Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Craving a meal that wraps you in warmth and tantalizes your taste buds? This Creamy Italian Sausage Soup is more than just a dish; it’s an experience. Here’s why it’s about to become your new favorite:
- Unbeatable Comfort & Flavor: Imagine a rich, savory broth, perfectly browned Italian sausage, and fresh veggies, all brought together with a luxurious, velvety creaminess. It’s soul-satisfying comfort in a bowl!
- Quick & Easy Weeknight Win: With a total time of just 30 minutes, this Creamy Italian Sausage Soup is a superhero for busy evenings. You’ll be serving up a gourmet-tasting meal faster than you can order takeout.
- Wholesome & Low-Carb Friendly: Packed with protein from the sausage, nourishing bone broth, and vibrant vegetables like zucchini and spinach, this soup is surprisingly low in carbs and high in flavor, making it a healthy choice you’ll feel great about.
- Versatile & Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re feeding a family, hosting friends, or prepping meals for the week, this Creamy Italian Sausage Soup is a hit. Its robust flavor profile makes it universally appealing, and it’s easy to customize!
Get Ready to Dive Spoon-First into Pure Bliss!
Are you ready to transform your kitchen into an Italian trattoria, all without leaving your home? Imagine a chilly evening, a cozy blanket, and a steaming bowl of something utterly divine. That’s precisely what awaits you with this incredible Creamy Italian Sausage Soup! This isn’t just any soup; it’s a hug in a bowl, a symphony of savory Italian sausage, vibrant garden vegetables, and a luscious, creamy broth that will make your taste buds sing. It’s robust, it’s comforting, and it’s surprisingly easy to whip up, even on your busiest weeknights. Forget bland and boring – this Creamy Italian Sausage Soup is here to prove that wholesome, low-carb eating can be absolutely bursting with flavor. So grab your apron, because we’re about to create some magic!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gather your culinary crew for this delightful Creamy Italian Sausage Soup:
- 🧈 2 tablespoons Butter
- 🧅 1 cup chopped Onion
- 🧄 2 teaspoons minced Garlic
- 🍖 1 pound Ground Italian Sausage
- 🍗 6 cups Chicken Bone Broth
- 🍅 One 14-ounce can Fire Roasted Tomatoes
- 🧀 8 ounces Cream Cheese
- 🥒 1 small chopped Zucchini
- 🌿 1 teaspoon Dried Basil
- 🍃 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
- 🌶️ 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 🥬 4 cups Baby Spinach
- 🧀 Shredded Parmesan Cheese (for topping)
Step-by-Step Directions to Creamy Perfection
Crafting this delicious Creamy Italian Sausage Soup is a breeze. Follow these simple steps for a meal that will impress!
- Sauté the Aromatics and Sausage: In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and ground Italian sausage. Break up the sausage with a spoon as it cooks, ensuring it browns nicely. Continue cooking until the sausage is thoroughly cooked through and the onion has softened and turned translucent. This step builds the foundational flavor for your Creamy Italian Sausage Soup.
- Build the Broth Base: Once the sausage is browned, carefully drain any excess grease from the pot. Pour in the chicken bone broth and the entire can of fire-roasted tomatoes (undrained, for extra flavor). Add the cream cheese in dollops. Stir continuously over medium heat until the cream cheese is fully melted and smoothly blended into the soup, creating a wonderfully creamy texture.
- Simmer to Perfection: Now, add the chopped zucchini, dried basil, dried oregano, and black pepper to the pot. Give everything a good stir to combine. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then immediately reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender but still holds its shape. This allows all the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Finish with Freshness: Finally, just before serving, stir in the baby spinach. Cook for just about 3 minutes, or until the spinach has wilted completely into the soup. The vibrant green adds a lovely color and a boost of nutrients to your Creamy Italian Sausage Soup.
- Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the hot soup into individual bowls. Garnish each serving generously with a sprinkle of shredded Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately and savor every spoonful of this wholesome and easy meal!
Ways to Present and Serve Your Creamy Italian Sausage Soup
While this Creamy Italian Sausage Soup is fantastic on its own, a few thoughtful touches can elevate your dining experience:
- Classic Italian Flair: A generous dusting of fresh Parmesan is a must, but consider adding a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil for a pop of color and a fresh aroma.
- Crusty Dippers: Serve alongside slices of warm, crusty artisan bread, focaccia, or garlic knots for dipping into that glorious creamy broth. For a low-carb option, pair it with some keto-friendly crackers or a simple side salad.
- Extra Creaminess: For an even more decadent bowl, drizzle a swirl of heavy cream or a dollop of mascarpone cheese over the top just before serving. A touch of chili flakes can also add a subtle kick if desired.
- Elevated Garnish: Instead of just shredded Parmesan, try shaved Parmesan for a more elegant look. A drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil can also add a sophisticated finish.
- Meal Pairing: This Creamy Italian Sausage Soup is hearty enough to be a main course. However, it also makes an excellent starter for a larger Italian-themed meal, perhaps followed by a light pasta dish or a roasted chicken.
Storage & Longevity for Your Creamy Italian Sausage Soup
Got leftovers of this amazing Creamy Italian Sausage Soup? Lucky you! Here’s how to keep it fresh:
- Refrigerator: Allow the soup to cool completely to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making it even more delicious the next day!
- Reheating: Gently reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave. If the soup appears too thick after refrigeration, you can add a splash of chicken broth or milk while reheating to reach your desired consistency.
- Freezing: While technically possible, freezing soups with cream cheese (or other dairy) can sometimes lead to a slightly grainy or separated texture upon thawing and reheating. If you choose to freeze, store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently, whisking well to try and reincorporate the cream. Adding a fresh dollop of cream cheese or a splash of cream when reheating can help restore its luscious texture.
FAQs About Creamy Italian Sausage Soup
- Can I make this Creamy Italian Sausage Soup spicier?
Absolutely! To add more heat, you can use spicy Italian sausage, or add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes along with the dried herbs in step 3. - Can I use a different type of sausage?
Yes, you can. While Italian sausage (sweet or spicy) is recommended for its flavor profile, you could experiment with ground turkey or chicken sausage, adjusting seasonings as needed. - Is this Creamy Italian Sausage Soup freezer-friendly?
Due to the cream cheese, freezing can sometimes alter the soup’s texture, potentially making it slightly grainy or separated upon reheating. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for up to 3-4 days. If you must freeze, reheat gently and whisk well. - Can I add other vegetables to this soup?
Certainly! Feel free to customize. Bell peppers, sliced mushrooms, carrots, or even a handful of kale (added with the spinach) would be delicious additions to this Creamy Italian Sausage Soup. - How can I make this soup even creamier?
For an extra luxurious texture, you can add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half during the last few minutes of simmering, or stir in an additional ounce or two of cream cheese. - Can I make this soup dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, you would need to use a plant-based sausage, dairy-free butter, and a dairy-free cream cheese alternative. The texture might vary slightly. - What if I don’t have chicken bone broth?
You can use regular chicken broth or vegetable broth as a substitute. Bone broth adds extra richness and nutrients, but standard broth will still yield a delicious Creamy Italian Sausage Soup. - What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. If it’s too thick, add a bit more broth or water. You can also microwave individual portions. - Can I prepare this soup ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this Creamy Italian Sausage Soup a day or two in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before serving. - Is this Creamy Italian Sausage Soup good for meal prep?
Absolutely! Its robust flavors and satisfying nature make it perfect for meal prepping. Divide into individual containers for easy grab-and-go lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Creamy Italian Sausage Soup
Savory broth with tender sausage and fresh veggies – truly comforting.
Equipment
- Large Soup Pot
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Butter
- 1 cup chopped Onion
- 2 teaspoons minced Garlic
- 1 pound Ground Italian Sausage
- 6 cups Chicken Bone Broth
- 1 can Fire Roasted Tomatoes 14-ounce
- 8 ounces Cream Cheese
- 1 small chopped Zucchini
- 1 teaspoon Dried Basil
- 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 4 cups Baby Spinach
- Shredded Parmesan Cheese for topping
Instructions
- In a large soup pot, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and ground Italian sausage. Break up the sausage with a spoon as it cooks until it’s browned and the onion is soft and clear.
- Pour in the chicken bone broth and fire-roasted tomatoes. Stir in the cream cheese until it’s fully melted and smooth, blending into the soup.
- Add the chopped zucchini, dried basil, dried oregano, and black pepper. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender.
- Finally, stir in the baby spinach until it wilts, which should take about 3 minutes.
- Ladle into bowls and garnish with a generous sprinkle of shredded Parmesan cheese before serving. Enjoy this wholesome and easy meal!
Notes
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 410 kcal
- Total Carbs: 5.6g
- Net Carbs: 4.4g
- Fats: 36g
- Protein: 31g