Warm Up with Chicken Sausage Soup Today
Looking for a delicious, comforting meal to warm you up on chilly days? Our Chicken Sausage Soup is a perfect choice. This hearty, flavorful soup combines savory chicken sausage with fresh vegetables and spices, creating a truly satisfying bowl of goodness. Whether you’re craving something nourishing after a long day or want an easy, wholesome dinner, this Chicken Sausage Soup recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comfort in a bowl: Every spoonful offers a cozy, warming experience that hits the spot perfectly.
- Nutritious and balanced: Packed with protein, veggies, and rich flavors, it’s both healthy and satisfying.
- Quick and easy: Simple steps and common ingredients make this a go-to recipe even on busy nights.
- Versatile for all tastes: Easily adaptable to personal preferences or dietary needs with simple swaps.
- Great for meal prep: Keeps well in the fridge and reheats beautifully, making leftovers just as delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating a delicious Chicken Sausage Soup. Each component is thoughtfully chosen for its flavor, texture, and color that together build this rich, hearty soup.
- Chicken sausage: The star protein, bringing savory goodness and depth to the soup.
- Onion and garlic: These aromatics create a flavorful base that wakes up every other ingredient.
- Carrots and celery: Classic veggies adding a subtle sweetness and crunch to balance the richness.
- Chicken broth: Provides a comforting, well-rounded liquid foundation for the soup.
- Diced tomatoes: Incorporate a touch of acidity and vibrant color that brighten the bowl.
- Spinach or kale: Boosts nutrition and introduces fresh greenery that complements the sausage.
- Italian herbs (basil, oregano, thyme): Infuse fragrant notes that tie the flavors together perfectly.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): For a hint of heat if you like a little spicy kick.
Variations for Chicken Sausage Soup
Chicken Sausage Soup is incredibly adaptable. Feel free to tweak the recipe with these variations to suit your pantry, dietary needs, or flavor cravings.
- Swap the sausage: Use turkey, pork, or vegetarian sausage alternatives for different protein styles.
- Change the greens: Substitute kale, Swiss chard, or collard greens depending on your preference.
- Make it creamier: Stir in coconut milk or a splash of cream for a richer, velvety texture.
- Add beans or lentils: Boost fiber and heartiness by tossing in cannellini beans or red lentils.
- Use seasonal veggies: Incorporate zucchini, bell peppers, or squash for a fresh, seasonal twist.
How to Make Chicken Sausage Soup
Step 1: Prepare the ingredients
Slice the chicken sausage into bite-sized pieces, finely chop the onion and garlic, dice carrots and celery, and wash your leafy greens. Having everything ready helps the cooking flow smoothly.
Step 2: Sauté aromatics and sausage
In a large pot, heat a bit of oil over medium heat, then add the onions and garlic until they soften and become fragrant. Toss in the chicken sausage and cook until browned and slightly crisp, stirring occasionally for even color.
Step 3: Add vegetables and broth
Next, add the diced carrots, celery, and canned tomatoes with their juices. Pour in the chicken broth and stir everything together. Bring to a simmer and cook until the vegetables are tender, about 15 minutes.
Step 4: Incorporate greens and herbs
Stir in the fresh spinach (or kale) along with your Italian herbs and red pepper flakes if using. Cook just until the greens wilt, then adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Step 5: Serve and enjoy
Your hearty Chicken Sausage Soup is now ready to bowl up. Ladle into bowls and enjoy a delicious, soul-warming meal.
Pro Tips for Making Chicken Sausage Soup
- Use quality sausage: Choose flavorful, well-seasoned chicken sausage for the best taste impact.
- Don’t overcook the greens: Add them near the end to keep their vibrant color and tender texture.
- Layer your seasoning: Season gradually as you cook to build depth and prevent over-salting.
- Customize broth richness: For a deeper flavor, use homemade chicken broth or enhance store-bought with herbs and garlic.
- Balance textures: Keep some veggies slightly firm for satisfying bites, avoiding mushy soup.
How to Serve Chicken Sausage Soup
Garnishes
Top your soup with fresh parsley, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan, or a dash of crushed red pepper for extra flavor and a pop of color. A drizzle of good olive oil can also add richness.
Side Dishes
Pair the soup with warm crusty bread, garlic rolls, or a crisp green salad for a complete, hearty meal experience that’s both satisfying and well-rounded.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve Chicken Sausage Soup in rustic bread bowls for a fun dinner party twist, or layer it with cheesy toasties on the side as an interactive meal option the whole family will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let your soup cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and store in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or dinners later in the week.
Freezing
Chicken Sausage Soup freezes well! Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing flavor or texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup seems too thick after refrigeration or freezing, add a splash of broth or water to loosen the consistency.
FAQs
Can I use other types of sausage in this soup?
Absolutely! While chicken sausage keeps it lean and light, you can easily substitute with pork, turkey, or even plant-based sausages to suit your preferences.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this Chicken Sausage Soup is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free sausage and broth. Always check labels to be sure.
How spicy is the Chicken Sausage Soup?
The heat level depends on your choice of sausage and whether you add red pepper flakes. Feel free to adjust these to make it as mild or spicy as you like.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the sausage and sauté veggies first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours for tender, melded flavors.
What’s the best way to thicken the soup?
If you prefer a thicker consistency, mash a few cooked vegetables or add a small amount of cooked rice or pasta to the pot before serving.
Final Thoughts
Warm up your day with this easy and flavorful Chicken Sausage Soup that blends wholesome ingredients into a delicious, comforting meal. Whether you’re cooking for family or just craving a cozy night in, this recipe has all the heartiness you need. Give it a try today—you might just find your new favorite soup!
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Chicken Sausage Soup
A hearty and flavorful Chicken Sausage Soup combining savory chicken sausage with fresh vegetables, Italian herbs, and leafy greens. This comforting, nutritious, and easy-to-make soup is perfect for warming up on chilly days and suited for quick weeknight dinners or meal prep.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Soups
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Proteins
- Chicken sausage (sliced into bite-sized pieces) – about 12 oz
Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2–3 garlic cloves, minced
Vegetables
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juices
- 2 cups fresh spinach or kale, washed and chopped
Liquids & Broth
- 4 cups chicken broth
Herbs & Spices
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- Red pepper flakes (optional, to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Oils
- 1–2 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients: Slice the chicken sausage into bite-sized pieces, finely chop the onion and garlic, dice carrots and celery, and wash your leafy greens to have everything ready for cooking.
- Sauté aromatics and sausage: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant. Add the chicken sausage pieces and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and slightly crisp.
- Add vegetables and broth: Stir in the diced carrots, celery, and canned tomatoes with their juices. Pour in the chicken broth, combine all ingredients well, bring to a simmer, and cook until the vegetables are tender, about 15 minutes.
- Incorporate greens and herbs: Add the fresh spinach or kale along with the dried basil, oregano, thyme, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook just until the greens wilt, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve and enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish if desired. Enjoy a warm, comforting bowl of Chicken Sausage Soup.
Notes
- Use quality, well-seasoned chicken sausage for the best flavor.
- Add greens near the end of cooking to preserve their vibrant color and texture.
- Season gradually throughout cooking to build depth and avoid over-salting.
- Enhance store-bought broth with herbs and garlic or use homemade broth for richer flavor.
- Keep some vegetables slightly firm to maintain satisfying texture; avoid overcooking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: Chicken sausage soup, comforting soup, healthy soup, gluten free soup, easy dinner, meal prep soup