If you’re craving a soup that’s both comfortingly creamy and boldly flavorful, look no further than this Creamy Italian Sausage Soup Recipe. This dish balances rich Italian sausage with fresh veggies, herbs, and a velvety broth that’s low in carbs but high on satisfaction. It’s perfect for a cozy lunch or an easy dinner that feels special every time you make it. You’ll love how the silky cream cheese blends seamlessly with savory sausage and bright spinach, making every spoonful a warming hug in a bowl.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Creamy Italian Sausage Soup Recipe are delightfully simple yet thoughtfully chosen to create layers of taste, texture, and color. Each one plays a crucial role in making this soup both hearty and vibrant.
- 2 tbsp Butter: Provides a rich, buttery base to sauté the aromatics and sausage.
- 1 cup Onion, chopped: Adds subtle sweetness and depth when softened.
- 2 tsp Garlic, minced: Brings a fragrant warmth that elevates every bite.
- 1 pound Ground Italian Sausage: Delivers bold, savory flavor with a satisfying protein punch.
- 6 cups Chicken Bone Broth: Forms a nutritious and flavorful soup base that’s light yet rich.
- 14 ounces Fire Roasted Tomatoes (one 14-ounce can): Adds smoky, tangy brightness and color contrast.
- 8 ounces Cream Cheese: Infuses the soup with creamy, tangy smoothness that makes it irresistibly luscious.
- 1 small Zucchini, chopped: Offers tender vegetable freshness and a pop of green.
- 1 tsp Dried Basil: Gives a classic Italian herbal note that pairs beautifully with sausage.
- 1 tsp Dried Oregano: Enhances the earthy, aromatic flavor profile of the soup.
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper: Adds a gentle, warming spice kick.
- 4 cups Baby Spinach: Brings vibrant color, mild flavor, and a boost of leafy greens.
- Shredded Parmesan Cheese for topping: Provides a salty, nutty finish that crowns each serving perfectly.
How to Make Creamy Italian Sausage Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics and Sausage
Melt the butter in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and ground Italian sausage. Use a spoon to crumble the sausage as it cooks. Stir frequently until the onion is soft and translucent, and the sausage is browned and cooked through. This step builds a deeply savory flavor foundation that makes the soup unforgettable.
Step 2: Add Broth, Tomatoes, and Cream Cheese
Pour in the chicken bone broth along with the canned fire roasted tomatoes. Stir the mixture, then add the cream cheese in chunks, stirring continuously until it fully melts into the broth. This is the moment the soup transforms into its characteristic creamy, comforting consistency with a perfect balance of tang and richness.
Step 3: Introduce Vegetables and Herbs
Stir in the chopped zucchini, dried basil, dried oregano, and black pepper. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook gently for 15 to 20 minutes, allowing the zucchini to soften and the flavors to meld beautifully. This slow simmer ensures every element shines through without overwhelming the palate.
Step 4: Add Spinach and Finish
Finally, stir in the baby spinach leaves and cook for an additional 3 minutes or until wilted but still vibrant. This addition not only introduces lovely color contrast but infuses the soup with a fresh and healthy note that complements the creamy broth and rustic sausage perfectly.
How to Serve Creamy Italian Sausage Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Richly top each bowl with a generous sprinkle of shredded Parmesan cheese. The heat of the soup will gently melt the cheese, adding an irresistible salty and nutty flavor that elevates the entire dish. Optionally, fresh chopped basil or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil can add a lovely fresh finish.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with simple crusty bread to soak up the luscious broth or a crisp green salad for a lighter, contrasting texture. Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks also complement the Italian flavors and make for a truly indulgent meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming presentation, serve the soup in rustic Italian-style bowls and garnish with a sprig of fresh herb or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a pop of color and a bit of heat. You might also ladle it into hollowed-out mini pumpkins or bread bowls for a festive twist on a classic that’s sure to impress guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Creamy Italian Sausage Soup Recipe keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to four days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve freshness and flavor. Before reheating, give it a good stir to reincorporate any separation that may have occurred.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover soup in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to three months. Because of the cream cheese, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently to maintain its creamy texture without curdling.
