Oh, you guys are going to LOVE this Creamy Keto Italian Sausage Soup. Seriously, it’s one of those recipes that just wraps you up in a warm hug, but in the best way possible – super satisfying and totally low-carb! I first whipped this up on a chilly weeknight when I was craving something hearty but didn’t want to derail my keto goals. It hit the spot perfectly. This Creamy Keto Italian Sausage Soup is now a staple in my rotation, and I just know it’ll become one of your favorites too. It’s pure comfort food magic!
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Keto Italian Sausage Soup
Honestly, what’s not to love? This soup is a total winner for so many reasons:
- Super Quick to Make: Seriously, dinner on the table in under 40 minutes! Perfect for those busy nights.
- Packed with Flavor: That savory Italian sausage and creamy broth? Yes, please! It’s incredibly comforting.
- Keto & Low-Carb Friendly: It hits all the right spots without the carb overload. Perfect for staying on track.
- So Satisfying: This soup is hearty and filling, you won’t even miss the pasta or potatoes!
Ingredients for Creamy Keto Italian Sausage Soup
Alright, let’s talk ingredients! This dish is pretty straightforward, but getting the little things right makes all the difference. You’ll want this list handy when you head to the store:
- 1 lb Italian sausage: Now, you can totally go hot or mild here, whatever tickles your fancy! Just make sure to remove the casings. That’s my little trick to make it cook up into perfect crumbles.
- 1 medium Onion: Chopped up nice and fine. It gives our soup a lovely sweet base.
- 2 cloves Garlic: Minced! This is where the magic really starts to happen, that garlicky aroma is everything.
- 4 cups Chicken broth: I really like using low-sodium so I can control the saltiness myself later on.
- 1 cup Heavy cream: This is key for that luscious, creamy texture we’re going for. Don’t skimp here!
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese: Grated, of course. It adds that perfect savory, salty kick.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning: A good blend really brings all those Italian flavors together.
- 1/2 tsp Salt: Or more, or less. We’ll taste and tweak!
- 1/4 tsp Black pepper: Freshly ground is always best if you have it.
- 2 tbsp Olive oil: Just to get things started in the pot.
Equipment Needed for Your Creamy Keto Italian Sausage Soup
You really don’t need a ton of fancy gadgets for this soup, which is another reason I love it! All you’ll really need is a good large pot or Dutch oven – that’s where all the magic happens. Grab a sharp knife and a sturdy cutting board for prepping your veggies and sausage. That’s it! Easy peasy!
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Creamy Keto Italian Sausage Soup
Okay, let’s get this soup on the go! It’s really not complicated at all, and seeing it come together is part of the fun. Follow these simple steps and you’ll have a bubbling pot of deliciousness in no time!
Browning the Italian Sausage
First things first, grab your big pot or Dutch oven and get it over medium-high heat. Add that olive oil. Once it’s warm, toss in your Italian sausage (casings removed, remember!). Break it up with your spoon as it cooks. You want it nice and browned all over. This step builds so much flavor, seriously! Then, just scoop the cooked sausage out with a slotted spoon and set it aside. Leave those yummy drippings in the pot!
Sautéing Aromatics
Now, toss your chopped onion into the pot with those sausage drippings. Give it a good stir and let it soften up, usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. You’re looking for them to get nice and translucent. Then, add in your minced garlic. Oh, the smell! Cook it for just about a minute more until it smells super fragrant. Be careful though, burnt garlic is a sad, sad thing!
Building the Broth Base
Time to add the liquid! Pour in your low-sodium chicken broth. As it heats up, take your spoon and scrape up all those little browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. That’s pure gold for flavor, giving your soup a really rich base. Let it come up to a gentle simmer.
Adding Creaminess and Seasoning
Here’s where the magic really happens! Pour in the heavy cream, stir in that grated Parmesan cheese, your Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Give it a good whisk. Then, oh yeah, add that cooked sausage back into the pot. All those wonderful ingredients are coming together now!
