Creamy Italian Sausage Soup Recipe
If you’re searching for a soup that truly delivers on both comfort and flavor, look no further than this Creamy Italian Sausage Soup Recipe. Imagine a bowl brimming with crumbled sausage, pillowy potatoes, hearty greens, and a rich, silky broth—each spoonful is pure, soul-warming Italian-American coziness. This is one of those recipes you’ll turn to again and again, whether you want to feed your family on a chilly night or impress friends with a simple but absolutely delicious meal. I can’t wait to share my favorite way to bring a little bit of Italian warmth into your kitchen!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Creamy Italian Sausage Soup Recipe is in how a handful of everyday ingredients come together for something downright extraordinary. Every piece plays a part: creamy dairy, vibrant spinach, aromatic Italian sausage, and those melt-in-your-mouth potatoes. Trust me, you’ll want to savor each layer of taste!
- Italian sausage (1 lb): Mild or spicy works—choose your favorite to set the flavor foundation for the whole soup.
- Olive oil (1 tbsp): For browning your sausage and giving the veggies a subtle, peppery depth.
- Yellow onion (1 small, diced): Sweetness and savoriness to balance out the richness—don’t skip it!
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): That essential aromatic punch that makes every spoonful crave-worthy.
- Chicken broth (4 cups): A savory base that unites all the flavors and ensures your soup is extra hearty.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): The secret to the luscious, velvety texture of the finished soup.
- Diced tomatoes with juice (1 cup): Adds a tangy brightness and beautiful color—canned or fresh both work.
- Baby spinach (2 cups, roughly chopped): For a fresh, vibrant dose of greens that wilts perfectly.
- Diced potatoes (1 1/2 cups, Yukon gold or russet): They soak up all those gorgeous flavors and give the soup body.
- Italian seasoning (1 tsp): That signature herbal note—use a blend or your own mix of basil, oregano, and thyme.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (1/2 tsp, optional): For just a whisper of heat; totally adjustable.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: The must-have finishers that bring everything into balance.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup plus more): Because what’s an Italian soup without a cheesy, nutty flourish?
- Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish): A green pop to brighten every bowl at the table.
How to Make Creamy Italian Sausage Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start with a large pot or Dutch oven, heating your olive oil over medium heat until shimmering. Add the Italian sausage, and break it into crumbles with your spoon or spatula. You want every bite to get some sausage goodness, so aim for those perfect, small bits. Let it brown fully, getting those flavorful crispy edges—your kitchen will already start to smell amazing!
Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
Once your sausage is nicely browned, if there’s a lot of fat in the pan, drain off the excess but leave just enough to cook your veggies. Toss in the diced onion and let it soften for 3 or 4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Then add the minced garlic and cook for one fragrant minute, just until it’s no longer raw—this is where the real flavor starts to build!
Step 3: Build the Broth and Simmer
Pour in your chicken broth, then add the diced potatoes and tomatoes (juice included), along with the Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes if you like a little kick, and season everything generously with salt and pepper. Bring it all to a lively boil, then reduce the heat so the broth simmers gently. Let it do its thing for 15 to 20 minutes, until the potatoes are perfectly fork-tender—taste a piece to check!
Step 4: Make It Creamy and Add the Greens
Now comes the magic that makes this Creamy Italian Sausage Soup Recipe utterly irresistible. Stir in the heavy cream, chopped spinach, and grated Parmesan. Let the soup simmer for about 5 minutes more, until the spinach wilts and everything melds into pure creamy indulgence. This is a great moment to taste and adjust your seasoning—sometimes a final pinch of salt brings all the flavors into perfect harmony.
Step 5: Serve It Up
Ladle your finished soup into bowls while it’s steaming hot. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and plenty of extra Parmesan. Each bowl will look as good as it tastes—tender potatoes, bright greens, and swirls of creamy broth hinting at all that Italian sausage richness. This is comfort food, elevated.
