sausage soup

I am so excited to share this recipe with you today. What is a sausage soup? I love Sunday dinners. It instantly transports me back to cozy Sunday nights with my family. Whenever the weather gets a little bit chilly, or I’m craving something hearty and ridiculously good. I can’t help myself. What is your go-to food? Is it so satisfying, packed with flavor, and honestly, surprisingly easy to whip up, even on a whim. I’ve tried a lot of different soups over the years, but this sausage soup has stayed with me forever. What is a hearty Chicken Noodle Soup? Is it the kind of meal that makes the whole house smell amazing and brings everyone running to the kitchen? My kids ask for this all the time, and it’s become a staple in our meal rotation. Is it a true lifesaver on busy nights when you want something wholesome and satisfying without feeling guilty? Spending hours in the kitchen.

What is sausage soup?

What exactly is this magical Sausage Soup? What are some of the best sausage soups? What are some good recipes for a creamy broth base, sometimes with pasta or grains? Extra substance. I think this particular version is built around the deliciousness of good quality sausage, which is why I like it so much. What is the secret weapon? When it cooks, it releases all its wonderful fats and juices into the broth, creating a rich flavor. What is the depth of flavor? Is it just a soup? What is essentially a simplified, soupy version of sausage and vegetable stew, but with that same flavor. What makes this creaminess so special? Is this the kind of dish that makes you want to curl up on the couch with a good book and just savor. Every spoonful. Every

Why you’ll love this recipe?

There are so many reasons why this sausage soup has become a firm favorite in my kitchen, and I just know you’re going to adore it too! Let’s break down what makes it so special. First off, the FLAVOR. Oh my goodness, the flavor! The savory goodness from the sausage, combined with the sweetness of the vegetables and the subtle hint of herbs, creates a taste profile that is just out of this world. It’s rich, it’s savory, and it has this wonderful warmth that just makes you feel good from the inside out. What I love most about this is how incredibly SIMPLE it is. Seriously, you can have this on the table in under an hour, and most of that is just hands-off simmering time. It doesn’t require any fancy techniques or hard-to-find ingredients, making it perfect for beginners and busy home cooks alike. Plus, it’s surprisingly COST-EFFICIENT. Using staple pantry ingredients and affordable sausage means you get a gourmet-tasting meal without breaking the bank. And the VERSATILITY! You can adapt this sausage soup in so many ways. Add different vegetables, swap out the type of sausage, or even toss in some beans for extra protein. It’s a recipe that truly works with whatever you have on hand. Honestly, I love this recipe because it’s a guaranteed win. It’s one of those dishes that I can make with confidence, knowing it will be devoured by my family, and that’s the best feeling for any home cook. It’s a hearty, comforting, and utterly delicious meal that will quickly become a favorite in your household too, much like my famous chili or my go-to baked mac and cheese.

How do you make sausage soup?

Quick Overview

How do I make sausage soup? How do you cook a sausage? Start by browning it, then sautéing some onions. What are some of the We’ll then add broth, a few other flavor boosters, and let it simmer until everything is tender and smooth. Then add the broth. The flavors have melded beautifully. The beauty of this method is that it’s all done in one pot, minimizing cleanup, which is always a good thing. What a huge win in my book! Is it a quick and easy process? You have got this!

Ingredients

For the Main Soup: What is the main soup
2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon salt. 1
1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, your choice!), casings removed
1 large onion, chopped finely.
2 carrots, peeled and diced.
2 celery stalks, diced.
4 cloves of garlic, minced. 2
6 cups chicken broth (low sodium is great so you can control the salt)
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning.
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme. 1 cup dried
Salt and freshly ground Black Pepper to taste.
1 cup small pasta, like ditalini or elbow macaroni (optional)
1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half (for creaminess)
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish.

For Flavor Boost (Optional but Recommended):
1 bay leaf
A pinch of red pepper flakes (if you like a little heat) can make this dish.

For Serving:
Crusty bread for dipping!

How do I follow the

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

If you have a Dutch oven, place it over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and stir to combine. Once the oil is shimmering, add your sausage meat. Is it safe to break up a potato with sand? We want to brown it well to render out some of that delicious fat and get those crispy bits.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

Cook the sausage, stirring occasionally and breaking it up with your spoon, until it’s nicely browned and cooked through. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Once it’s done, use a slotted spoon to transfer the sausage to a plate, leaving the rendered fat in the pot. Don’t drain all of it – that fat is pure flavor!

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

Add the chopped onion, diced carrots, and celery to the pot with the sausage drippings. Cook for about 5 minutes. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened, which will take about 6-8 minutes. What happens if you scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot – that’s where the magic happens!

Step 4: Add Garlic and Seasonings

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. How do you cook garlic? If you’re using optional red pepper flakes, toss them in now too.

Step 5: Add Broth and Tomatoes

Pour in the chicken broth and the can of diced tomatoes (don’t drain them!). If you’re using a bay leaf, toss that in now as well. Stir everything together, making sure to scrape the bottom of the pot again to incorporate any flavorful bits.

