Creamy tomato sausage soup has a way of making everything feel right in the world, doesn’t it? I remember chilly evenings when my mom would whip up a batch, filling our little house with the most incredible aroma of simmering tomatoes and savory sausage. It instantly felt like a warm hug. This recipe is my take on that cherished memory, a truly delicious and comforting bowl that I’m so excited to share with you. It’s the kind of meal that makes you want to curl up on the couch with a good book. Get ready to experience the magic of a truly wonderful bowl of soup – let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Tomato Sausage Soup
This soup is an absolute winner for so many reasons!
- The rich, savory taste of Italian sausage perfectly complements the sweet tomatoes.
- It’s incredibly quick to make, perfect for a weeknight meal.
- You get a good dose of vegetables from the tomatoes and optional spinach.
- It’s a budget-friendly option that feels incredibly indulgent.
- This is an easy creamy tomato sausage soup that even beginner cooks can master.
- It’s a guaranteed family-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds.
- The simple preparation makes it an easy creamy tomato sausage soup to throw together on busy days.
- It’s pure comfort food in a bowl, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients for Creamy Tomato Sausage Soup
Gathering these simple ingredients is the first step to making a truly wonderful Italian sausage tomato soup. The quality of your Italian sausage really shines through here, so pick your favorite mild or spicy kind. We’ll also need some pantry staples like a can of crushed tomatoes and chicken broth, plus a touch of heavy cream and Parmesan cheese to get that signature creamy texture. Don’t forget the aromatics like onion and garlic, which build a fantastic flavor base. These components come together to create a soup that’s both comforting and incredibly satisfying – a real crowd-pleaser!
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy) – choose your favorite for the perfect flavor base
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter – for sautéing the aromatics
- 1 cup heavy cream – the secret to our luxurious, creamy texture
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish – adds a salty, nutty depth
- 1 yellow onion, finely chopped – about 1 cup, for sweetness
- 3 cloves garlic, minced – essential for that aromatic kick
- 1 28 oz can crushed tomatoes – the heart of our tomato soup
- 1 tbsp tomato paste – for a richer tomato flavor
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional) – for a hint of heat
- 2 cups baby spinach (optional) – wilts in beautifully for extra nutrients
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil, plus more for garnish – adds a bright, fresh finish
- 4 cups chicken broth – the liquid base for our soup
- 1 cup ditalini pasta – or another small pasta shape
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste – for seasoning
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning – a blend of classic herbs
- 1/2 tsp paprika – for a touch of color and warmth
How to Make Creamy Tomato Sausage Soup
Making this creamy tomato sausage soup is a joy because it all comes together in one pot, minimizing cleanup and maximizing flavor. Let’s get started on this delicious journey!
- Step 1: In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, add a tablespoon of olive oil and set it over medium heat. Add the 1 lb Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s beautifully browned and cooked through. I love the sizzle and aroma this creates! Once browned, use a slotted spoon to remove the sausage and set it aside, leaving the flavorful drippings in the pot.
- Step 2: Melt the 2 tbsp unsalted butter in the same pot. Add the 1 yellow onion, finely chopped, and sauté until it becomes soft and translucent, which usually takes about 5 minutes. Then, stir in the 3 cloves garlic, minced, and the 1 tbsp tomato paste. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until everything is wonderfully fragrant. This step builds a crucial flavor base for our one pot creamy tomato sausage soup.
- Step 3: Pour in the 1 28 oz can crushed tomatoes and use your spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot – that’s pure flavor gold! Stir in the 1 tsp Italian seasoning, 1/2 tsp paprika, and 1 tsp red pepper flakes (if you like a little heat). Add the 4 cups chicken broth and the browned sausage back into the pot.
- Step 4: Bring the mixture to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 15 minutes, uncovered, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Then, stir in the 1 cup ditalini pasta and continue simmering for another 10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender. This is where the soup really starts to come alive.
- Step 5: Lower the heat even further so it’s barely simmering. Stir in the 1 cup heavy cream and the 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese until they are fully incorporated and the soup becomes delightfully creamy. If you’re adding spinach, toss in the 2 cups baby spinach now, along with the 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil. Simmer gently for just 5 more minutes, stirring occasionally, until the spinach has wilted and everything is perfectly blended. This step truly makes it a standout one pot creamy tomato sausage soup.
- Step 6: Taste your masterpiece! Adjust the seasoning with salt and freshly cracked black pepper as needed. A little more Parmesan can always be added if you like.
- Step 7: Ladle this hearty, delicious soup into bowls. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil if you desire. Enjoy your amazing one pot creamy tomato sausage soup!
Pro Tips for the Best Creamy Tomato Sausage Soup
I’ve learned a few tricks over the years to make this soup absolutely sing. Follow these tips, and you’ll be serving up the best bowl every time!
- Don’t skip browning the sausage; it builds a crucial layer of flavor.
- For an even richer tomato flavor, add a tablespoon of tomato paste and cook it for a minute before adding liquids.
- If you don’t have ditalini, any small pasta like elbow macaroni or orzo works perfectly.
- Taste and adjust seasoning at the end – that little bit of salt and pepper makes a huge difference.
What’s the secret to perfect creamy tomato sausage soup?
The magic truly lies in the combination of good quality Italian sausage, a rich tomato base, and finishing it with both heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. This creates a luscious, well-balanced tomato and sausage cream soup that’s incredibly satisfying.
Can I make creamy tomato sausage soup ahead of time?
Yes, you absolutely can! You can prepare the soup base (up to step 4, before adding pasta and cream) up to two days in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, reheat the base, add the pasta, cook until tender, then stir in the cream and cheese. For more make-ahead meal ideas, check out these last recipes.
