Savory Italian Sausage and Cabbage Soup
Nothing warms the soul like a steaming bowl of homemade soup, and this Italian Sausage and Cabbage Soup is a true delight. Bursting with the bold flavors of Italian sausage, tender cabbage, and a medley of vegetables, this recipe is a cozy, satisfying meal that’s sure to become a family favorite.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❓
What sets this Italian Sausage and Cabbage Soup apart is the perfect balance of textures and flavors. The savory Italian sausage provides a delightful contrast to the tender cabbage, while the vegetables add a pleasant crunch and depth of flavor. And with the ability to make it ahead of time or freeze it for later, this recipe is a true lifesaver on busy weeknights.
🍽️ Ingredients
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 head of cabbage, shredded or chopped
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
The beauty of this Italian Sausage and Cabbage Soup is that most ingredients are pantry or freezer staples. The combination of savory Italian sausage, tangy diced tomatoes, and aromatic herbs creates the classic Italian-inspired flavor profile that has made this type of soup a perennial favorite.
👨🍳 How to Make Italian Sausage and Cabbage Soup
• Step 2: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot and sauté for 2-3 minutes, until fragrant and translucent.
• Step 3: Add the shredded or chopped cabbage, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, oregano, and basil to the pot. Stir to combine.
• Step 4: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender.
• Step 5: Season with salt and pepper to taste.
⏱️ Timing Overview
• Cooking time: 30 minutes
• Total time: 45 minutes
Compared to traditional Italian Wedding Soup, which can take up to an hour to prepare, this Italian Sausage and Cabbage Soup saves you 25% of your cooking time while delivering similar flavors.
📊 Nutrition Facts
Per serving (based on 6 servings):
• Protein: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fat: 17g
• Fiber: 5g
• Sodium: 857mg
These hearty and satisfying bowls of soup provide approximately 30% of your daily protein requirements and 20% of your daily fiber needs, making them not just delicious but nutritionally valuable as well.
🔄 Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
• Lower-carb version: Substitute half the cabbage with riced cauliflower for a lower-carb alternative.
• Dairy-free adaptation: Omit any cheese or cream-based toppings to make this recipe dairy-free.
• Added protein: Stir in a can of white beans or chickpeas for an extra protein boost.
• Boost vegetables: Add diced carrots, celery, or spinach to increase the vegetable content.
These modifications can reduce calories by up to 20% or adapt the recipe for specific dietary needs without compromising the fundamental flavor profile of the Italian Sausage and Cabbage Soup.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
• Pair with a fresh green salad for a complete meal
• Complement with a side of roasted potatoes or a loaf of warm, crusty Italian bread
• For a cozy night in, serve alongside a glass of red wine or a cold beer
• Create an Italian-inspired platter with the soup, fresh-grated Parmesan, and a sprinkle of chopped parsley
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Skimping on the seasonings: Don’t be afraid to season the soup generously with salt, pepper, and the dried herbs. The flavors will meld together beautifully.
• Forgetting to brown the sausage: Taking the time to brown the sausage before adding the other ingredients is crucial for developing a rich, meaty flavor in the soup.
• Using low-quality sausage: Opt for high-quality Italian sausage, either sweet or spicy, to ensure the best possible flavor profile.
• Not tasting and adjusting: Be sure to taste the soup as it cooks and adjust the seasoning as needed to suit your taste preferences.
🧊 Storing Tips for the Recipe
These Italian Sausage and Cabbage Soup leftovers retain their quality remarkably well:
• Freezing unbaked: For longer-term storage, you can freeze the uncooked soup base (without the cabbage) in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating and adding the fresh cabbage.
• Freezing baked: If you have leftover cooked soup, allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.
• Reheating: When reheating the soup, whether from the refrigerator or freezer, do so gently over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. This will help maintain the texture of the cabbage and prevent it from becoming overcooked.
❓ FAQs
How far in advance can I make this soup?
This Italian Sausage and Cabbage Soup can be made up to 4 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container. For longer-term storage, you can freeze the uncooked soup base (without the cabbage) for up to 3 months.
Can I substitute the Italian sausage?
Absolutely! You can use a variety of sausages in this recipe, such as turkey or chicken sausage for a lower-fat option, or spicy Italian sausage for an extra kick of flavor. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning accordingly.
Is this recipe gluten-free or dairy-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free, as it does not contain any wheat or gluten-containing ingredients. To make it dairy-free, simply omit any cheese or cream-based toppings. The soup itself is dairy-free.
What can I do if the soup is too thin?
If you find the soup to be too thin for your liking, you can thicken it by making a simple roux. In a separate pan, melt 1-2 tablespoons of butter, then whisk in 1-2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour. Slowly pour this mixture into the simmering soup, stirring constantly, until it reaches your desired consistency.
Can I add any extra vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe is very versatile and can accommodate a variety of additional vegetables. Some great options include diced carrots, celery, spinach, or even diced potatoes. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the vegetables are tender.
🎉 Final Thoughts
These savory Italian Sausage and Cabbage Soup bowls represent the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and presentation. Whether you’re serving them as a comforting weeknight meal or as part of a larger Italian-inspired spread, they’re sure to impress with their hearty, satisfying nature. The versatility of this recipe allows for countless variations to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, this Italian Sausage and Cabbage Soup demonstrates that sophisticated flavors don’t require complicated techniques – just quality ingredients and a little bit of care in the cooking process. So go ahead and indulge in a bowl of this cozy, flavorful soup, and enjoy the comforting warmth it brings to your table.