Step 6: Simmer and Cook Pasta (if using)

Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for at least 15-20 minutes. This allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully. If you’re adding pasta, stir it in during the last 10-12 minutes of simmering, or according to the pasta package directions, until it’s al dente. If the soup gets too thick, you can add a little more broth or water.

Step 7: Stir in Cream and Sausage

Remove the bay leaf (if used). Stir in the cooked sausage that you set aside earlier and the heavy cream or half-and-half. Heat the soup gently until it’s warmed through, but don’t let it boil after adding the cream, or it might curdle. Taste and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. Remember, the sausage and broth already have salt, so season gradually.

Step 8: Adjust Consistency and Serve

Give the soup a final stir. If it’s too thick, add a splash more broth. If it’s too thin, you can let it simmer uncovered for a few more minutes to reduce slightly. Ladle the hot sausage soup into bowls, garnish with fresh chopped parsley, and serve immediately with crusty bread for dipping. It’s truly that simple!

What should I serve it with?

This hearty sausage soup is a meal in itself, but there are definitely some fantastic ways to round out the meal and make it even more special. For a casual FOR BREAKFAST (or brunch!), I love serving it with a strong cup of coffee or a festive mimosa. It’s surprisingly comforting on a lazy weekend morning. FOR BRUNCH, I’ll often make a slightly richer version with a touch more cream and serve it alongside some fluffy Scrambled Eggs or crispy bacon. For a more elegant presentation, I’ll garnish it with a swirl of extra cream and some chives. AS DESSERT, well, this soup is usually the main event, but if you’re really feeling it, a light, fruit-based dessert or a simple chocolate mousse would be lovely. But honestly, my absolute favorite way to enjoy this sausage soup is FOR COZY SNACKS. It’s perfect for those evenings when you just want something warm and comforting. I’ll often serve it with a big chunk of warm, crusty bread for dipping – it’s practically a requirement! We also love it with a simple side salad of mixed greens with a light vinaigrette. It’s the perfect balance to the richness of the soup. My grandma used to serve it with little cheese biscuits, and that memory always makes me smile.

Top Tips for Perfecting Your Sausage Soup

I’ve made this sausage soup more times than I can count, and over the years, I’ve picked up a few tricks that really elevate it. First, when it comes to the sausage, don’t be afraid to get it nice and browned in the pot. Those little crispy bits that stick to the bottom are pure flavor gold! Speaking of the pot, using a good quality Dutch oven or a heavy-bottomed pot really makes a difference in even cooking. For the vegetables, I like to dice them relatively small and uniformly so they cook evenly and are easy to eat in a soup. My kids are picky eaters, and dicing them small helps them disappear into the deliciousness! When you’re sautéing the aromatics, take your time and let them soften nicely; this builds a really solid flavor base for the entire soup. If you’re using pasta, make sure you don’t overcook it in the soup. It will continue to cook a bit even after you take it off the heat, and nobody likes mushy pasta! I learned that the hard way a few times. For the creaminess, I’ve experimented with different types of cream and half-and-half. Heavy cream gives it a richer, more decadent texture, while half-and-half is a bit lighter. Either works beautifully, but if you want that extra luxurious feel, go with heavy cream. Another great tip is to use good quality chicken broth. It really does make a difference. If you have homemade chicken broth, even better! I’ve also tried using Vegetable Broth in a pinch, and it works fine, but the chicken broth really complements the sausage so well. Lastly, always taste and adjust your seasoning at the end. Salt and pepper are your best friends here, and sometimes a pinch more dried herbs can really brighten things up. Don’t be afraid to trust your taste buds!

What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?

This sausage soup is fantastic for leftovers, which is why it’s such a weeknight hero! For Room Temperature storage, I usually let it cool down on the counter for about an hour, covered loosely, before transferring it. It’s generally safe to leave out for no more than two hours. For Refrigerator Storage, I like to put any leftover soup in airtight containers. It will stay fresh and delicious in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. The flavors actually tend to meld even more overnight, making it even tastier the next day! When it comes to Freezer Instructions, this soup freezes wonderfully. I recommend letting it cool completely, then portioning it into freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to reheat, the best way is to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then warm it gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. If you’re in a hurry, you can reheat it directly from frozen on the stovetop, but it will take longer. If you plan on freezing the soup and want to maintain the best texture, I recommend adding the cream and pasta (if using) *after* thawing and reheating, as the cream can sometimes separate a bit with freezing and thawing, and pasta can get overly soft if frozen. So, cook the soup base, freeze it, then add the cream and pasta when you reheat it for the best results!

What are the most frequently asked questions on

Final Thoughts

So there you have it – my absolute favorite sausage soup! I truly hope you give this recipe a try. It’s one of those dishes that brings so much warmth and comfort, and the incredible aroma that fills your kitchen while it’s simmering is just divine. It’s more than just a meal; it’s an experience, a hug in a bowl that I’m so happy to share with you all. If you love this sausage soup, you might also enjoy my hearty beef stew or my creamy tomato basil soup – they have a similar comforting vibe! I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out, so please leave a comment below and let me know your thoughts, or if you’ve tried any fun variations. Don’t forget to share your creations on social media and tag me – I love seeing what you’re cooking up in your kitchens! Happy cooking, and may your bowls always be full!