There’s just something about a big pot of Sausage Soup bubbling away on the stove that makes everything feel right in the world. It’s cozy, it’s flavorful, and it has that magical ability to make the whole house smell like love and comfort. This creamy sausage soup is loaded with rich Italian sausage, tangy tomatoes, velvety cream cheese, and a swirl of heavy cream for good measure. The result? A hearty soup that feels like a hug in a bowl.
The best part is that this Italian sausage recipe comes together in just about 35 minutes. That means you can whip it up on a busy weeknight and still have time to actually sit down and enjoy it (instead of standing over the sink eating cereal, which we’ve all done at least once).
Whether you’re feeding your family, hosting friends, or just want a steaming bowl of comfort food all to yourself, this creamy, tomato-kissed soup checks all the boxes.
Why You’ll Love This Sausage Soup
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Creamy, rich, and ultra-satisfying.
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Ready in just 35 minutes—perfect for weeknights.
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Uses simple pantry staples (and just one pot!).
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A flexible Italian sausage recipe you can tweak to your taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
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1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
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1/2 small white onion, diced (about 60 g)
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 lb mild Italian sausage
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6 oz tomato paste
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14.5 oz canned diced tomatoes (with juices)
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1 tsp Italian seasoning
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1/2 tsp kosher salt
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1/4 tsp black pepper
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1/2 cup cream cheese
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1 cup chicken broth
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1 cup heavy cream
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1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened.
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Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
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Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart as it cooks. Sauté until browned and no longer pink, about 6–7 minutes.
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Mix in tomato paste, diced tomatoes with their juices, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir well.
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Add cream cheese and chicken broth, stirring until the cream cheese melts into the soup.
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Pour in heavy cream and parmesan cheese. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 5 minutes until creamy and blended.
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Garnish with parsley and extra parmesan before serving hot.
Cooking Tips for the Best Creamy Sausage Soup
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Spice it up. Use hot Italian sausage instead of mild for a kick.
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Thicker or thinner? For a heartier soup, simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes. For a thinner version, add more chicken broth.
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Cheese swap. Parmesan adds a nutty finish, but you can also stir in mozzarella for extra meltiness.
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Cream cheese trick. Cut the cream cheese into cubes before adding—it melts faster and blends smoothly.
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Meal prep magic. This hearty soup reheats beautifully for lunch the next day.
A Little Story Behind This Recipe
I first made this soup on a chilly fall night when my kids were asking for “something creamy, not boring.” Translation: they wanted pasta, but I wanted soup. (Mom compromise skills, right?)
I had Italian sausage in the fridge, some cream cheese left over from baking, and a can of tomatoes in the pantry. With a little experimenting, I ended up with this creamy sausage soup that instantly became a family favorite. My husband went back for seconds before I even grabbed my spoon, and the kids were happily dunking bread into their bowls. That’s when I knew—this one was a keeper.
Now, anytime we need quick comfort food that feels special without being fussy, this soup is the answer.
What to Serve with Sausage Soup
This soup is filling enough to be a meal on its own, but adding sides makes it even better:
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Crusty bread or garlic knots for dipping into that creamy broth.
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Simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette for balance.
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Grilled cheese sandwiches if you’re really leaning into the comfort food vibe.
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Roasted veggies like zucchini, asparagus, or broccoli for a lighter side.
How to Store Your Soup
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Fridge: Store cooled soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
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Freezer: This soup freezes well for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove. (Tip: freeze without the cream for best texture, then add it fresh when reheating.)
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Reheating: Add a splash of chicken broth if the soup thickens too much in the fridge.
FAQs About Sausage Soup
Can I use spicy sausage?
Absolutely—hot Italian sausage adds a great kick if you like it fiery.
Can I make this soup without cream cheese?
Yes, though it won’t be as rich. You can swap in mascarpone or even extra heavy cream.
What kind of tomatoes should I use?
Canned diced tomatoes are easiest, but fire-roasted tomatoes add extra depth.
Is this soup keto-friendly?
With just a few carb-friendly tweaks (skip the tomato paste and use low-carb broth), you can make it keto-friendly.
Bringing It All Together
At the end of the day, Sausage Soup is the kind of dish that makes you slow down and savor the moment. It’s creamy, hearty, and packed with flavor—all the things we want in true comfort food. With just one pot and 35 minutes, you can have a restaurant-worthy Italian sausage recipe that tastes like it’s been simmering for hours.
So grab a spoon, some crusty bread, and a cozy spot on the couch—because this creamy sausage soup is about to become your new weeknight favorite.
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Print
Sausage Soup
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Sausage Soup is creamy, hearty comfort food made with Italian sausage, tangy tomatoes, velvety cream cheese, and a swirl of heavy cream. Ready in just 35 minutes, this one-pot recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, cozy family dinners, or any time you need a bowl of something rich and satisfying.
Ingredients
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1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
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½ small white onion, diced (about 60 g)
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 lb mild Italian sausage
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6 oz tomato paste
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14.5 oz canned diced tomatoes (with juices)
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1 tsp Italian seasoning
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½ tsp kosher salt
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¼ tsp black pepper
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½ cup cream cheese
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1 cup chicken broth
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1 cup heavy cream
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¼ cup parmesan cheese, grated
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
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Sauté Onion & Garlic
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté diced onion for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. -
Brown the Sausage
Add Italian sausage, breaking it apart. Cook 6–7 minutes until browned and no longer pink. -
Build the Base
Stir in tomato paste, diced tomatoes (with juices), Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well. -
Make It Creamy
Add cream cheese and chicken broth. Stir until cream cheese melts and blends. -
Finish with Cream & Cheese
Pour in heavy cream and parmesan. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer 5 minutes. -
Serve
Garnish with parsley and extra parmesan. Serve hot with bread or salad.
Notes
Use hot Italian sausage for extra spice.
For thicker soup, simmer uncovered longer. For thinner soup, add more broth.
Parmesan adds a nutty finish—swap in mozzarella for a gooier texture.
Cube cream cheese before adding for faster melting.
Freezes well (freeze without cream for best texture).
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Plats
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American