Creamy Sausage Soup – Best Quick Dinner Recipe

why make this recipe

Creamy Sausage Soup is the perfect dish for a cozy dinner. If you’re looking for something easy and delicious, this recipe is a winner. It’s quick to make and uses simple ingredients that you might already have at home. This soup is not just a regular soup; it showers your senses with rich flavors of Italian sausage, creamy goodness from cheese, and the heartiness of pasta.

Another reason to love this soup is its flexibility. You can make it in just about 30 minutes, making it a great choice for busy weeknights. Families love it, kids will enjoy the creamy texture and the fun pasta, and adults will appreciate the bold flavors and comforting warmth. This soup is a nourishing meal all by itself, yet it can easily be paired with crusty bread or a simple salad for a complete dinner.

how to make Creamy Sausage Soup

Making Creamy Sausage Soup is straightforward, and even beginner cooks can follow along easily. Let’s break down the steps so you can whip up this tasty dish in no time.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb Italian sausage
• 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)

Directions:

1. Brown the Sausage: Start by heating a large pot over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage to the pot. Use a wooden spoon to break it up into smaller pieces as it cooks. Cook until the sausage is nicely browned. If there is excess fat in the pot, carefully drain it away. This step helps keep the soup from becoming too greasy.

2. Sauté the Aromatics: Once the sausage is browned, it’s time to add some flavor. Add the diced onion to the pot and sauté until it turns translucent. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes. Then, toss in the minced garlic and sauté for another minute. Garlic can burn quickly, so keep an eye on it and stir often.

3. Combine the Base: With the sausage and aromatics ready, it’s time to make the base of the soup. Pour in the chicken broth and add the can of petite diced tomatoes. Give everything a good stir and bring it to a gentle simmer. Once simmering, add in the Italian seasoning, salt, and ground black pepper. This creates a tasty broth that forms the heart of your soup.

4. Add the Creamy Goodness: When the soup is bubbling gently, it’s time to add the pasta. Pour in the ditalini pasta and let it cook according to the package instructions until it’s tender. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once the pasta is cooked, lower the heat and stir in the cubed cream cheese and grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese has melted and the soup becomes wonderfully creamy.

5. Serve and Garnish: Your soup is almost ready! ladle the Creamy Sausage Soup into bowls. For the finishing touch, garnish each bowl with fresh basil or parsley. This adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish. Enjoy it hot and savor the comforting flavors!

how to serve Creamy Sausage Soup

Serving Creamy Sausage Soup can be as simple or elaborate as you want it to be. This soup is quite filling on its own thanks to the sausage and pasta. However, you can enhance your meal by serving it with some crunchy bread or a fresh salad.

• With Bread: Pairing the soup with crusty bread is a classic choice. You can choose any bread like a nice sourdough, French baguette, or even some garlic bread. The bread is perfect for dipping into the creamy soup.

• With Salad: A fresh side salad is always a great option to balance the richness of the soup. A simple green salad dressed with olive oil and vinegar keeps it light and refreshing.

• Toppings: If you want to take your serving up a notch, consider adding toppings like shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, or extra herbs.

Whenever you serve this soup, make sure to provide some spoons and bowls, and let your family or friends dive right in!

how to store Creamy Sausage Soup

If you have leftover Creamy Sausage Soup, or plan to make it ahead of time, it’s easy to store. Here’s how to keep it fresh for future meals:

• Cooling: Allow the soup to cool down to room temperature before storing it. Placing hot soup directly into the fridge can raise the temperature inside and may affect its freshness.

• Containers: Use airtight containers or resealable bags to store the soup. If you use bags, make sure to remove as much air as possible before sealing.

• Fridge: You can store the soup in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Just make sure to reheat it well before serving again.

• Freezer: For longer storage, Creamy Sausage Soup can be frozen. Place it in freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top for expansion. It can last in the freezer for about 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge and then reheat on the stove.

tips to make Creamy Sausage Soup

• Sausage Choices: You can use spicy or mild Italian sausage depending on your preference. For a lower-fat option, consider using turkey sausage.

• Vegetable Additions: Feel free to add vegetables like spinach, kale, or bell peppers for even more nutrients. Simply add them in with the onions so they have time to cook down.

• Herb Variations: While the recipe calls for Italian seasoning, you can switch it up! Fresh herbs like thyme or oregano can work wonderfully as well.

• Make it Richer: For an extra rich flavor, sauté the sausage in a bit of olive oil before adding the onions and garlic.

• Pasta Alternatives: If you can’t find ditalini pasta, any small pasta shape like elbow macaroni or shells can work as a substitute.

• Cream Cheese Substitutes: If you don’t have cream cheese on hand, sour cream or half and half can also create a smooth and creamy texture.

variation

One of the best things about the Creamy Sausage Soup is how easily it can be adapted. Here are a few variations you can try:

• Vegetarian Version: For a vegetarian take, you can replace the sausage with a meatless sausage or simply use mushrooms and additional vegetables. Be sure to use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth too!

• Spicy Kick: If you like things spicy, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to your soup for an extra kick.

• Cheesy Spin: Add different types of cheese for a unique flavor. Cheddar cheese or mozzarella can create a tangy twist. Experiment with the different cheeses until you find your favorite mix.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen sausage for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen sausage, but it’s best to thaw it first. You can thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or use the defrost option on your microwave. Make sure it’s fully cooked and browned before proceeding with the recipe.

2. What can I do if the soup is too thick?

If you find that your soup has become too thick after cooking, simply add more chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency. Stir it well and reheat before serving.

3. Can I make this soup in advance?

Absolutely! Creamy Sausage Soup can be made ahead of time. Just store it in the fridge and reheat it when ready to serve. However, keep in mind that pasta may absorb more liquid over time, so you might need to add a little extra broth when reheating.

4. Is the soup good for meal prep?

Yes, this soup is perfect for meal prep. You can make a big batch and portion it into containers. It’s great to have on hand for quick lunches or dinners during the week. Just remember to store it properly.

5. Can I omit the cream cheese?

While cream cheese adds a delicious creaminess to the soup, you can omit it if you prefer a lighter version. You can also substitute it with low-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt for a tangy flavor without losing the creamy aspect.

Creating delicious meals doesn’t have to be complicated. With Creamy Sausage Soup, you get a warm, hearty dish that your family will love and that you can easily make during a busy week. Enjoy satisfying your cravings with this comforting bowl of goodness!

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