. Reduce the heat to low, and stir in the heavy cream, allowing it to heat through but not boil.
5. Add Parmesan and Adjust Seasoning: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and incorporated into the broth. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
6. Optional: Add Pasta: If you’re adding pasta, cook it separately according to the package directions, then stir it into the soup just before serving to prevent it from getting too soft.
7. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, top with extra grated Parmesan cheese, and enjoy!

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

Here’s a quick summary of the cooking steps for easy reference:

1. Brown the Sausage: Cook the sausage, then set it aside.
2. Sauté Vegetables: Cook onions, garlic, carrots, and celery.
3. Simmer Broth: Add broth and seasonings, simmer for 15-20 minutes.
4. Add Greens and Cream: Stir in sausage, spinach or kale, and cream.
5. Incorporate Parmesan: Add Parmesan, season to taste.
6. Optional Pasta: Cook pasta separately and add to the soup.
7. Serve: Ladle into bowls and garnish with extra Parmesan.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your creamy Italian sausage soup turns out perfectly, avoid these common mistakes:

1. Not Draining Excess Fat: If your sausage is particularly fatty, you might want to drain some of the excess fat after browning to avoid an overly greasy soup.
2. Adding Cream Too Early: If you add the cream too early and let the soup boil, it can cause the cream to curdle. Always add the cream towards the end and keep the soup at a low simmer.
3. Overcooking the Greens: Leafy greens like spinach or kale wilt quickly, so add them towards the end of cooking to preserve their color and texture.
4. Adding Cheese Too Soon: Parmesan should be added toward the end of cooking, or it can become grainy. Stir it in after the soup has been removed from direct heat.

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Serving and Presentation Tips

Presentation can make your creamy Italian sausage soup even more inviting. Here are some ideas to make it look as good as it tastes:

• Garnish Generously: Sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese, fresh basil, or chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and added flavor.
• Serve with Crusty Bread: Pair the soup with a side of warm, crusty bread or garlic toast for dipping.
• Use Fun Bowls: Serve the soup in rustic, earthenware bowls or shallow pasta dishes to highlight the creamy broth and hearty ingredients.

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How to Serve Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

This soup is hearty enough to be served as a complete meal. Here are some serving ideas:

1. As a Main Course: Serve a generous portion of the soup with bread and a light side salad for a full meal.
2. As a Starter: Offer smaller portions as a starter for a larger Italian-inspired meal, like pasta or pizza.
3. For Meal Prep: This soup stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days and can be frozen for up to 3 months, making it perfect for meal prep.

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Presentation Ideas for Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

Make your soup even more visually appealing with these presentation ideas:

• Bread Bowls: Hollow out small loaves of bread and serve the soup inside for a rustic, comforting presentation.
• Top with Fresh Herbs: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley leaves for a pop of color and flavor.
• Layered Toppings: Add a drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of chili flakes for a little extra flair.

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Creamy Italian Sausage Soup Recipe Tips

• For Extra Richness: Add a dollop of mascarpone cheese or cream cheese to the soup for a richer, creamier texture.
• Make It Spicy: Use hot Italian sausage or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to give the soup a spicy kick.
• Boost the Flavor: A splash of white wine or balsamic vinegar added during cooking can enhance the depth of the broth.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I freeze creamy Italian sausage soup?
A: Yes, this soup freezes well. However, soups with dairy can sometimes change texture after freezing. If you plan to freeze the soup, you can make it without the cream and add the cream after thawing and reheating.

Q: Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
A: Absolutely! Brown the sausage first, then transfer all ingredients (except the cream, cheese, and greens) to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Stir in the cream, Parmesan, and greens about 30 minutes before serving.

Q: Can I use pre-cooked sausage?
A: Yes, if you have pre-cooked sausage, just slice it and add it towards the end of cooking to heat through.

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Conclusion

This creamy Italian sausage soup is the perfect blend of hearty, savory, and indulgent flavors. With its rich broth, flavorful sausage, and fresh greens, this soup is sure to become a family favorite. It’s easy to make, adaptable to your preferences, and offers the ultimate comfort food experience in one delicious bowl. So grab your ingredients and start cooking—this creamy Italian sausage soup will warm you from the inside out!

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