When the days grow chilly and the evenings call for something warm and comforting, few dishes hit the spot like a creamy soup. And if you’re looking for a perfect bowl to satisfy your craving, Creamy Sausage Alfredo Soup has everything you could ask for. This dish combines the rich, savory flavors of classic Alfredo sauce with the heartiness of Italian sausage, creating an unforgettable bowl of comfort that will warm you up from the inside out.
I’ve always been a fan of Alfredo sauce its creamy, velvety texture and indulgent taste are hard to resist. But one evening, I thought, why not elevate it with a bit of spice and texture from sausage? The result was this Creamy Sausage Alfredo Soup, a dish that’s perfect for cozy nights, family dinners, or whenever you need a bowl of warmth and flavor. It’s quick to make, incredibly satisfying, and sure to be a hit with anyone lucky enough to try it.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Creamy & Savory: The base of this soup is a classic Alfredo sauce, made with heavy cream, Parmesan, and mozzarella. The sausage adds a savory depth of flavor, making every spoonful rich and satisfying.
- Comfort in a Bowl: This soup is pure comfort food. It’s thick, creamy, and perfectly spiced with Italian sausage for an extra layer of flavor.
- Versatile & Easy: You can adjust the spiciness to your preference by choosing mild or spicy sausage. The pasta adds a hearty touch, making this soup feel like a full meal.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a chilly weeknight, a holiday gathering, or a cozy weekend dinner, this soup is always the right choice.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, your choice)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 8 oz pasta (rotini, penne, or any pasta of your choice)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Preparation
Step 1: Begin by heating the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the Italian sausage. Use a spoon to break up the sausage into crumbles as it cooks. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the sausage is browned and fully cooked through. If there’s excess fat, you can drain some off to keep the soup from being too greasy.
Step 2: Add the chopped onion and garlic to the pot with the sausage. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent, and the garlic is fragrant. This creates a flavorful base for the soup.
Step 3: Pour in the chicken broth, stirring to combine with the sausage, onion, and garlic. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 5 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
Step 4: While the broth is simmering, cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside. You can use any type of pasta you prefer, but short pasta shapes like rotini or penne work best in this soup.
Step 5: Once the broth has simmered, reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Allow it to heat through, then add the grated Parmesan cheese and shredded mozzarella cheese. Stir the soup until the cheese has melted and the soup is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 6: Add the cooked pasta to the soup and stir to combine. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes, ensuring that the pasta is well coated with the creamy sauce.
Step 7: Serve the soup hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley. The parsley adds a nice pop of color and freshness to the rich, creamy soup.
Variation Ideas
This Creamy Sausage Alfredo Soup is versatile, and you can adjust it to suit your taste or dietary needs. Here are a few ideas:
- Spicy Kick: If you like a bit of heat, opt for spicy Italian sausage or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the soup. This will give the soup an extra layer of warmth and spice.
- Vegetarian Version: For a meatless version, you can replace the sausage with sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables. This will still give you a hearty soup with tons of flavor, without the meat.
- Dairy-Free Option: If you’re avoiding dairy, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free heavy cream alternative. Use a dairy-free cheese to replace the mozzarella and Parmesan as well.
- Low-Carb Option: For a low-carb version, swap out the pasta for spiralized zucchini or cauliflower florets. This will keep the soup light but still satisfying.
- Add More Veggies: Consider adding some spinach, kale, or bell peppers to the soup for an extra burst of color and nutrition. Simply sauté them with the onion and garlic to infuse the soup with more flavor.
Cooking Notes
- Choosing Sausage: The sausage you choose will significantly impact the flavor of the soup. If you like a bit of heat, go for spicy Italian sausage. For a milder version, stick with the mild sausage. You can also use chicken sausage for a lighter option.
- Pasta Tips: While any pasta will work in this soup, short shapes like rotini, penne, or shells are ideal because they hold onto the creamy sauce better. If you’re using long pasta like spaghetti, you may need to break it into smaller pieces before adding it to the soup.
- Creaminess: The heavy cream is key to making this soup rich and creamy. If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can reduce the broth a little or add extra cheese. Adjust the consistency with more cream or broth as needed.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The soup will thicken as it sits, so you may need to add a splash of chicken broth or cream when reheating to return the soup to its original creamy texture.
Serving Suggestions
This Creamy Sausage Alfredo Soup is a meal in itself, but it pairs wonderfully with a few simple sides:
- Garlic Bread: A warm slice of garlic bread or breadsticks is perfect for dipping into this creamy soup. The crispy, buttery texture complements the smooth soup beautifully.
- Simple Salad: A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the rich and creamy soup. Consider a mix of arugula, spinach, and cherry tomatoes for a simple yet satisfying side.
- Roasted Veggies: Roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots, or cauliflower make a great side dish to balance out the richness of the soup. You can even add them to the soup itself for added flavor.
Tips
- Make-Ahead: This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge. It will taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Just remember to add a bit of liquid (cream or broth) when reheating, as the soup will thicken when stored.
- Meal Prep: This is a fantastic soup to make in bulk and store for later. It’s great for meal prepping and can be easily reheated for a quick lunch or dinner throughout the week.
- Freezing: If you want to freeze the soup, it’s best to do so without the pasta. The pasta may become mushy once frozen and reheated. Freeze the soup base (with sausage and creamy broth) and add the pasta when reheating for the best texture.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 400-450
Protein: 25g
Carbs: 30g
Fat: 30g
Sodium: 800-1000mg
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Yes! You can use turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or even breakfast sausage for a different flavor. Just adjust the seasoning as needed.
Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free heavy cream alternative, and use dairy-free cheese to replace the mozzarella and Parmesan.
Can I add more vegetables to the soup?
Definitely! You can add spinach, kale, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the soup. Just sauté them with the onion and garlic before adding the broth for maximum flavor.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, feel free to use any pasta you prefer. Short pasta like rotini, penne, or shells work best, but you can use spaghetti, fettuccine, or any pasta of your choice.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a rich, creamy, and comforting soup, Creamy Sausage Alfredo Soup is the ultimate choice. With its indulgent Alfredo sauce base and savory sausage, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Whether you’re enjoying it on a chilly evening or serving it at a family gathering, this soup brings warmth and flavor in every bite. Try it today, and don’t forget to share your experience with us!
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Creamy Sausage Alfredo Soup
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Ingredients
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, your choice)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 8 oz pasta (rotini, penne, or any pasta of your choice)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Preparation
Step 1: Begin by heating the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the Italian sausage. Use a spoon to break up the sausage into crumbles as it cooks. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the sausage is browned and fully cooked through. If there’s excess fat, you can drain some off to keep the soup from being too greasy.
Step 2: Add the chopped onion and garlic to the pot with the sausage. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent, and the garlic is fragrant. This creates a flavorful base for the soup.
Step 3: Pour in the chicken broth, stirring to combine with the sausage, onion, and garlic. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 5 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
Step 4: While the broth is simmering, cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside. You can use any type of pasta you prefer, but short pasta shapes like rotini or penne work best in this soup.
Step 5: Once the broth has simmered, reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Allow it to heat through, then add the grated Parmesan cheese and shredded mozzarella cheese. Stir the soup until the cheese has melted and the soup is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 6: Add the cooked pasta to the soup and stir to combine. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes, ensuring that the pasta is well coated with the creamy sauce.
Step 7: Serve the soup hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley. The parsley adds a nice pop of color and freshness to the rich, creamy soup.
Nutrition
- Calories: 400
- Sodium: 800
- Protein: 25