Creamy Sausage Soup – Best Quick Dinner Recipe
Creamy Sausage Soup – Best Quick Dinner Recipe
This Creamy Sausage Soup is the perfect quick dinner recipe that warms the heart and fills the belly. It’s rich, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying, making it an ideal choice for busy weekdays or cozy weekends. Using simple ingredients, this dish comes together quickly and provides a delicious meal everyone will love. Whether you’re cooking for the family or hosting friends, this soup is a winner every time.
Why Make This Recipe
There are countless reasons to love this Creamy Sausage Soup. First and foremost, it’s a one-pot wonder, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy your meal. The combination of savory Italian sausage, creamy cheese, and fresh herbs creates a delightful flavor that is comforting and satisfying.
One of the best parts about this soup is its flexibility. You can easily adapt it to your taste preferences. Whether you want it spicy or mild, vegetarian or with turkey sausage, this recipe has options for everyone. Plus, it’s packed with protein and can easily be enjoyed as a complete meal.
Another reason to make this soup is its speed. With just a few simple steps, you can create a wholesome dinner in under 30 minutes. This makes it a perfect candidate for busy nights when you want something quick but still homemade. The creamy texture paired with hearty pasta makes it a delightful dish that is sure to please.
So whether you’re looking for a comforting bowl to chase away the chill or a satisfying weekday meal, this Creamy Sausage Soup should be at the top of your list.
How to Make Creamy Sausage Soup
Creating this Creamy Sausage Soup is simple and straightforward. Follow these easy steps to whip up a delicious meal in no time!
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)
Additional Suggestions:
- For a vegetarian base, replace chicken broth with vegetable broth.
- Use turkey sausage instead of Italian sausage for a lighter option.
- Swap out ditalini pasta for orzo or small shells if desired.
Directions:
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by heating a large pot over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage to the pot and break it apart with a spoon. Cook the sausage until it is browned and no longer pink, about 5 to 7 minutes. Make sure to drain excess fat if needed, but leave a little for flavor.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Once the sausage is browned, add the diced onion to the pot. Sauté the onion for about 3 minutes or until it becomes translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and continue to sauté for 1 more minute. The aroma will be delightful!
Step 3: Combine the Base
Next, pour in the chicken broth and add the petite diced tomatoes (with juice). Stir the mixture together and bring it to a simmer. Add the Italian seasoning, salt, and ground black pepper to enhance the flavor.
Step 4: Add the Creamy Goodness
Once everything is simmering, add the ditalini pasta to the pot. Let it cook for about 10 minutes or until the pasta is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. After the pasta is cooked, lower the heat and add the cubed cream cheese and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheeses are melted and creamy throughout the soup.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Your soup is now ready to serve! Ladle it into bowls and sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Grab some crusty bread or a side salad, and enjoy your warm, comforting meal.
How to Serve Creamy Sausage Soup
Creamy Sausage Soup is delicious on its own, but there are many ways to enhance the dining experience. Serve the soup in a deep bowl, allowing the creamy texture to shine. Here are some tasty suggestions for sides:
- Crusty Bread: A warm baguette or sourdough bread is perfect for dipping into the creamy soup.
- Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette can balance the richness of the soup.
- Garlic Bread: Serve slices of toasted garlic bread for a flavorful accompaniment.
This soup can also be topped with additional cheese, crushed red pepper flakes, or a drizzle of good olive oil for added richness. Feel free to get creative with your toppings!
How to Store Creamy Sausage Soup
If you have leftovers (which is rare because it’s so good), storing your Creamy Sausage Soup is easy. Let the soup cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container.
-
Refrigeration: Store the soup in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Just make sure to reheat it thoroughly before serving again.
-
Freezing: If you want to save it longer, this soup can be frozen. Place it in a freezer-safe container and store it for up to 3 months. To enjoy, thaw the soup in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
A note of caution: the pasta may absorb some of the soup’s liquid during storage, so you may want to add a splash of broth or water while reheating to restore the creamy consistency.
Tips to Make Creamy Sausage Soup
Here are some helpful tips to make your Creamy Sausage Soup even better:
- Make it Ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day! Consider making a big batch in advance for meal prep.
- Don’t Skip the Cheese: Cream cheese is key for that silky texture. Make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil or parsley adds brightness to the dish. Always prefer fresh over dried when possible.
- Customize: Feel free to add vegetables like spinach, kale, or mushrooms for added nutrition and flavor. Just add them in when you add the pasta.
- Spice it Up: If you like a kick, use hot Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes for extra heat.
Experiment with these tips to make the recipe your own!
Variation
If you want to switch things up, consider these variations:
- Vegetarian Version: Use plant-based sausage or mushrooms to replace the Italian sausage, and use vegetable broth for a vegetarian base. This still brings hearty flavors but caters to vegetarian diets.
- Lighter Option: Swap Italian sausage for turkey sausage to create a lighter version. It retains the delicious flavor with fewer calories.
- Different Pasta Shapes: If you don’t have ditalini pasta, feel free to use any small pasta shapes you have on hand, like macaroni, or even skip the pasta altogether for a lower-carb option.
The possibilities are endless! Get creative and find what suits your taste buds best.
FAQs
1. Can I make this soup in advance?
Yes, you can! This soup keeps well in the fridge for a few days, and the flavors often develop even more as it sits. Make sure to store it in an airtight container.
2. Can I freeze Creamy Sausage Soup?
Absolutely! This soup freezes well. Just be sure to let it cool down completely before placing it in a freezer-safe container. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm it on the stovetop.
3. What can I use instead of cream cheese?
If you don’t have cream cheese, you can use heavy cream or another creamy cheese like mascarpone. However, cream cheese provides unique flavors that contribute to the overall taste of the soup.
4. Can I add other vegetables?
Yes! Feel free to add any vegetables you like. Spinach, kale, or bell peppers can all be great additions. Just ensure that they are cooked until softened before adding the cream cheese.
5. How spicy is the soup?
The soup’s spiciness depends on the type of Italian sausage you choose. Mild sausage will give you a comfortable level, while spicy sausage will add more heat. Adjust according to your preference!
By following this guide, you’re all set to enjoy a cozy bowl of Creamy Sausage Soup. Whether it’s for a family dinner or a gathering with friends, this dish is sure to impress and satisfy everyone at the table. Happy cooking!
PrintCreamy Sausage Soup
A one-pot creamy sausage soup that’s quick to make and perfect for busy weeknights.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Wheat Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 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
- Brown the Sausage: Heat a large pot over medium heat and cook the Italian sausage until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Add diced onion and sauté for about 3 minutes until translucent, then add minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute.
- Combine the Base: Pour in the chicken broth and petite diced tomatoes; bring to a simmer. Add Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- Add the Creamy Goodness: Add ditalini pasta and cook for about 10 minutes until tender. Lower heat and stir in cream cheese and grated Parmesan until melted and creamy.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle into bowls, garnish with fresh basil or parsley, and enjoy with crusty bread or a side salad.
Notes
For a lighter option, use turkey sausage or a vegetarian base with vegetable broth. Store leftovers in the fridge for 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
