Welcome to the delicious world of creamy comfort with our Creamy Sausage Soup, the ultimate quick dinner recipe you’ll joyfully whip up any night of the week. There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of soup filled with savory Italian sausage, melting cheese, and aromatic herbs to cozy up your dinner table. This Creamy Sausage Soup offers a delightful culinary experience, perfectly marrying rich flavors into a hearty broth that will leave everyone asking for seconds. With its easy-to-follow steps and simple ingredients, it’s no wonder this soup has earned rave reviews from those seeking robust flavors without the fuss.
For those evenings when you crave something fulfilling yet uncomplicated, this soup is your go-to. Featuring juicy bits of sausage, tender pasta, and a creamy texture, it’s like a warm hug in a bowl. Whether for a busy weeknight dinner or a relaxing weekend meal, our Creamy Sausage Soup embodies comfort with every spoonful. It’s customizable to suit your taste preferences, making it a versatile favorite for the whole family. Read on to discover why this soup will become a cherished part of your dinner repertoire.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Sausage Soup
- Quick and easy: Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe comes together in under 30 minutes.
- Flavor-packed: Rich Italian sausage combined with creamy cheese and aromatic spices creates an unforgettable taste experience.
- Customizable: Easily adjust ingredients to suit dietary preferences such as gluten-free or vegetarian.
- Kid-friendly: The delightful creamy texture and familiar flavors make it a hit with children.
- Comfort food: Ideal for chilly evenings, providing warmth and nourishment in every bowl.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before you dive into crafting this delicious Creamy Sausage Soup, it’s essential to set up your kitchen for success. First, gather all your ingredients to ensure a smooth cooking process. You’ll need a large pot or Dutch oven, which is perfect for both browning the sausage and simmering the soup. Make sure to have a cutting board and a good knife on hand for chopping your veggies as well.
Also, gather measuring cups and spoons to accurately portion your ingredients (especially the spices and cheeses) and a stirring spoon to help mix everything together as it cooks. Keeping the right tools close will streamline your cooking, allowing you to enjoy the delightful aromas wafting from your stovetop.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, based on preference)
- ½ cup diced onion
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) petite diced tomatoes
- 8 oz ditalini pasta
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened and cubed
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup fresh basil (or parsley for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by heating your large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once hot, add your Italian sausage to the pot. Cook the sausage, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Keep stirring until it’s browned and no longer pink inside, which takes about 5-7 minutes. This step lays the flavorful foundation of your soup, releasing the savory goodness characteristic of Italian sausage. Once browned, drain off any excess grease to keep your soup from becoming too oily.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
With the sausage nicely browned, it’s time to infuse the pot with flavor. Add the diced onion, allowing it to sauté for 1-2 minutes until it softens and turns translucent. This step adds a sweet undertone to your soup that balances the savory sausage beautifully. Next, stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently to ensure the garlic doesn’t burn. This process will help release the aromatic oils, enhancing the overall flavor of the soup.
Step 3: Combine the Base
Now that your aromatics are fragrant, pour in the chicken broth along with the can of petite diced tomatoes (with their juices) into the pot. Stir to combine, ensuring that all the flavorful bits at the bottom of the pot get incorporated into the broth. Add in the ditalini pasta, ensuring it’s fully submerged. Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. As soon as it’s boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for roughly 8 minutes or until the pasta is al dente — perfectly tender yet holds its shape.
Step 4: Add the Creamy Goodness
Lower the heat to medium-low as you introduce the creamy components of the soup. Begin adding the cubed cream cheese, stirring continuously to incorporate it fully into the broth. Allow the cream cheese to meld into the soup, giving it that creamy texture we all love. Once it’s well-combined, sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and creamy. The combination of cream cheese and Parmesan will give your soup a deliciously rich and luxurious consistency.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Once the soup has thickened and is bubbling gently, it’s ready to serve! Ladle the delicious creamy sausage soup into bowls. For an herbaceous touch and added color, top each serving with a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley. This isn’t just for presentation; it adds a refreshing flavor that complements the savory soup beautifully. Serve hot, ideally alongside crusty bread or garlic bread for dipping. The bread makes for the perfect accompaniment, perfect for sopping up the rich broth.
Variations
- Protein: Substitute Italian sausage with turkey sausage for a lighter version, or even a plant-based sausage to cater to vegetarians.
- Vegetables: Incorporate additional veggies – such as spinach, kale, or bell peppers – for added nutrition and flavor.
- Spices: Adjust the seasonings by adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for heat or any favorite spices you enjoy.
Cooking Notes
- For a gluten-free option, swap ditalini pasta with a gluten-free pasta alternative.
- Feel free to adjust the liquid content by adding more broth if you prefer a lighter soup.
- This soup can easily be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge. It tastes even better the next day!
- To make this dish vegetarian, use a vegetable broth and omit the sausage, substituting it with hearty vegetables or beans.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with warm, crusty bread or garlic bread for a delightful side.
- Add a side salad for freshness and balance.
Tips
- Chop your vegetables to a uniform size to ensure even cooking.
- Don’t rush the melting of cheese; let it incorporate slowly for the best texture.
- Consider garnishing with a squeeze of lemon juice for a bright touch.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container, which can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 450 calories per serving
- Protein: 24g
- Sodium: 880mg
FAQs
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, this soup can be made ahead of time. Store it in the refrigerator, and reheat it on the stove when ready to serve.
Can I use different types of pasta?
Absolutely! If you can’t find ditalini, feel free to swap it with orzo, small shells, or any pasta you prefer.
What can I serve with this soup?
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty French bread, garlic bread, or even a fresh green salad.
Can I freeze leftovers?
While it’s possible to freeze this soup, be mindful that the creamy texture might change slightly after thawing. Store it in an airtight container for up to three months.
Conclusion
In conclusion, our Creamy Sausage Soup stands as a comforting and hearty dish that gets dinner on the table in no time. With its depth of flavor and creamy texture, it’s the perfect meal for family gatherings or cozy nights at home. Encourage your family to join you in the kitchen and enjoy the process of creating this delightful dish together. Don’t hesitate to experiment with variations, making it your own delightful creation. Once you try this soup, it’s sure to become a staple in your dinner rotation. We invite you to share your feedback, variations, or even pictures of your creations in the comments below!
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Creamy Sausage Soup
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Experience the comforting warmth of this Creamy Sausage Soup, a quick and satisfying meal perfect for any night of the week.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, based on preference)
- ½ cup diced onion
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) petite diced tomatoes
- 8 oz ditalini pasta
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened and cubed
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup fresh basil (or parsley for garnish)
Instructions
- Start by heating your large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once hot, add your Italian sausage to the pot. Cook the sausage, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks, until it’s browned and no longer pink inside, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess grease.
- Add the diced onion and sauté for 1-2 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper, and cook for an additional minute.
- Pour in the chicken broth and canned tomatoes with juices. Stir to combine, then add ditalini pasta and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat and let simmer for 8 minutes or until pasta is al dente.
- Lower heat and add cubed cream cheese, stirring continuously until fully incorporated. Add grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and creamy.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil or parsley, alongside crusty bread for dipping.
Notes
This soup can easily be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge. It tastes even better the next day!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sodium: 880 mg
- Protein: 24 g