Hearty Sausage Soup Recipe: A Cozy Bowl of Homemade Comfort

Cozy winter nights demand a hearty sausage soup that warms you from the inside out.

Aromatic herbs and robust ingredients dance together in a single pot.

Comfort flows through each spoonful of this rustic meal.

Savory sausage brings depth and richness to the broth, creating a symphony of flavors.

Seasonal vegetables add vibrant color and nutritional balance to every serving.

You’ll feel nourished and satisfied after enjoying this simple yet delicious recipe.

Let’s dive into a culinary experience that promises to delight your taste buds and chase away the evening chill.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of sausage?

Yes, you can substitute the sausage with Italian sausage, chicken sausage, or even turkey sausage for a different flavor profile.

• Is there a way to make this soup lighter?

Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk to reduce calories. You can also use low-sodium chicken broth for a lighter version.

• How can I make this soup more filling?

Add extra protein like white beans or diced chicken. You can also increase the amount of tortellini or serve with crusty bread on the side.

• Can this soup be made vegetarian?

Replace sausage with plant-based sausage or mushrooms. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and add extra vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for more substance.

Why Sausage Soup Is a Comfort Classic

• This sausage soup delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort, perfect for busy home cooks craving a satisfying meal in no time.
• Easily adaptable recipe allows swapping ingredients like different sausage types, pasta, or greens to match your family's taste preferences.
• Streamlined cooking process means fewer dishes to clean, making this soup a weeknight dinner champion that saves time and reduces kitchen cleanup hassle.
• Packed with hearty sausage, creamy texture, and nutritious spinach, this soup appeals to both kids and adults, ensuring everyone at the table leaves happy and full.

What You Need for Hearty Sausage Soup

• Sausage: Hearty protein that gives depth and richness to the soup.
• Tortellini: Cheese-filled pasta that adds texture and comfort.
• Chicken Broth: Flavorful liquid base for the soup.
• Heavy Cream: Creamy element that adds smoothness and richness.
• Spinach: Fresh green vegetable that provides nutrition and color.

• Onion, Garlic: Foundational flavor builders for the soup.
• Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: Herbs and spices that enhance overall taste profile.

• Parmesan Cheese: Optional topping that adds extra savory dimension.

How to Make a Cozy Sausage Soup

Step 1: Brown Sausage in Pot

Heat a large pot over medium flame.

Crumble sausage and cook until fully browned and no pink remains.

Transfer cooked sausage to a separate plate.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

In the same pot, cook diced onions until translucent and soft.

Add minced garlic and quickly sauté for about 30 seconds, releasing their fragrant oils.

Step 3: Create Soup Base

Pour chicken broth into the pot, scraping up any delicious browned bits from the bottom.

Sprinkle in Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to build depth of flavor.

Step 4: Cook Tortellini

Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer.

Add tortellini and cook until pasta becomes tender, approximately 5-7 minutes.

Step 5: Enrich with Cream

Lower the heat and pour in heavy cream, stirring to create a silky, luxurious texture.

Step 6: Add Fresh Greens

Toss fresh spinach into the soup, allowing the hot liquid to naturally wilt the leaves.

Step 7: Combine and Finish

Return browned sausage to the pot, mixing everything together for a harmonious blend of flavors.

Step 8: Serve and Garnish

Taste the soup and adjust seasonings as needed.

Ladle into bowls and optionally sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving.

Tips for Flavorful Sausage Soup

• Choose high-quality Italian sausage with robust flavor for maximum taste impact.
• Add heavy cream at low heat to prevent separation and maintain smooth texture.
• Tear spinach leaves just before adding to preserve nutrients and vibrant green color.
• Taste and adjust salt and pepper gradually to develop perfect flavor profile.
• Grate fresh Parmesan cheese directly over soup for enhanced richness and depth.

Store and Reheat Sausage Soup Without Fuss

• Store soup in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer soup to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Avoid freezing tortellini, as it can become mushy when thawed.
• Pour soup into a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed. Add a splash of chicken broth if the soup seems too thick.
• Pour soup into a pot, warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add extra broth if needed to restore original consistency. Heat until steaming and thoroughly hot, about 5-7 minutes.

Perfect Pairings for Sausage Soup

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a bright, acidic Italian pinot grigio to cut through the richness of the sausage and cream, refreshing your palate with each sip.
• Complement with Crusty Garlic Bread: Toast a rustic baguette with garlic butter to provide a crunchy contrast to the soup's soft tortellini and tender sausage, perfect for soaking up extra broth.
• Match with Fresh Arugula Salad: Create a light side salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to balance the soup's hearty flavors, adding a peppery green element that enhances the overall meal experience.
• Enhance with Grated Pecorino Romano: Sprinkle this sharper, more robust cheese alongside the Parmesan for an extra layer of tangy, salty complexity that elevates the soup's depth of flavor.

Sausage Soup Variations to Explore

• Vegetarian Swap: Replace sausage with plant-based sausage crumbles or firm tofu chunks seasoned with Italian herbs for a meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute tortellini with gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles to accommodate wheat sensitivities.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Use cauliflower florets instead of tortellini and swap heavy cream for coconut cream to reduce carbohydrate content.
• Dairy-Free Modification: Exchange heavy cream with unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk and omit Parmesan cheese for those with dairy restrictions.

Sausage Soup Recipe

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4.8 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty sausage soup offers a comforting blend of robust flavors and tender ingredients that dance harmoniously on your palate. Warm spices and rich broth create a soul-satisfying meal you’ll crave during chilly evenings.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 1 pound (1 lb / 454 grams) Italian sausage (mild or spicy)

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped

Liquids, Dairy, and Seasonings:

• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 9 ounces (9 oz / 255 grams) cheese tortellini (refrigerated or frozen)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed for sauteing)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)

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Instructions

1. Brown the sausage in a large pot over medium heat until fully cooked, then transfer to a separate plate.
2. Using the same pot, sauté onions until translucent, then quickly introduce minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds.
3. Deglaze the pot with chicken broth, incorporating Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to develop a rich flavor base.
4. Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer and carefully add tortellini, cooking for 5-7 minutes until pasta reaches al dente consistency.
5. Lower the heat and gently fold in heavy cream, creating a silky and luxurious texture.
6. Introduce fresh spinach leaves to the hot soup, allowing them to wilt naturally and release their vibrant green color.
7. Reintegrate the cooked sausage into the soup, stirring to distribute evenly and reheat the meat.
8. Perform a final taste assessment, adjusting seasonings as necessary. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese before serving piping hot.

Notes

• Customize meat selection by swapping pork sausage with chicken, turkey, or plant-based alternatives for diverse dietary needs.
• Control sodium levels by using low-sodium chicken broth and reducing added salt, perfect for heart-healthy diets.
• Enhance vegetable content by adding extra leafy greens like kale or Swiss chard for increased nutritional value.
• Achieve creamy texture without heavy cream by substituting with coconut milk or Greek yogurt for lighter versions.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 435
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 780 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg