Creamy Cabbage & Sausage Soup

Creamy Cabbage & Sausage Soup is a hearty, comforting dish perfect for chilly evenings. With its savory blend of ground sausage, tender cabbage, and a rich, creamy base, this soup will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation. The dish combines a mix of vegetables and protein with the smoothness of heavy cream, creating a satisfying bowl of goodness that’s full of flavor. Ready in just under an hour, this simple and easy-to-make soup makes for a nourishing meal the whole family can enjoy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Hearty and Filling

Packed with protein and vegetables, this soup is incredibly filling, making it perfect for a cozy dinner.

2. Quick and Easy

This recipe can be made in just 40 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you need a comforting meal in a pinch.

3. Flavorful and Savory

The combination of sausage, cabbage, garlic, and creamy broth creates a rich and savory flavor profile that will warm you up.

4. One-Pot Meal

This soup is made in just one pot, making cleanup a breeze. It’s perfect for anyone who wants minimal hassle while cooking.

5. Customizable

Add in extra vegetables, spices, or herbs to tailor the soup to your taste preferences. You can easily adjust the flavors to suit your liking.

Ingredients

• Ground sausage
• Onion
• Garlic
• Cabbage
• Chicken broth
• Heavy cream
• Salt and pepper

Variations

1. Add Extra Vegetables
   For more nutrition, add carrots, potatoes, or celery to the soup. These vegetables will complement the cabbage and sausage, adding depth to the flavor.
2. Make It Spicy
   Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a bit of heat. You can also use spicy sausage for an extra kick.
3. Swap the Meat
   For a lighter version, use ground turkey or chicken sausage instead of regular sausage. This will reduce the fat content but still maintain the flavor.
4. Vegan Option
   To make this soup vegetarian or vegan, use plant-based sausage and substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative.
5. Add Cheese
   Top the soup with shredded cheese such as Parmesan or cheddar for a cheesy twist. The melted cheese will add richness to the soup.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Sausage

In a large pot, cook the ground sausage over medium heat until it is browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.

Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic

Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot with the sausage. Cook for about 3-5 minutes, or until the onion becomes soft and translucent.

Step 3: Add the Cabbage

Stir in the chopped cabbage and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, just until the cabbage wilts slightly.

Step 4: Add the Chicken Broth

Pour in the chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a simmer. Allow it to cook for 20 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.

Step 5: Stir in the Heavy Cream

After 20 minutes, stir in the heavy cream, allowing it to combine with the broth and sausage. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 6: Serve

Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired, and enjoy this creamy, comforting meal.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Overcook the Cabbage
  Cabbage can turn mushy if overcooked. Stir it in just until it begins to wilt, leaving it with a bit of texture in the soup.
• Season to Taste
  This soup benefits from a generous seasoning of salt and pepper, but you can add additional herbs like thyme, rosemary, or bay leaves for extra flavor.
• Make It Richer
  For an even creamier soup, add more heavy cream or a splash of milk.
• Leftovers
  This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. Store leftovers in an airtight container and enjoy them for lunch or dinner the next day.
• Thicken the Soup
  If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash some of the cabbage with a potato masher or blender to create a creamier texture.

How to Serve

Serve this creamy cabbage and sausage soup with a side of crusty bread for dipping or a light salad for a complete meal. The richness of the soup pairs well with a simple side to balance out the flavors. You can also sprinkle some fresh herbs, like parsley or thyme, on top for a fresh, vibrant finish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until hot.

Freezing

You can freeze this soup for up to 2 months. To freeze, let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, defrost in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove.

Reheating

When reheating, add a little extra chicken broth or water to restore the soup’s creamy consistency, as it may thicken upon storage.

FAQs

1. Can I make this soup in advance?

Yes, this soup can be made ahead of time. It actually tastes better after sitting for a few hours or overnight.

2. Can I use another type of sausage?

You can use any type of sausage you like, such as Italian sausage, turkey sausage, or even spicy sausage for added heat.

3. Can I add other vegetables?

Yes, feel free to add extra vegetables like carrots, celery, or potatoes to enhance the soup’s texture and flavor.

4. How can I make this soup spicier?

Add some red pepper flakes or hot sauce for a spicy kick.

5. Can I use a different type of cream?

Heavy cream adds the best richness, but you can substitute it with half-and-half or milk for a lighter version.

6. Can I make this soup dairy-free?

Yes, use coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative to replace the heavy cream for a dairy-free version.

7. How do I prevent the soup from curdling?

To prevent curdling, make sure to add the cream at the end of cooking, and avoid boiling the soup after adding it.

8. Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, this soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container for storage.

9. What can I serve with this soup?

This soup pairs well with crusty bread, a green salad, or even a side of roasted vegetables.

10. How long does this soup keep?

This soup will last in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Conclusion

Creamy Cabbage & Sausage Soup is the ultimate comfort food that is easy to make, filling, and full of flavor. This one-pot dish combines savory sausage, cabbage, and a rich cream base, making it the perfect meal for a cold day. You can make it ahead of time, adjust it to your taste with different veggies and seasonings, and store leftovers for later. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a cozy meal for one, this soup will quickly become a staple in your home.

Print