Name: Creamy Italian Sausage Soup
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired / American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons butter; 1 cup onion, chopped; 2 teaspoons garlic, minced; 1 pound ground Italian sausage (hot or mild); 6 cups chicken bone broth; 1 can (14 oz) fire-roasted diced tomatoes; 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese; 1 small zucchini, chopped; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 4 cups baby spinach; Shredded Parmesan cheese, for topping

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This creamy Italian sausage soup is a hearty, comforting meal that I can have ready in less than 30 minutes. Filled with tender sausage, zucchini, spinach, and a rich cream base, it’s packed with Italian-inspired flavors. I like how it’s low in carbs but still feels indulgent and satisfying—perfect for both lunch and dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this soup because it’s quick, filling, and versatile. The Italian sausage gives it a deep, savory flavor while the cream cheese makes the broth luxuriously smooth. I also enjoy how nutrient-packed it is with fresh vegetables and spinach. Since it’s a one-pot recipe, cleanup is easy, and it’s great for meal prep because the flavors get even better the next day.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 tablespoons butter
1 cup onion, chopped
2 teaspoons garlic, minced
1 pound ground Italian sausage (I like hot for a spicy kick)
6 cups chicken bone broth
1 can (14 oz) fire-roasted diced tomatoes
1 package (8 oz) cream cheese
1 small zucchini, chopped
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
4 cups baby spinach
Shredded Parmesan cheese, for topping

Directions

I melt the butter in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. I add onion, garlic, and sausage, cooking until the meat is browned and the onion is soft.
I pour in the chicken bone broth and diced tomatoes, then stir in the cream cheese until it melts into the broth.
I add zucchini, basil, oregano, and black pepper. I bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15–20 minutes until the zucchini is tender.
I stir in the spinach and cook until just wilted, about 2–3 minutes.
I ladle the soup into bowls and top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 8 servings. It takes me around 20 minutes to prep and about 30 minutes to cook, so it’s ready in under an hour. Each serving has about 410 calories, 31 grams of protein, and 4.4 net carbs, making it a great option for a keto-friendly meal.

Variations

Sometimes I swap zucchini for cauliflower or mushrooms to mix up the vegetables. If I want more heat, I use spicy Italian sausage and add red pepper flakes. I’ve also tried replacing cream cheese with mascarpone or heavy cream for a slightly different texture and flavor.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The soup thickens as it chills, but once reheated, the creaminess returns. To reheat, I warm it gently on the stovetop over medium heat or use the microwave in short intervals, stirring in between. Freezing works as well, though the texture may change slightly when thawed.

FAQs

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, I often make it the day before since the flavors deepen overnight.

Can I freeze creamy Italian sausage soup?

Yes, though the cream cheese may separate slightly. I stir it well after reheating to bring the texture back.

Can I make this without cream cheese?

Yes, I can substitute heavy cream, mascarpone, or even coconut cream for a dairy-free option.

What vegetables can I add?

I like adding mushrooms, cauliflower, or even kale in place of spinach for variety.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes, I cook the sausage, onion, and garlic first, then add everything but the spinach to the slow cooker. I cook on low for 6–7 hours and stir in spinach at the end.

Conclusion

This creamy Italian sausage soup is one of my favorite easy comfort meals. I love how it’s rich, flavorful, and satisfying while still fitting into a low-carb lifestyle. It’s simple enough for a quick lunch but hearty enough for dinner, and it always makes me feel warm and nourished.