Sausage & Tomato Cream Cheese Soup
Warm up with this rich Sausage & Tomato Cream Cheese Soup, packed with savory flavors and creamy texture for the perfect cozy meal. This soul-soothing soup blends hearty Italian sausage, luscious cream cheese, and vibrant tomatoes into a velvety bowl of comfort that’s as delicious as it is comforting. Whether it’s a chilly evening or you just need some serious comfort food, this Sausage & Tomato Cream Cheese Soup hits all the right notes with a beautiful balance of spice, creaminess, and freshness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultimate Comfort Food: A warm, creamy soup that comforts you from the inside out.
- Flavor-Packed: The perfect blend of savory sausage and tangy tomatoes with a creamy finish.
- Quick and Easy: Comes together in less than 30 minutes using simple ingredients.
- Versatile Meal: Great as a main dish or a filling starter for any occasion.
- Family-Friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike, making mealtime stress-free.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple but thoughtfully chosen to create the rich, creamy texture and a perfect balance of savory and tangy flavors in your Sausage & Tomato Cream Cheese Soup. Each component plays a key role—from the spicy sausage to the smooth cream cheese and vibrant tomatoes, making this recipe a standout.
- Italian Sausage: Adds a bold, savory flavor and a touch of spice.
- Canned Diced Tomatoes: Provides fresh acidity and vibrant color.
- Cream Cheese: Melts smoothly to create a luxurious, creamy texture.
- Onion and Garlic: Build a deep flavor base with aromatic warmth.
- Chicken Broth: Lightens the soup and infuses it with savory depth.
- Olive Oil: Perfect for sautéing and bringing richness without heaviness.
- Seasonings (Salt, Pepper, Italian Herbs): Enhance natural flavors and add subtle complexity.
- Fresh Basil or Parsley (optional): Brightens the soup with herbal freshness.
Variations for Sausage & Tomato Cream Cheese Soup
Feel free to make this soup your own! It’s incredibly adaptable based on what you have in your pantry, dietary needs, or flavor preferences. Customizing this dish is simple and the variations still keep that comforting essence.
- Meat-Free Version: Swap sausage for sautéed mushrooms or plant-based sausage for a vegetarian twist.
- Spice it Up: Add crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce for a fiery kick.
- Dairy-Free Swap: Use vegan cream cheese or coconut cream to maintain creaminess without dairy.
- Extra Veggies: Add chopped spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers for more color and nutrients.
- Smoky Flavor: Incorporate smoked paprika or use smoked sausage for a deeper smoky profile.
How to Make Sausage & Tomato Cream Cheese Soup
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add your Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until nicely browned and cooked through. This step releases the sausages’ flavors and forms the base of the soup.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Add finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the browned sausage. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes, making sure not to let the garlic burn to preserve its sweetness.
Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Broth
Pour in the canned diced tomatoes with their juices, then add the chicken broth. Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer to blend the flavors together.
Step 4: Incorporate Cream Cheese
Reduce the heat to low, then spoon in softened cream cheese in small dollops. Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts completely, creating a silky and creamy consistency throughout the soup.
Step 5: Season and Simmer
Season with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs to taste. Let the soup simmer gently for 10 more minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 6: Finish with Fresh Herbs
Just before serving, stir in chopped fresh basil or parsley to add a bright, fresh note that perfectly balances the rich soup.
Pro Tips for Making Sausage & Tomato Cream Cheese Soup
- Use room temperature cream cheese: It melts more evenly, preventing clumps and ensuring a smooth texture.
- Don’t rush browning the sausage: Proper caramelization builds deep umami flavor essential to the dish.
- Opt for high-quality canned tomatoes: They make a noticeable difference in both flavor and color.
- Simmer gently: Avoid boiling once cream cheese is added to prevent curdling.
- Adjust thickness: Add more broth if you want a lighter soup or reduce it to make it heartier.
How to Serve Sausage & Tomato Cream Cheese Soup
Garnishes
Top your soup with freshly chopped basil, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, or a drizzle of olive oil for some added flair and burst of flavor.
Side Dishes
Serve alongside warm crusty bread, garlic knots, or a crisp green salad to round out the meal and soak up every last luscious drop of soup.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, ladle the soup into hollowed-out bread bowls or individual ramekins to create restaurant-worthy presentation that’s sure to impress guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let your soup cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days while maintaining the creamy texture.
Freezing
This soup freezes well. Pour into freezer-safe containers, leaving room for expansion, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat to prevent curdling. Stir frequently, adding a splash of broth or water if the soup thickens too much.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of sausage?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner option and works well, though you might want to add extra seasoning to replicate the sausage’s flavor.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes! The recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you choose gluten-free broth and sausage.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, brown the sausage and sauté the aromatics first, then combine everything in a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours.
What type of cream cheese works best?
Regular full-fat cream cheese is ideal for the creamiest texture, but you can use light cream cheese if preferred.
Can I add pasta or rice to this soup?
Definitely! Stir in cooked pasta or rice toward the end of cooking for a heartier, more filling meal.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a meal that wraps you in warmth and delight, this Sausage & Tomato Cream Cheese Soup is your new go-to. It’s simple to make, packed with bold flavors, and offers that soothing creaminess that feels like a comforting hug in a bowl. Trust me, once you try it, this recipe will find its way into your recipe rotation time and again!
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PrintSausage & Tomato Cream Cheese Soup
Warm up with this rich Sausage & Tomato Cream Cheese Soup, a cozy and comforting meal that blends hearty Italian sausage, luscious cream cheese, and vibrant tomatoes into a creamy, flavor-packed bowl. Quick and easy to make in under 30 minutes, this soup offers the perfect balance of spice, creaminess, and freshness for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soups
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage (casings removed)
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes with juices
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme blend)
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through. This releases the sausage’s flavors and forms the soup’s base.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the browned sausage. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant, making sure the garlic does not burn.
- Add Tomatoes and Broth: Pour in the canned diced tomatoes with their juices and then add the chicken broth. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer to blend the flavors.
- Incorporate Cream Cheese: Reduce heat to low. Spoon in softened cream cheese in small dollops, stirring continuously until melted completely, creating a silky creamy consistency.
- Season and Simmer: Season with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Let the soup simmer gently for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld beautifully.
- Finish with Fresh Herbs: Just before serving, stir in chopped fresh basil or parsley to add a bright, fresh note that balances the rich soup.
Notes
- Use room temperature cream cheese for smoother melting and to prevent clumps.
- Don’t rush browning the sausage to develop deep umami flavors.
- Choose high-quality canned tomatoes for better flavor and color.
- Simmer gently after adding cream cheese to avoid curdling.
- Adjust soup thickness by adding more broth for a lighter soup or reducing it for a heartier consistency.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: Sausage Soup, Cream Cheese Soup, Tomato Soup, Comfort Food, Quick Dinner, Gluten Free Soup, Italian Sausage, Creamy Soup
