Name: Creamy Cabbage & Sausage Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 pound smoked sausage or kielbasa, sliced into rounds; 1 medium onion, diced; 2 medium carrots, sliced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 6 cups chicken broth; 4 cups green cabbage, shredded; 2 medium potatoes, diced; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 cup heavy cream; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley

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If you’re looking for a cozy, soul-satisfying bowl of soup that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, Creamy Cabbage & Sausage Soup is your answer. This recipe brings together savory smoked sausage, tender vegetables, and a gentle swirl of rich cream to create a comforting one-pot meal that always disappears fast. The gentle sweetness of cabbage mingles perfectly with aromatic thyme and smoky paprika—think childhood memories of hearty dinners, but with an irresistibly creamy twist. Whether you need a weeknight dinner or a dish to share around the family table, this soup is a flavor-packed favorite you’ll turn to all season long.

Creamy Cabbage & Sausage Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Pulling together Creamy Cabbage & Sausage Soup couldn’t be simpler, and every ingredient truly shines. Each piece lends its own character, making the final soup layered in color, flavor, and pure comfort.

Olive oil: A splash of oil infuses the base with subtle flavor and helps brown the sausage to perfection.
Smoked sausage or kielbasa: Choose your favorite for a smoky, meaty bite that gives the soup heartiness and depth.
Onion: The foundation of savory sweetness to round out the flavors.
Carrots: Sliced carrots add color and a gentle earthiness.
Garlic: Fresh garlic wakes up the soup with irresistible aroma and complexity.
Chicken broth: It ties everything together and gives the soup a savory backbone.
Green cabbage: Shredded cabbage turns meltingly tender and soaks up every flavor.
Potatoes: Dice them small for soft, creamy bites that thicken the soup.
Dried thyme: It adds warm, herbal notes that pair perfectly with the sausage and veggies.
Smoked paprika: For a gentle smokiness and a pop of color—don’t skip this!
Salt: Essential for brightening all the flavors.
Black pepper: Freshly cracked is best for just the right kick.
Heavy cream: The secret to creamy, dreamy texture.
All-purpose flour: Helps thicken the broth so it coats every spoonful.
Fresh parsley: Chopped parsley adds a burst of green freshness at the very end.

How to Make Creamy Cabbage & Sausage Soup

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Heat your biggest, sturdiest soup pot over medium heat and swirl in the olive oil. Drop in the sliced sausage and let each little round sizzle and caramelize on both sides. This simple step unlocks delicious flavor—plus the bits of fond left behind make the base extra tasty. Move the browned sausage to a plate for now.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pot (don’t wipe it out!), add your diced onion and carrots. Stir them around to pick up all that savory sausage flavor. Cook until the onions turn soft and sweet, about 5 minutes. Then, toss in the minced garlic and stir for one minute, just until fragrant. The aroma will have everyone in your household poking their heads into the kitchen, I promise.

Step 3: Add Flour and Build the Broth

Sprinkle the flour right over the veggies and stir to coat—this is your secret to that velvety, thickened texture later. Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring, being careful to whisk out any lumps. This gentle stream prevents the dreaded flour clumps and helps everything come together smoothly.

Step 4: Add Veggies and Seasonings

Add the shredded cabbage, diced potatoes, thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to the pot. Give everything a hearty stir so every veggie is nestled in. Turn up the heat and bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to simmer and let it bubble gently for around 20 minutes, or until the potatoes and cabbage are completely tender.

Step 5: Add Sausage and Cream

Slide the browned sausage rounds back into the pot and pour in the heavy cream. Let the Creamy Cabbage & Sausage Soup simmer for another 5 minutes so the flavors can cuddle up together. This is when the soup gets beautifully creamy—just look at that dreamy swirl!

Step 6: Taste, Finish, and Garnish

Spoon up a little taste and adjust salt or pepper if you like. When you’re happy, pull the pot off the heat and shower the surface with fresh parsley. The vibrant green not only looks gorgeous, but it wakes up the entire bowl with herby brightness.

