Creamy Sausage & Cabbage Soup
A rich, comforting soup made with savory sausage, tender cabbage, garlic, and a creamy cheesy broth. This easy one-pot meal is ready in just 35 minutes and is perfect for lunch or dinner.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) smoked sausage or Italian sausage, sliced
- 5 cups green cabbage, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- ½ medium onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup cream cheese, softened
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
1. Brown the sausage
Heat olive oil or butter in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add sliced sausage and cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned. Remove the sausage and set aside.
2. Cook the aromatics
In the same pot, add diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add cabbage and broth
Add chopped cabbage, chicken broth, paprika, thyme, Italian seasoning, black pepper, salt, and red pepper flakes. Stir well.
Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 12–15 minutes until the cabbage becomes tender.
4. Make it creamy
Reduce the heat to low. Add softened cream cheese and stir until completely melted into the broth.
Pour in the heavy cream and mix gently until smooth.
5. Add sausage and cheese
Return the browned sausage to the pot. Add shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted.
Simmer gently for another 3–5 minutes. Avoid boiling after adding the cream.
6. Garnish and serve
Taste and adjust the seasonings. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Nutritional Information
Estimated per serving (6 servings)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 380 kcal |
| Protein | 22 g |
| Total Carbs | 9 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Net Carbs | 8 g |
| Fat | 32 g |
Tips & Variations
- Low-carb: Use smoked sausage with no added sugar and unsweetened heavy cream.
- Higher protein: Use lean chicken or turkey sausage and add shredded chicken.
- Thicker soup: Add extra cream cheese or cheddar.
- Extra vegetables: Add spinach, celery, or mushrooms.
- Meal prep: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
Diet suitability: This soup is naturally low-carb and keto-friendly when made with suitable sausage. For weight loss, use leaner sausage, moderate the cheese and cream, and control portion sizes.
