Alright, let me tell you—this soup is like a warm hug on a chilly day, but with a little extra personality. The kind of dish that makes you want to kick off your shoes, grab a big spoon, and just dive right in. Imagine savory Italian sausage mingling with tender veggies and a silky, creamy broth that coats your mouth in the best way possible. It’s thick, comforting, and loaded with flavor from the first bite to the last. Plus, it’s surprisingly simple to throw together on a weeknight when you want something fuss-free but impressive. Trust me, your family or friends will be begging for seconds before you even call it done.
Quick Facts
Yield: Serves 6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients
For the Main Dish:
1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 medium carrots, diced
2 stalks celery, diced
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
2 cups chopped kale or spinach
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 tbsp olive oil
How I Make It
Step 1:
Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. You’ll want it nice and browned, about 7 minutes—this browning adds tons of flavor, so don’t rush it!
Step 2:
Once the sausage is browned and mostly cooked through, stir in the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes until the veggies soften and the kitchen smells amazing with that garlicky, herby goodness.
Step 3:
Next, pour in 4 cups of chicken broth and add the drained diced tomatoes, oregano, and basil. Bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 15 minutes to let the flavors meld together beautifully.
Step 4:
Stir in the chopped kale or spinach and cook until wilted, about 3 minutes. Then lower the heat, and carefully add the heavy cream, stirring steadily for a silky texture. Taste and season with salt and pepper to make it just right.
Step 5:
Let the soup simmer gently for another 5 minutes so all the flavors harmonize and the cream gets luxuriously thick. If it gets too thick, don’t hesitate to splash in a bit more broth or water to reach your perfect consistency.
Step 6:
Serve hot, ideally with crusty bread or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top, and get ready to relish every soulful spoonful of this creamy, cozy delight.
Variations & Tips
Use spicy sausage for an extra kick or sweet sausage if you prefer milder flavor.
Swap kale or spinach for swiss chard or even collard greens for a different green veggie taste.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking sausage for a little heat.
If you want it thicker, stir in a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with cold water before adding cream.
For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with canned coconut milk (full fat) for richness.
Add cooked pasta or rice at the end to turn this into an even heartier one-pot meal.
How I Like to Serve It
This soup is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a casual weekend lunch. I especially love it served with warm garlic bread and a simple green salad on the side. On chilly fall evenings, a cozy blanket and bowl of this soup makes everything feel just right—in other words, pure comfort in a bowl!
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat gently on the stove to avoid curdling.
This soup freezes well—just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat slowly, stirring often.
Closing: This creamy Italian sausage soup is one of those recipes that’s easy, flavorful, and always feels like a little celebration in your bowl—your future self will thank you for making it!
