Sausage Soup is a simple soup to make, but not a simple soup in taste! It is thick and creamy, and it has an Italian flavor to it.

There is something about a hearty soup on a cold, winter day that warms you up.

Sometimes, soup is more of a side dish or appetizer. But, Sausage Soup is loaded with Italian sausage that makes this soup more of a main event rather than just an opening act. It is a cheesy, flavorful soup that would pair well with some bread.

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
½ white onion, thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound Italian sausage
1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
1 can (14.5 ounces) petite diced tomatoes
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
½ cup cream cheese
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
¼ cup parmesan cheese

Instructions:

Step 1: In a large pan over medium heat, add olive oil to the pan over medium heat and add onions, and cook until slightly soft.

Step 2: Add garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.

Step 3: Add sausage meat, break up with a spatula, and cook until it’s no longer pink, stirring frequently.

Step 4: Add the tomato paste, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, cream cheese, and chicken broth.

Step 5: Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese to the sausage soup.

Step 6: Cover with a lid and reduce heat to low, allowing the mixture to simmer for 5 minutes.

Step 7: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and more parmesan.

Recipe notes and helpful tips:

Choose a high-quality sausage for the best flavor. Italian sausage, chorizo, or any other favorite variety can work well.

Use chicken, beef, or vegetable broth as the base for the soup. Homemade broth adds depth, but store-bought works fine too.

Allow the soup to simmer to let the flavors meld. Longer simmering times often result in more flavorful soups.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. Can I use pre-cooked sausage?

Yes, you can use pre-cooked sausage, but adding raw sausage allows its flavors to infuse into the soup during the cooking process.

2. How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover sausage soup in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stove, and you may need to add a bit of broth to adjust the consistency.

3. Can I freeze sausage soup?

Yes, most sausage soups freeze well. However, avoid adding dairy if you plan to freeze the soup, as it can separate upon thawing.

4. What’s the best way to reheat sausage soup?

Reheat the soup on the stove over low to medium heat. Stir frequently and add a bit of broth or water if needed to reach the desired consistency.

5. Can I make sausage soup in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?

Yes, both methods work well. Adjust the cooking times accordingly and ensure the sausage is cooked through.

6. How can I reduce the fat content of the soup?

Use lean sausage and consider draining excess fat after browning the sausage. You can also refrigerate the soup and skim off solidified fat from the top before reheating.

7. Can I make sausage soup in advance?

Yes, many sausage soups taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. Reheat gently before serving.