Reheating
Warm the soup over low to medium heat on the stove, stirring occasionally. If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it to your desired consistency. Avoid microwaving at high heat to keep that silky smooth texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use turkey sausage instead of Italian sausage?
Absolutely! Turkey sausage is a leaner option that works well in this soup. It will slightly reduce the fat content but still provide plenty of savory flavor.
Is this soup freezer-friendly despite having cream cheese?
Yes, but with a little care. Freeze in airtight containers and thaw slowly in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove to keep the texture creamy and smooth.
Can I make this soup dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, you can substitute the butter with olive oil and use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative. The soup will still be delicious and creamy with those tweaks.
What can I use instead of chicken bone broth?
Regular chicken broth or vegetable broth will work fine if you don’t have bone broth on hand. Bone broth just adds a richer mouthfeel and extra nutrients.
How spicy is this soup?
This recipe is mildly spiced using black pepper and flavorful sausage but it’s not hot. You can easily add crushed red pepper flakes if you prefer a spicier kick.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Italian Sausage Soup Recipe has truly become a go-to comfort food for me, especially when I need something hearty, satisfying, and easy to whip up. Its balance of creamy texture, bold herbs, and fresh greens makes it a perfect all-season dish that everyone can enjoy. I encourage you to dive in and make it your own—it’s the kind of recipe that feels like a warm hug with every spoonful.
PrintCreamy Italian Sausage Soup Recipe
This creamy Italian sausage soup is a comforting, flavorful, and low-carb meal perfect for lunch or meal prep. Made with savory Italian sausage, fire-roasted tomatoes, fresh vegetables, and a rich, creamy broth, this soup satisfies cravings while keeping carbs in check. It’s an ideal keto-friendly dish that also features wholesome ingredients like spinach and zucchini, delivering a nutritious and hearty bowl of soup.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Low Carb
Ingredients
Soup Ingredients
- 2 tbsp Butter
- 1 cup Onion, chopped
- 2 tsp Garlic, minced
- 1 pound Ground Italian Sausage
- 6 cups Chicken Bone Broth
- 14 ounces Fire Roasted Tomatoes (one 14-ounce can)
- 8 ounces Cream Cheese
- 1 small Zucchini, chopped
- 1 tsp Dried Basil
- 1 tsp Dried Oregano
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
- 4 cups Baby Spinach
- Shredded Parmesan Cheese, for topping
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics and Sausage: Melt butter in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and ground Italian sausage. Crumble the sausage with a spoon as it cooks. Continue cooking until the onion becomes soft and translucent and the sausage is browned.
- Add Broth and Tomatoes: Pour in the chicken bone broth and fire-roasted tomatoes. Stir to combine everything evenly.
- Incorporate Cream Cheese: Add the cream cheese to the pot and stir continuously until it fully melts, creating a creamy base for the soup.
- Add Vegetables and Seasonings: Stir in the chopped zucchini, dried basil, dried oregano, and black pepper. Increase the heat to bring the soup to a boil.
- Simmer the Soup: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer gently for 15-20 minutes, or until the zucchini becomes tender.
- Add Spinach and Wilt: Add the baby spinach to the soup and stir until the spinach wilts, which should take about 3 minutes.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and top each serving with shredded Parmesan cheese for extra flavor and richness.
Notes
- Use fire-roasted tomatoes for a smoky depth of flavor in the soup.
- Ground Italian sausage can be spicy or mild depending on preference—choose accordingly.
- Bone broth adds extra nutrients and richness but you can substitute with regular chicken broth if needed.
- To keep this keto-friendly, avoid adding high-carb vegetables or starches.
- For a thicker soup, simmer longer to reduce the liquid or add additional cream cheese.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and freeze nicely for up to 3 months.
