Marry Me Soup with Italian Sausage Recipe
If you’re looking for a hearty, showstopping soup that delivers big Italian flavors and coziness in every bite, you have to try Marry Me Soup with Italian Sausage. This crowd-pleasing bowl combines juicy sausage, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and a creamy, Parmesan-rich broth for a meal that feels both indulgent and fresh. Whether you’re cooking for family night, date night, or just craving something soul-satisfying, this soup hits all the right notes—so much so, it might just inspire a proposal or two at your dinner table!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredient list for Marry Me Soup with Italian Sausage might look fancy, but it’s full of straightforward staples. Every element plays its part: bringing bold flavor, decadent creaminess, and vibrant color to your bowl. Here’s how each ingredient chips in to make this soup absolutely irresistible.
- Olive oil: The subtle richness helps the sausage sear and releases flavor from the aromatics.
- Italian sausage (mild or spicy): The star of the soup adds savory, meaty depth—choose spicy for a kick or mild for a more mellow vibe.
- Yellow onion: Sautéed onion brings sweetness and body to the base of the soup.
- Garlic: Minced garlic infuses the broth with irresistible aroma and warmth.
- Crushed red pepper flakes: Completely optional, but a little pinch makes the flavors pop and keeps you coming back for another spoonful.
- Dried oregano: Italian herbs add unmistakable Mediterranean flavor—don’t skip this classic!
- Dried thyme: Lends subtle, earthy undertones that mesh perfectly with the creamy broth.
- Chicken broth: The foundation—go for a good-quality broth for maximum savory goodness.
- Diced tomatoes: Canned tomatoes give the soup both tang and texture.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: Sweet, chewy, and deeply flavorful, they set this soup apart from the ordinary.
- Heavy cream: For a luxurious, velvety finish that feels restaurant-worthy every time.
- Fresh baby spinach: This leafy green stirs in at the end, bringing brightness and a shot of nutrients.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Melts right into the broth, adding umami and making everything more delicious.
- Salt and black pepper: Season as you go for the perfect flavor balance.
- Chopped fresh basil: The finishing flourish for color and a fresh herbal lift.
How to Make Marry Me Soup with Italian Sausage
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Heat up that olive oil in your largest pot or Dutch oven—the wider the better for browning. Toss in the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Let it sizzle and brown all over (no pale pieces here), about 5 to 7 minutes. If there’s extra fat, feel free to pour some off, but leave enough for flavor’s sake.
Step 2: Soften the Onion and Build Flavor
With the sausage nicely browned, add your diced yellow onion. Sauté for about 3 minutes, letting the onion turn soft and a little translucent. Stir in the minced garlic, along with red pepper flakes, oregano, and thyme. Cook for another 30 seconds or so, just until fragrant—these aromatics are unlocking a deep, savory backbone for the soup.
Step 3: Add Broth, Tomatoes, and Simmer
Pour in the chicken broth, followed by diced tomatoes and sun-dried tomatoes. Give everything a big stir to combine, scraping up any golden bits from the bottom of your pot. Bring the mixture up to a gentle boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for 10 to 15 minutes. This is where the Marry Me Soup with Italian Sausage really gets its flavor magic as everything melds together.
Step 4: Make It Creamy and Add Greens
Stir in the heavy cream, fresh spinach, and grated Parmesan cheese. Let the soup cook for another 2 to 3 minutes. The greens will wilt right into the broth, and the Parmesan will melt to thicken everything. You want a creamy, dreamy consistency with pops of color from the spinach—look for waves of richness as you stir.
Step 5: Season and Serve
Taste and add salt and black pepper as needed (don’t forget: the sausage and Parmesan add their own saltiness, so start light!). Ladle the steaming soup into bowls and crown each with a little chopped fresh basil. Serve right away while everything is piping hot and full of creamy goodness!