Simmering to Perfection
Let everything bubble away gently for about 10 to 15 minutes. You’ll see the soup thicken up just a bit as the cheese melts and the flavors start to really meld together. This is the perfect time to taste it! Does it need a pinch more salt? Maybe a dash more pepper? Adjust it until it tastes just right to you. That’s it, pure comfort in a bowl!
Tips for the Best Creamy Keto Italian Sausage Soup
Okay, so you’ve got the recipe, but let me share a few little secrets to make this Creamy Keto Italian Sausage Soup absolutely sing! You’ll want to really brown that sausage well – don’t rush it! Those browned bits are flavor bombs, trust me. Also, taste as you go! Salting is so personal, and the sausage itself can be salty, so adding salt at the end is always best. If you want it thicker, just let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes; it’ll thicken up beautifully. And don’t be afraid to play with the spice level – use hot Italian sausage if you like a kick! It’s kind of like how we make our Sausage Potato Soup – getting that base flavor right is everything!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
So, about these ingredients for our Creamy Keto Italian Sausage Soup – I find that using a good quality Italian sausage is key! Mild or hot is totally up to your preference, but remember to take those casings off. It makes a difference! If you can’t find Italian sausage, a good quality pork sausage with some Italian herbs mixed in would work in a pinch, but it won’t be quite the same. For the heavy cream, if you’re really trying to watch fat content or just don’t have it on hand, you could try a mix of half-and-half and a little extra butter, or even a keto-friendly coconut cream, but the heavy cream gives it that luxurious richness we love. And really, that low-sodium chicken broth is great because it lets you season it just right!
Serving Suggestions for Creamy Keto Italian Sausage Soup
This Creamy Keto Italian Sausage Soup is pretty much a meal in itself, but we all love a little something extra, right? I love serving it with a simple side salad – maybe our Fall Harvest Salad for a pop of freshness. Some folks like a little keto-friendly cornbread on the side for dipping, which is totally delicious if you’re feeling ambitious! A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives on top also adds a lovely burst of color and flavor.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers of this amazing Creamy Keto Italian Sausage Soup? Lucky you! You can store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to reheat, just gently warm it up on the stovetop over low heat. Give it a good stir as it heats to make sure that creamy goodness stays smooth and doesn’t separate. Avoid microwaving if you can, the stovetop method is best for keeping that lovely texture!
Nutrition Information
Okay, so now for the numbers! Here’s a rough idea of what you’re looking at per serving for our Creamy Keto Italian Sausage Soup:
- Calories: Around 450-500
- Fat: Roughly 35-40g
- Protein: About 25-30g
- Net Carbs: Just about 4-6g
Now, remember, these are just estimates! The exact values can totally bounce around depending on the brands you use, especially for the sausage and the cream. For more on tracking your macros, you can check out some of my tips over here!
Frequently Asked Questions about Creamy Keto Italian Sausage Soup
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yep, you totally can! This Creamy Keto Italian Sausage Soup actually tastes even better the next day. Just store it in the fridge and reheat on the stove.
What kind of Italian sausage is best for this soup?
I love using mild Italian sausage for a balanced flavor, but if you like a little heat, go for hot! Both work wonderfully and give that authentic Italian sausage taste.
How can I make this soup thicker?
Easy peasy! Just let it simmer uncovered for an extra 5-10 minutes. The liquid will reduce, making your Creamy Keto Italian Sausage Soup nice and thick. Avoid cornstarch or flour since we’re keeping it keto!
Can I add vegetables to this soup?
Absolutely! Feel free to toss in some keto-friendly veggies like chopped spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini. Add them when you add the onions and garlic so they have time to soften up.
Creamy Keto Italian Sausage Soup
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the drippings in the pot.
- Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
- Stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Return the cooked sausage to the pot.
- Simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the soup has thickened slightly and the flavors have melded. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve hot.