Sausage Soup

Hearty and creamy Sausage Soup is the perfect comfort food for any occasion. This dish is not only filling but also bursting with flavor, making it suitable for family dinners, cozy gatherings, or a quick weeknight meal. With its rich texture and savory ingredients, this soup will warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: This recipe takes just 35 minutes from start to finish, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of Italian sausage and creamy ingredients creates a depth of flavor that is simply irresistible.
• Versatile Dish: Serve it as a main course or a side; it pairs well with crusty bread or a fresh salad.
• Crowd-Pleaser: With eight generous servings, this soup is perfect for family gatherings or meal prep for the week ahead.
• Easily Customizable: Feel free to add more vegetables or spices to suit your personal taste.

Tools and Preparation

To make this delicious Sausage Soup, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right tools can streamline your cooking process and enhance the final dish’s quality.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pan
• Spatula
• Measuring cups
• Knife
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pan: Provides enough space to cook the sausage and other ingredients without overcrowding.
• Spatula: Useful for breaking up the sausage meat and stirring ingredients evenly.
• Measuring cups: Ensures accurate ingredient amounts, which is crucial for balanced flavors in your soup.

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Ingredients

To create this flavorful Sausage Soup, gather the following ingredients:

For the Soup Base

• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• ½ small white onion (diced)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)

Main Ingredients

• 1 pound mild Italian sausage
• 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Creamy Components

• ½ cup cream cheese
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ¼ cup parmesan cheese

How to Make Sausage Soup

Follow these easy steps to whip up a delicious pot of Sausage Soup.

Step 1: Heat the Oil

In a large pan over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, add the diced onions and cook until they become slightly soft.

Step 2: Add Garlic

Add minced garlic to the pan and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Cook the Sausage

Add the mild Italian sausage to the pan. Break it up with a spatula and cook until no longer pink, stirring frequently.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Stir in the tomato paste, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, black pepper, cream cheese, and chicken broth. Mix well.

Step 5: Incorporate Cream

Pour in heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese into the mixture. Stir until everything is well combined.

Step 6: Simmer

Cover with a lid and reduce heat to low. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes to meld all flavors together.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and additional Parmesan if desired. Enjoy your hearty bowl of Sausage Soup!

How to Serve Sausage Soup

Sausage Soup is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways, making it perfect for any occasion. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.

With Fresh Bread

• Crusty Baguette: Serve warm, sliced baguette on the side for dipping into the creamy broth.
• Garlic Bread: Pair with buttery garlic bread for a flavorful complement to the soup.

Topped with Fresh Herbs

• Parsley Garnish: Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness.
• Basil Leaves: Use torn basil leaves to elevate the flavor profile and add an aromatic touch.

Served with Salad

• Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad brings a crunchy contrast that balances the richness of the soup.
• Garden Salad: A light garden salad with vinaigrette offers a refreshing palate cleanser.

How to Perfect Sausage Soup

To make your Sausage Soup even more delightful, consider these handy tips. They’ll help you achieve the best flavor and texture.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs will enhance the overall flavor of your soup.
• Adjust Spice Levels: Feel free to customize the spice level by adding red pepper flakes for heat or using milder sausage.
• Let it Simmer: Allowing the soup to simmer longer can deepen its flavors; just be sure not to let it boil too hard.
• Add Veggies: Incorporate diced carrots, celery, or spinach for added nutrition and texture.
• Experiment with Cheese: Try different cheeses like mozzarella or cheddar for a unique twist on flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Sausage Soup

Pairing your Sausage Soup with complementary side dishes can enhance your meal. Here are some excellent options:

1. Garlic Knots: Soft and buttery garlic knots are perfect for soaking up every drop of the soup.
2. Caprese Salad: A fresh Caprese salad made with tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil provides a light counterbalance.
3. Stuffed Peppers: Flavorful stuffed peppers filled with rice and herbs offer a hearty addition to your meal.
4. Roasted Vegetables: A medley of roasted seasonal vegetables adds color and nutrients alongside your soup.
5. Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins bring a delightful contrast to the savory sausage flavors.
6. Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad packed with veggies is both nutritious and filling.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Sausage Soup, it’s easy to overlook certain details that can impact the final dish. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:

• Skipping the sauté step: Not cooking the onion and garlic properly can lead to a bland soup. Always sauté them until they are soft and fragrant.

• Using low-quality sausage: The flavor of your Sausage Soup hinges on the sausage you choose. Opt for high-quality mild Italian sausage for a richer taste.

• Neglecting seasoning adjustments: If you don’t taste and adjust seasonings while cooking, your soup might lack depth. Always sample and tweak as needed.

• Overcooking the cream: Adding cream too early or cooking it at high heat can cause it to curdle. Stir in the cream towards the end of cooking on low heat.

• Not letting it simmer: Failing to let your soup simmer can prevent flavors from melding together. Allow it to simmer gently for at least 5 minutes after all ingredients are combined.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Sausage Soup in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Sausage Soup

• Freeze in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
• This soup can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating Sausage Soup

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the soup in an oven-safe dish, covering it with foil. Heat for about 20-30 minutes.
• Microwave: Transfer soup to a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on medium power for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Place in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through, about 5-10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Sausage Soup that might help you along the way:

How can I customize my Sausage Soup?

You can add vegetables like spinach or kale for extra nutrition or replace cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free version.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute the sausage with plant-based sausage alternatives and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

What can I serve with Sausage Soup?

This hearty soup pairs well with crusty bread, a fresh salad, or even over rice for a complete meal.

How do I thicken my Sausage Soup?

To thicken your soup, you can blend a portion of it until smooth or add cornstarch mixed with water while cooking.

Is Sausage Soup good for meal prep?

Absolutely! Sausage Soup is perfect for meal prep as it stores well and flavors improve after sitting in the fridge overnight.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes! Making it ahead allows flavors to meld beautifully. Just reheat before serving!

Final Thoughts

Sausage Soup is a comforting dish perfect for any occasion. Its creamy texture and robust flavor make it a satisfying meal on chilly days. Feel free to customize by adding your favorite veggies or adjusting spices to suit your taste. Give this recipe a try; you won’t be disappointed!