How to Serve Creamy Cabbage & Sausage Soup

Garnishes

Nothing completes Creamy Cabbage & Sausage Soup quite like a flutter of fresh parsley over each bowl. You could also add a crack of fresh black pepper, a dollop of sour cream, or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan for added richness—let your mood and pantry decide!

Side Dishes

A soup this hearty doesn’t absolutely need sides, but there’s something about a crusty loaf of bread to soak up every last drop. Try a chewy baguette, warm sourdough, or buttered rye. If you’re going lighter, serve it with a crisp green salad tossed in a bright vinaigrette—it’s the perfect counterpoint to the creamy, savory soup.

Creative Ways to Present

Invite some fun to the table by serving your soup in big, warm bread bowls or individual stoneware crocks. For an impressive starter, pour smaller portions into espresso cups as a shot of pure comfort at a dinner party. Or garnish each bowl with ribbons of extra cabbage for crunch and color—guests love those special little touches.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Creamy Cabbage & Sausage Soup stores beautifully in the fridge. Let leftovers cool completely, then ladle them into airtight containers. This soup keeps well for up to four days, and the flavors just keep improving as everything melds together overnight.

Freezing

If you’d like to have this comfort food ready for another night, freezing is a fantastic option. Portion cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little space for expansion. Freeze for up to three months. Just know that soups with cream can sometimes separate after thawing—give it a good stir as you reheat and it’ll come right back together.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the soup over medium heat in a pot on the stove. Stir frequently to recombine the creamy base and prevent sticking. If it’s a little thick from refrigeration, just splash in a bit of extra chicken broth or water until you hit your preferred texture. Leftovers are wonderfully satisfying for lunches during the week.

FAQs

Can I make Creamy Cabbage & Sausage Soup gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just use cornstarch instead of all-purpose flour to thicken the soup. Follow the same method by stirring it in with the veggies and you’ll never miss the flour.

What kind of sausage works best?

Smoked sausage or kielbasa brings the best depth and smokiness, but you can use turkey sausage or even a vegan alternative if you like. Choose your family’s favorite for a personal twist.

Can I make this soup lighter?

You sure can. Swap the heavy cream for half-and-half, or even whole milk if you’d like a lower-fat version. It’ll be a bit thinner, but still wonderfully creamy and satisfying.

Is this soup suitable for meal prep?

Definitely! Creamy Cabbage & Sausage Soup is ideal for meal prepping because it stores and reheats so well. Make a big batch on the weekend and enjoy comforting bowls all week.

How can I add more vegetables?

Feel free to toss in extra veggies like diced bell pepper, celery, or even spinach in the last few minutes of cooking. This recipe is super flexible, so use up whatever’s in your crisper drawer!

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been searching for a comforting, crowd-pleasing soup that tastes like it’s been simmering all day (even when it hasn’t), give Creamy Cabbage & Sausage Soup a try. It’s the kind of recipe that warms you to your toes and just might become a beloved tradition at your table. I hope you love every spoonful!

Creamy Cabbage & Sausage Soup Recipe

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4.8 from 11 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Warm up with this comforting Creamy Cabbage & Sausage Soup, a hearty and flavorful dish perfect for chilly nights. Loaded with smoked sausage, vegetables, and a creamy broth, this soup is sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

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For the Soup:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound smoked sausage or kielbasa, sliced into rounds
1 medium onion, diced
2 medium carrots, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
6 cups chicken broth
4 cups green cabbage, shredded
2 medium potatoes, diced
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley

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Instructions

Heat the Olive Oil: In a large pot over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the sausage slices and cook until browned on both sides. Remove and set aside.
Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, add onion and carrots, cooking until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute. Sprinkle in the flour and stir until vegetables are coated.
Add Broth and Ingredients: Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring. Add cabbage, potatoes, thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes until vegetables are tender.
Finish the Soup: Return sausage to the pot and stir in the cream. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes. Adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.