This Creamy Cabbage & Sausage Soup is the perfect comfort food for cooler weather. A rich and hearty combination of savory sausage, tender cabbage, and a creamy broth, this dish is both satisfying and nourishing. The flavors blend beautifully as the sausage provides depth and richness, while the cabbage adds a light, slightly sweet crunch. The addition of heavy cream creates a velvety texture that brings everything together, making this soup the ultimate cozy meal for any time of year. It’s a simple yet flavorful soup that can be whipped up quickly, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hearty and Filling: With sausage, cabbage, and cream, this soup is packed with flavor and will leave you feeling satisfied.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 40 minutes, this soup is perfect for busy evenings.
- Comforting: The creamy texture and savory ingredients make it the ultimate comfort food for cold nights.
- One-Pot Meal: Easy cleanup with just one pot required for the entire dish.
- Customizable: You can adjust the seasoning and add extra vegetables or spices to suit your taste.
Ingredients
- Sausage, sliced
- Onion, diced
- Garlic, minced
- Cabbage, chopped
- Chicken broth
- Heavy cream
- Salt and pepper
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the soup for some heat.
- Vegetarian Option: Use plant-based sausage and vegetable broth for a vegetarian version of this soup.
- Add Potatoes: For a heartier dish, add diced potatoes to the soup during the simmering stage.
- Herbs: Fresh thyme, rosemary, or bay leaves can add depth of flavor.
- Cheese: Top the soup with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or shredded cheddar cheese for extra richness.
How to Make the Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Sausage
In a large pot, cook the sliced sausage over medium heat until browned. This will release flavorful fats that will enhance the soup.
Step 2: Add Onion and Garlic
Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot, cooking until the onion is softened and fragrant.
Step 3: Stir in the Cabbage
Add the chopped cabbage to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until it begins to wilt down.
Step 4: Add Chicken Broth
Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Allow the soup to cook for 20 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
Step 5: Stir in Heavy Cream
After simmering, stir in the heavy cream and season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Let it heat through.
Step 6: Serve
Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. Enjoy the creamy, comforting goodness!
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Don’t Overcook the Cabbage: For the best texture, cook the cabbage just until it begins to wilt. Overcooking it can make it soggy.
- Use Full-Fat Cream: Heavy cream gives this soup its rich and velvety texture. For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or a lighter cream, but the richness will be reduced.
- Sausage Choices: Choose a sausage with good flavor. Spicy sausage can add an extra kick, while mild sausage will create a more balanced soup.
- Seasoning: Taste the soup before serving and adjust the seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or herbs as needed.
How to Serve
Serve this creamy soup with a slice of crusty bread for dipping or a fresh green salad on the side. It also pairs wonderfully with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese or a dollop of sour cream for extra richness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat until warmed through.
Freezing
This soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the soup on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or cream if it has thickened too much during storage.
FAQs
- Can I use other types of sausage?
Yes, feel free to use Italian sausage, chicken sausage, or even turkey sausage depending on your preference. - Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Yes, substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative to make this soup dairy-free. - How do I store leftover soup?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. - Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Try adding carrots, celery, or even potatoes for a heartier soup. - Is this soup spicy?
This soup is not inherently spicy, but you can add chili flakes or hot sausage for an extra kick. - Can I use broth other than chicken?
Yes, vegetable broth or turkey broth would work great in this soup. - Can I use frozen cabbage?
Fresh cabbage is recommended for the best texture, but you can use frozen cabbage in a pinch. - Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?
Yes, cook the sausage, onion, and garlic in a skillet first, then add to the slow cooker with the cabbage, broth, and heavy cream. Cook on low for 6-8 hours. - Can I make this soup spicier?
Yes, add chili powder, red pepper flakes, or use a spicy sausage variety to ramp up the heat. - Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, use plant-based sausage and vegetable broth to make it vegetarian.
Conclusion
Creamy Cabbage & Sausage Soup is a comforting and easy dish that is perfect for cozy nights or feeding a crowd. The hearty sausage and tender cabbage in a rich, creamy broth create a satisfying meal that will leave everyone wanting more. Whether you make it for dinner or serve it as a cozy lunch, this soup will quickly become a family favorite. Plus, it’s easy to make, customize, and store, making it a versatile dish for any occasion.
PrintCreamy Cabbage & Sausage Soup
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This hearty and comforting creamy cabbage and sausage soup is perfect for a cozy meal on a chilly day. Packed with savory sausage, tender cabbage, and a rich cream base, it’s a satisfying dish that will warm you up from the inside out. Easy to make and full of flavor, it’s sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 lb sausage, sliced
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 head cabbage, chopped
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot, cook the sausage over medium heat until browned and cooked through.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion softens, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the chopped cabbage and cook for another 3-4 minutes, until it begins to wilt.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring the soup to a simmer.
- Let the soup simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender and the flavors meld.
- Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, and enjoy the rich, creamy goodness!
Notes
- For added flavor, you can use smoked sausage or a spicy sausage variety.
- If you’d like a thicker soup, you can blend a portion of the soup with an immersion blender before adding the cream.
- You can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes