Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Italian Sausage and Cabbage Soup is a hearty, comforting dish packed with savory flavor and nutritious vegetables. The richness of the sausage pairs beautifully with tender cabbage, aromatic herbs, and a tomato-based broth. Perfect for chilly evenings or when you’re craving a satisfying yet wholesome meal, this one-pot soup is easy to make and full of old-world charm.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Italian sausagereggage cabbageoniongarliccarrotscelerycrushed tomatoeschicken brotholive oildried oreganoitalian seasoningbay leavesaltblack pepperred pepper flakes (optional)fresh parsley (for garnish)

directions

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Remove sausage from casings and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles. Drain excess fat if needed.

Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.

Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.

Add chopped cabbage and cook until slightly wilted, about 5 minutes.

Pour in crushed tomatoes and chicken broth. Stir well to combine.

Season with salt, black pepper, oregano, Italian seasoning, bay leaves, and red pepper flakes if using.

Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 25-30 minutes, until cabbage and vegetables are tender.

Discard bay leaves and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.Preparation time: 15 minutesCooking time: 40 minutesTotal time: 55 minutes

Variations

Use spicy Italian sausage for a kick of heat.

Add cooked cannellini or kidney beans for extra protein and texture.

Swap chicken broth for vegetable broth to make it slightly lighter.

Include diced potatoes or rice for a heartier meal.

Top with grated Parmesan cheese or a dollop of sour cream for richness.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.This soup also freezes well for up to 2 months.Reheat on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave until hot.

FAQs

Can I use turkey sausage instead?

Yes, turkey sausage is a leaner alternative and works well in this recipe.

Do I have to remove the sausage casing?

Removing the casing allows the sausage to crumble and mix evenly into the soup.

What type of cabbage works best?

Green cabbage is the most common and works perfectly, but Napa or Savoy can also be used.

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes, brown the sausage first, then combine all ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

Is this soup gluten-free?

Yes, as long as your sausage and broth are gluten-free.

Can I add noodles or pasta?

Absolutely, small pasta shapes like ditalini or elbow macaroni can be added during the last 10 minutes of cooking.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Yes, omit the sausage and use plant-based alternatives and vegetable broth.

Is this soup spicy?

It can be made spicy by adding red pepper flakes or using hot Italian sausage.

Does the soup thicken as it sits?

Yes, the flavors deepen and the broth thickens slightly with time.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, it scales well for meal prep or feeding a crowd.

Conclusion

Italian Sausage and Cabbage Soup is a flavorful, filling, and versatile dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for any season. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, this soup delivers warmth and satisfaction with every spoonful. Give it a try and enjoy the comforting taste of Italian-inspired home cooking