How to Serve Creamy Italian Sausage Soup Recipe
Garnishes
A soup like this truly deserves a flourish. Add a handful of freshly grated Parmesan to each bowl for an irresistibly savory finish, and some chopped parsley for a little pop of color and freshness. If you like a spicy touch, a scattering of extra crushed red pepper flakes is fantastic too!
Side Dishes
Nothing beats a big slice of crusty bread dunked into your Creamy Italian Sausage Soup Recipe—focaccia, Italian baguette, or even a rustic sourdough work beautifully. A simple green salad with a lemony vinaigrette or roasted veggies on the side make for a cozy, well-rounded meal.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re feeling festive, serve this soup in bread bowls for extra comfort-food points. For a family-style dinner, ladle into a big tureen and let everyone serve themselves at the table. Or, pour the soup into small cups or jars for party-ready appetizers—guests will love the clever presentation!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftovers cool to room temperature, then transfer your Creamy Italian Sausage Soup Recipe to an airtight container. In the fridge, it will stay fresh and flavorful for up to three days, making it a perfect candidate for meal prep or quick lunches.
Freezing
This soup freezes fairly well, especially if you leave out the spinach and cream and add them fresh when reheating. Pour into freezer-safe containers and leave a little space at the top for expansion. It’ll keep for up to two months—ideal for those nights you need a fast, homemade meal!
Reheating
To reheat, simply pour the soup into a pot on the stove over medium heat, stirring often until completely warmed through. If it’s thickened up, a splash of broth or cream brings back that velvety consistency. If you froze the soup, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture.
FAQs
Can I use turkey sausage instead of pork?
Absolutely, turkey sausage is a fantastic, leaner alternative that still brings tons of flavor to the Creamy Italian Sausage Soup Recipe. Just use it exactly as you would pork sausage—no other changes needed!
Is it possible to make this soup dairy-free?
You can swap the heavy cream for canned coconut milk or a thick oat cream, and leave out the Parmesan cheese or choose a dairy-free alternative. The result will still be creamy and lush, perfect for those avoiding dairy.
What other greens work besides spinach?
Kale is a popular substitute in this soup, holding up well to simmering and bringing a heartier bite. Swiss chard or even collard greens work too, offering a slightly earthier flavor and amazing color.
How can I make the soup thicker?
For a thicker version of this Creamy Italian Sausage Soup Recipe, try mashing a few of the cooked potatoes right in the pot before stirring in the cream. This makes the broth extra velvety and satisfying—great for those who love a hearty bowl!
Can I prepare this soup in advance?
Yes, you can make this entire soup a day ahead—the flavors deepen beautifully as it rests. Just leave out the spinach until you’re ready to reheat and serve, so it stays vibrant and fresh.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’ll give this Creamy Italian Sausage Soup Recipe a try the next time you’re craving something hearty and wonderfully comforting. With its creamy texture, savory sausage, and plenty of colorful veggies, this dish is sure to win over your family or guests. Let me know how it goes, and enjoy every last, cozy spoonful!
Print
Creamy Italian Sausage Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a hearty and comforting bowl of Creamy Italian Sausage Soup, a delightful blend of savory Italian sausage, tender potatoes, and wilted spinach in a creamy broth. This soup is bursting with flavors and perfect for a cozy night in.
Ingredients
Italian Sausage Soup:
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 2 cups baby spinach (roughly chopped)
- 1 1/2 cups diced potatoes (Yukon gold or russet)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
- chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage: In a large pot, cook Italian sausage until browned. Remove excess grease.
- Sauté Aromatics: Sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.
- Add Ingredients: Pour in broth, potatoes, tomatoes, seasonings, and simmer until potatoes are tender.
- Finish the Soup: Stir in cream, spinach, and Parmesan. Simmer until creamy. Adjust seasoning.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve hot.
Notes
- You can substitute kale for spinach or use turkey sausage for a leaner option.
- For a thicker soup, mash some of the potatoes before adding the cream.
- This soup pairs perfectly with crusty bread or a simple green salad.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 840mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
