Name: Creamy Italian Chicken Sausage Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 tbsp olive oil; ½ lb fully cooked Italian chicken sausage links, diced; 1 small red onion, chopped; 2 carrots, peeled and sliced; 2 ribs celery, sliced; 1 red bell pepper, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, finely minced; 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning; ½ tsp dried rosemary; ¼ tsp red pepper flakes; 1 tsp salt; ½ tsp pepper; 7 cups chicken stock; 1 cup half and half; 1 (16 oz) pkg frozen spinach, thawed and liquid squeezed out; 1 cup short cut pasta; ½ cup grated parmesan cheese

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Creamy Italian Chicken Sausage Soup is a hearty and healthy main dish soup that’s loaded with veggies and savory flavor. Plus, it’s ready in just 30 short minutes.

Overhead photo of Creamy Italian Chicken Sausage Soup with bread and wine

Soup is one of my favorite meals for so many reasons. It’s wonderful any time of the year, adding in a salad or crusty bread quickly makes it a complete meal, and many soup recipes take 30 minutes or less to make (great for those busy weeknights).

Now, living in Minnesota, I do especially love soup during the cooler months. When it’s freezing cold outside, I find there’s nothing quite as comforting. It warms you up from the inside out and is such a great comfort food.

So, if you’re looking to cozy up with something super tasty and kinda bold, this creamy Italian chicken sausage soup is where it’s at. It’s got that perfect balance of creamy richness with a little spicy kick from the sausage, making the perfect meal if you’re looking for a warm (food) hug on a cold day!

It’s the perfect soup to make any night of the week as it comes together in just 30 short minutes. And, on top of all that, it’s a healthy soup! By using chicken sausage instead of pork sausage, the fat and calorie counts stay down and it’s loaded with good-for-you veggies.

So how about a big pot of creamy Italian sausage soup for dinner tonight? I promise your family will love it!

Photo of ingredients for Creamy Italian Chicken Sausage Soup

What Makes This Recipe Great

✅ Creamy and Comforting – This soup nails that creamy texture without being too heavy, making it a comforting meal that’s easy to dig into on any day you want something soothing but flavorful.

✅ Spicy, Savory Sausage Kick – The Italian chicken sausage brings a subtle spice and savory depth that really wakes up your taste buds without overwhelming the other ingredients.

✅ Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor – With just a few core ingredients like sausage, veggies, broth, and cream, this soup packs a serious punch. It’s perfect for when you want something satisfying without a ton of fuss.

Photo of finished Creamy Italian Chicken Sausage Soup in the pot

What to Serve with Creamy Italian Chicken Sausage Soup

Crusty Italian Bread
Perfect for dipping and soaking up all that creamy broth.

Simple Green Salad
This Field Greens Salad is fresh, flavorful and is dressed with a delicious homemade balsamic vinaigrette. A great pairing with a hot bowl of soup.

Savory and Cheesy Parmesan Puffs
The parmesan cheese gives them a wonderful, cheesy flavor, the black pepper gives them a little bite, and they take almost no time to prepare. A perfect compliment to this hot and creamy soup.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Try these next level Balsamic Glazed Roasted Brussels Sprouts. Caramelized sprouts add a savory crunch that complements the soup’s creaminess.

Side of Olives
Briny olives bring a salty pop that works surprisingly well alongside the rich flavors of this hearty soup.

Closeup photo of Creamy Italian Chicken Sausage Soup in the bowl

Freezing & Storing Leftovers

In the event you have leftover soup or you decided to make a double batch, here are some tips on freezing and storing your finished soup.

To Freeze: Let the soup cool to room temperature before pouring into an airtight container. It freezes well for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and gently reheat on the stove.

To Store: Keep leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

How To Reheat

Stovetop Method
Best for: Reheating refrigerated or thawed (from frozen) soup. Place soup in a pot and warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth or water if it gets too thick.

Microwave Method
Best for: Quick reheating from frozen. Put your airtight container in the microwave on defrost for approximately 10 minutes (assuming it is microwave safe). Continue defrosting in 1-2 minute increments until you are able to transfer contents to a microwave-safe bowl. Cover loosely, and reheat in 1-minute increments, stirring in between.

Photo of Creamy Italian Chicken Sausage Soup in the bowl with bread and wine.

Recommended Equipment

Large Soup Pot or Dutch Oven
Sharp Knife
Cutting Board
Measuring Cups and Spoons
Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula
Ladle for Serving

Tips and Tricks

For ease, I recommend using fully cooked sausage, rather than raw sausage.
If you’re making this soup ahead of time, I recommend waiting to add the pasta until you’re ready to reheat and serve the soup. If you add it before that, it will soak up the broth and become soggy.
Jarred roasted red peppers can be substituted for fresh. This will add a slightly different dimension to the flavor which is equally delicious.
The recipe calls for frozen spinach, but 2 packed cups of fresh spinach can be substituted, if you prefer.

Ingredients Needed to Make Italian Chicken Sausage Soup

Full instructions can be found below in the printable recipe card

Fully cooked Italian chicken sausage – If you prefer, you can use Italian pork sausage or Italian turkey sausage, but I recommend that whatever sausage you use, it’s fully cooked, rather than raw.
Red onion – This is my preference, but white or yellow onion also works if that’s what you have on hand.
Carrots
Celery
Red bell pepper – If you don’t have a fresh red pepper on hand you can also use jarred roasted red pepper or any color fresh bell pepper that you have.
Fresh garlic – You can substitute ½ tsp garlic powder.
Dried Italian seasoning
Dried rosemary
Red pepper flakes – You can use more or less of this, depending on how spicy you would like the soup to be. The amount called for in this recipe gives the soup a little bit of subtle heat.
Chicken stock – If you prefer, you can substitute vegetable stock. I wouldn’t recommend using beef stock, as I think that overpowers the flavor of the soup.
Half and half – Heavy cream also works if that’s what you have on hand. If you want the soup to be dairy-free, substitute plain almond milk or oat milk.
Frozen spinach – You can substitute 2 packed cups fresh spinach for frozen spinach.
Short cut pasta – Any short cut, small pasta shape you want to use will work.
Grated parmesan cheese – If you want a dairy-free soup, just omit this ingredient.

How to Make Creamy Italian Chicken Sausage Soup

Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat.
Sauté sausage until it starts to brown.
Add onion, carrots, celery and red pepper to the pot.
Continue sautéing until onions are translucent and veggies are tender, about 5 minutes.
Add garlic and sauté about 30 seconds longer.
Stir in dried herbs, salt and pepper.
Stir in chicken stock, increase to medium-high heat and bring to a boil.
Reduce heat back to medium and stir in half and half, spinach and pasta.
Cook for 10 minutes or until pasta is tender.
Stir in parmesan cheese right before serving.

Other Complimentary Side Dishes and Breads

These Are Some of my Favorite Quick and Easy Soup Recipes

Yield: 6