How do I avoid common mistakes with creamy tomato sausage soup?
A common pitfall is curdling the cream; avoid this by adding it to a gently simmering soup, not a rolling boil. Also, be careful not to overcook the pasta, which can make it mushy. Ensure your sausage is well-drained of excess fat before adding it back to the soup for the best texture. For more tips on cooking techniques, you might find this guide on recipe development helpful.
Best Ways to Serve Creamy Tomato Sausage Soup
This wonderfully hearty tomato sausage soup is a meal in itself, but it also pairs beautifully with a few simple additions to make it even more special. For a classic touch, serve it alongside crusty garlic bread, perfect for dipping into that rich, creamy broth. A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette also provides a refreshing contrast to the soup’s savory depth. If you’re feeling a bit more ambitious, some cheesy garlic breadsticks or a grilled cheese sandwich make for an ultimate comfort food experience. You might also enjoy these jerk chicken side pairings for a different flavor profile.
Nutrition Facts for Creamy Tomato Sausage Soup
This comforting soup is packed with flavor, and here’s a look at what you can expect per serving. Remember, these are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, especially the type of sausage and the fat content of your cream.
- Calories: 550
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 900mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
How to Store and Reheat Creamy Tomato Sausage Soup
One of the best things about this creamy tomato sausage soup is how well it stores, making it perfect for meal prep. Once cooked, let the soup cool down completely to room temperature before storing. This is crucial for food safety. Then, ladle the cooled soup into airtight containers. For refrigerator storage, it’s good for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, the freezer is your best friend for sausage and tomato cream soup storage – it can last up to 3 months! When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the fridge. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Avoid boiling, as this can cause the cream to separate. For a similar comforting dish, try this birria tacos recipe.
Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Tomato Sausage Soup
How do I make creamy tomato sausage soup taste even better?
To elevate your creamy tomato sausage soup, consider adding a splash of balsamic vinegar at the end for brightness, or a pinch of smoked paprika for a deeper flavor profile. Browning the sausage well and deglazing the pot with a bit of white wine before adding the tomatoes also adds complexity. A bay leaf simmered with the broth can impart a subtle, lovely aroma. You can find more flavor-enhancing tips in our cowboy butter recipe.
Can I make this soup vegetarian or vegan?
Absolutely! For a vegetarian version, simply omit the sausage and increase the butter slightly. You could also add sautéed mushrooms or extra vegetables like zucchini for heartiness. For a vegan creamy tomato sausage soup, use plant-based Italian sausage crumbles, a good quality vegetable broth, and a dairy-free heavy cream alternative like cashew cream or full-fat coconut milk (though coconut milk might impart a slight flavor).
What should I serve with creamy tomato sausage soup?
When I serve this soup, I love keeping it simple. Crusty bread, like a baguette or ciabatta, is perfect for dipping. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast. For a more substantial meal, consider serving it alongside a grilled cheese sandwich or some simple Italian meatballs. You might also enjoy this creamy avocado grilled cheese recipe.
Why is my tomato sausage soup not creamy enough?
If your creamy tomato sausage soup isn’t as creamy as you’d like, it’s usually because of the ratio of cream to broth or the type of cream used. Ensure you’re using heavy cream for the richest texture. Sometimes, adding a bit more Parmesan cheese at the end can also help thicken and enrich the soup, giving it that perfect velvety consistency.
Variations of Creamy Tomato Sausage Soup You Can Try
This beloved soup is wonderfully versatile, and you can easily adapt it to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few ideas to inspire your next batch of this comforting dish:
- Spicy Kick: For a truly spicy creamy tomato sausage soup, use hot Italian sausage and increase the red pepper flakes to 1-2 teaspoons. You could also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra layer of heat.
- Vegetarian Delight: Omit the sausage and sauté some sliced mushrooms and zucchini in the butter instead. Use vegetable broth for a hearty vegetarian meal.
- Slow Cooker Magic: Brown the sausage and onions first, then transfer everything (minus the pasta, cream, and fresh basil) to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours. Stir in the pasta during the last 30-45 minutes, and then add the cream and basil at the end.
- Herb Garden Fresh: While basil is classic, don’t hesitate to experiment with other fresh herbs! A little fresh oregano, thyme, or even rosemary added at the end can offer a delightful twist to your creamy tomato sausage soup.
Amazing Creamy Tomato Sausage Soup: 1 Delicious bowl
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This creamy tomato and sausage soup with basil is a hearty and comforting one-pot meal. It blends the tanginess of tomatoes with savory Italian sausage, finished with cream and fresh basil for a soul-warming dish.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
- 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 cups baby spinach (optional)
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil, plus more for garnish
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup ditalini pasta
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp paprika
Instructions
- In a large Dutch oven over medium heat, add a drizzle of olive oil and brown the Italian sausage, breaking it into bite-sized pieces. Cook until fully browned. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, melt the butter and add the chopped onion. Sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and tomato paste, stirring for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and scrape up any bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. Add the Italian seasoning, paprika, red pepper flakes (if using), and chicken broth. Stir in the browned sausage.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Add the ditalini pasta and continue simmering for another 10 minutes, or until pasta is tender.
- Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and parmesan cheese. Add spinach (if using) and chopped basil. Simmer gently for 5 more minutes until everything is creamy and well-blended.
- Taste and adjust with more salt, pepper, or cheese as needed.
- Ladle into bowls and garnish with more parmesan and basil.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese offers the best flavor.
- This soup can be adapted for a slow cooker. Brown sausage and onions first, then transfer to a slow cooker with other ingredients (except pasta, cream, and cheese) and cook on low for 6 hours.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: One-pot
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
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