Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Italian Sausage and Cabbage Soup is a hearty, rustic dish that’s perfect for chilly evenings. Packed with flavorful Italian sausage, tender cabbage, and savory vegetables in a rich broth, this soup is both comforting and satisfying. It’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and ideal for meal prep or feeding a crowd.

ingredients

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

Italian sausage (mild or spicy)olive oiloniongarliccarrotscelerygreen cabbage (shredded)crushed tomatoes (canned)chicken broth (or vegetable broth)dried oreganoItalian seasoningsalt and pepperred pepper flakes (optional for heat)bay leaffresh parsley (for garnish)

directions

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.

Stir in the chopped onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté until vegetables are softened.

Add the shredded cabbage and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth.

Add oregano, Italian seasoning, bay leaf, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.

Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 30-35 minutes until cabbage is tender and flavors are well developed.

Remove the bay leaf and adjust seasoning as needed.

Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Servings and timing

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

Variations

Use turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter version.

Add potatoes or white beans for extra heartiness.

Stir in cooked pasta or rice just before serving.

Add a Parmesan rind during simmering for extra depth of flavor.

Top with shredded cheese or a dollop of sour cream.

storage/reheating

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.Reheat on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through.This soup also freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use pre-shredded cabbage?

Yes, pre-shredded cabbage saves time and works perfectly in this recipe.

Is this soup spicy?

It can be if you use spicy sausage or red pepper flakes, but you can make it mild to suit your taste.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes, use plant-based sausage and vegetable broth.

Do I have to use crushed tomatoes?

No, you can substitute with diced tomatoes or tomato sauce for a different texture.

Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely—zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach are great additions.

Does the soup thicken as it sits?

Yes, especially if you add starchy ingredients like potatoes or pasta.

Can I cook this in a slow cooker?

Yes, brown the sausage first, then add all ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours.

Conclusion

Italian Sausage and Cabbage Soup is a simple yet flavorful meal that brings comfort and nourishment in every spoonful. It’s versatile, freezer-friendly, and guaranteed to become a staple for cozy family dinners or easy weekday lunches.