How to Serve Marry Me Soup with Italian Sausage
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh basil just before serving makes Marry Me Soup with Italian Sausage look as vibrant as it tastes. For extra flair, dust each bowl with a little more grated Parmesan or even a drizzle of fruity olive oil right at the table. If you love heat, a pinch of extra red pepper flakes works wonders, too.
Side Dishes
The first thing that comes to mind? Crusty, toasted bread—perfect for dipping and soaking up every last drop of that creamy, tomato-rich broth. You can’t go wrong with a simple green salad to lighten things up, or even roasted veggies on the side for a nutrient boost. This soup is so satisfying that it can also stand alone as a main course for lunch or dinner.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’d like to turn Marry Me Soup with Italian Sausage into a true showstopper, try serving it in rustic bread bowls or alongside toasted crostini stacked with melted mozzarella. Or, ladle smaller portions into mugs for a cozy appetizer at your next gathering. A drizzle of basil oil or herb-infused olive oil on top adds restaurant-worthy presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Marry Me Soup with Italian Sausage keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to three days. Allow the soup to cool before transferring it to an airtight container. The flavors deepen overnight, so you may find tomorrow’s bowl even more delicious than the first!
Freezing
This soup’s creamy base can be frozen, but expect a little separation when reheating (it’s easy to fix, don’t worry!). Portion cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving an inch of room for expansion. It’ll keep its best quality for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for a stress-free meal later on.
Reheating
To reheat Marry Me Soup with Italian Sausage, gently warm it over low to medium heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally to bring back its signature creaminess. If it looks too thick, just add a splash of extra broth or cream. Microwave reheating works in a pinch, but do it in short bursts and stir well for even warming.
FAQs
Can I substitute the Italian sausage with another protein?
Absolutely! This soup is delicious with ground turkey, chicken sausage, or even plant-based sausage for a vegetarian twist—just adjust seasonings to taste since each protein brings its own flavor.
Is there a way to make this soup lighter?
Yes! For a lighter version of Marry Me Soup with Italian Sausage, swap heavy cream with half-and-half or even whole milk. The broth will be a touch less creamy, but the flavor remains fantastic.
Can I make this soup dairy-free?
You can! Use coconut milk instead of cream and opt for dairy-free Parmesan or nutritional yeast. Spinach and sun-dried tomatoes still lend lots of depth to the broth.
What’s the best way to add extra veggies?
Recipe easily accommodates extra veggies: toss in diced bell peppers or zucchini along with the onions, or fold in more greens like kale or chard at the end for an even heartier bowl.
How spicy is Marry Me Soup with Italian Sausage?
The level of heat depends on your sausage and whether you add crushed red pepper flakes; for a kid-friendly version, skip the pepper and choose mild sausage, but spice-lovers can go bold with both!
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a soup that wows with both flavor and comfort, Marry Me Soup with Italian Sausage is worthy of a permanent spot on your dinner rotation. It’s easy enough for cozy weeknights but impressive enough to share with guests. I hope you’ll gather your loved ones, grab a big spoon, and let this irresistibly creamy, tomato-packed bowl win you all over — no wedding proposal necessary!
Print
Marry Me Soup with Italian Sausage Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Marry Me Soup with Italian Sausage is a hearty and flavorful soup that combines the richness of Italian sausage with the tangy sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes. Creamy and satisfying, this soup is perfect for a cozy night in.
Ingredients
Italian Sausage:
1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy) casings removed
Onion Mixture:
1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 small yellow onion diced, 3 cloves garlic minced, 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Soup Base:
4 cups chicken broth, 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes chopped
Finishing Touches:
1 cup heavy cream, 4 cups fresh baby spinach, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, salt and black pepper to taste, chopped fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a pot, cook Italian sausage until browned.
- Saute Onion Mixture: Add onion, garlic, spices; cook until fragrant.
- Build the Soup: Add broth, tomatoes, simmer to meld flavors.
- Finish the Soup: Stir in cream, spinach, Parmesan; cook until creamy.
- Season and Serve: Season with salt, pepper, garnish with basil; serve hot.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
- Serve with crusty bread for dipping.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
