If you’re craving a soup that marries comfort with a splash of gourmet flair, this Sausage & Tomato Cream Cheese Soup Recipe is your new best friend. Rich and velvety, it brings together hearty Italian sausage, tangy crushed tomatoes, and the smooth, creamy touch of cream cheese all simmered to perfection. Each spoonful bursts with warmth and vibrant flavors, making it a perfect cozy meal any time you want something satisfying but effortlessly delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple yet essential ingredients come together to create a soup that’s layered with flavor, texture, and color. Each brings something special to the bowl, from the savory richness of sausage to the fresh pop of spinach, ensuring every bite feels indulgent and balanced.
- Italian sausage, 1 pound: Adds a savory depth and a hint of spice crucial for flavor complexity.
- Medium onion, diced: Provides sweetness and a subtle aromatic base when sautéed.
- Garlic, 2 cloves minced: Brings bright pungency that heightens the overall taste experience.
- Crushed tomatoes, 1 can (28 ounces): Offers a rich, tangy tomato foundation with lovely texture.
- Chicken broth, 4 cups: Creates a flavorful liquid base, balancing all ingredients.
- Cream cheese, 8 ounces softened: Adds irresistible creaminess and a mild tang.
- Dried oregano, 1 teaspoon: Infuses an herbal warmth that complements the sausage and tomatoes.
- Dried basil, 1 teaspoon: Boosts the subtle sweet, peppery notes that brighten the soup.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for enhancing all flavors and seasoning perfectly.
- Fresh spinach, 2 cups roughly chopped: Adds fresh greenery and a tender bite that balances richness.
- Olive oil, 1 tablespoon: For sautéing ingredients and adding a silky finish.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional): Perfect for sprinkling on top to elevate every spoonful with parmesan’s nutty grace.
- Fresh basil leaves (optional): For a burst of bright herbal aroma as garnish.
How to Make Sausage & Tomato Cream Cheese Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until it’s nicely browned and fully cooked through. This step builds the rich, meaty foundation your soup needs.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Push the sausage to one side and add diced onion to the pot. Cook until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes, then stir in the minced garlic. The aroma here sets the stage for the deliciousness that follows.
Step 3: Add Tomatoes, Broth, and Herbs
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth, then sprinkle in oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and bring to a gentle boil to meld these flavors harmoniously.
Step 4: Incorporate Cream Cheese
Reduce heat to low and stir in softened cream cheese until it melts smoothly, turning the soup luxuriously creamy. This creates that signature velvety texture that defines this Sausage & Tomato Cream Cheese Soup Recipe.
Step 5: Add Spinach and Simmer
Finally, stir in the fresh spinach and let it wilt gently in the hot soup for a minute or two. This touch of green balances the rich flavors and adds a nutritional boost.
How to Serve Sausage & Tomato Cream Cheese Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Top your bowl with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a few fresh basil leaves. These little finishing touches bring a pop of color, a nutty tang, and an inviting aroma that makes the soup irresistible.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or garlic toast to scoop up every last drop. A side salad with a light vinaigrette can also refresh the palate and add textural contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this soup in hollowed-out bread bowls for fun, edible containers. You can also add a swirl of pesto or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil on top for extra flair and flavor surprises.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow the soup to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it a great option for quick reheat lunches or dinners.
Freezing
This soup freezes perfectly. Place cooled soup in freezer-safe containers and it will stay good for up to 3 months. Just leave out the spinach when freezing, and add fresh greens when reheating to maintain texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently over low to medium heat on the stove, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You might want to add a splash of broth or water if the soup thickens too much after refrigeration or freezing.
FAQs
Can I use turkey sausage instead of Italian sausage?
Absolutely! Turkey sausage is a great leaner alternative that will still provide the savory flavor that’s key to this dish. Just adjust seasoning as needed since turkey can be milder.
Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
You can substitute the sausage with a plant-based sausage or hearty mushrooms to keep the depth of flavor while maintaining a vegetarian version.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned crushed tomatoes?
Yes, fresh ripe tomatoes chopped and cooked down will work, though it might require a bit more simmering to reach the right consistency and intensify the flavors.
What can I use instead of cream cheese?
Sour cream or mascarpone can be substituted for cream cheese to achieve a similar creamy effect, but expect slight differences in tang and texture.
How spicy is this soup?
The heat level depends on the type of Italian sausage you choose. Mild sausage keeps it gently savory, while hot sausage adds a noticeable kick. You can always modify by adding red pepper flakes if you want more heat.
Final Thoughts
There’s something undeniably comforting about a bowl of this Sausage & Tomato Cream Cheese Soup Recipe. It’s one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day and is surprisingly easy to make. Don’t hesitate to try it out — your taste buds will thank you for the cozy, creamy goodness packed with vibrant Italian-inspired flavors.
Print
Sausage & Tomato Cream Cheese Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 10m
- Cook Time: 0h 30m
- Total Time: 0h 40m
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This hearty Sausage & Tomato Cream Cheese Soup combines the savory flavors of Italian sausage and garlic with a rich, creamy tomato base. Enhanced with herbs and fresh spinach, it’s a comforting and delicious meal perfect for cozy evenings.
Ingredients
Sausage and Vegetables
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Soup Base
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Finishing Touches
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the sausage: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Sauté onion and garlic: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot with the sausage. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add tomatoes and broth: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth. Stir to combine, then add the dried oregano and dried basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Simmer the soup: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for 20 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Add cream cheese: Lower the heat to medium-low and gradually stir in the softened cream cheese until fully incorporated, making the soup creamy and smooth.
- Add spinach: Stir in the roughly chopped fresh spinach and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the spinach has wilted.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls. Top with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve hot with crusty bread.
Notes
- You can substitute turkey sausage for a leaner option.
- For a richer flavor, use homemade chicken broth.
- If you prefer a thinner soup, add extra chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.
- The soup freezes well—store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
- To make it gluten-free, ensure your sausage is certified gluten-free.
