Sausage Broccoli Chowder
A hearty, creamy chowder featuring sausage, broccoli, mushrooms, and tortellini, perfect for comforting family dinners with rich flavors and satisfying textures.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. bulk Italian sausage ⓘ
- 1 medium onion ⓘ
- 3 garlic cloves ⓘ
- 8 oz. fresh mushrooms ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. butter or margarine
- 2 c. broccoli florets ⓘ
- 2 to 3 carrots ⓘ
- 2 (14 1/2 oz.) cans chicken broth ⓘ
- 1 (10 3/4 oz.) can condensed cream of mushroom soup ⓘ
- 9 oz. cheese tortellini ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. dried basil ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. dried thyme ⓘ
- 2 qt. light cream ⓘ
- 1/2 c. grated Romano cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- In a skillet, cook and crumble sausage until no longer pink. Remove to paper towels to drain; set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté onion, garlic, and mushrooms in butter until tender; set aside.
- In a Dutch oven, cook the broccoli and carrots in chicken broth until tender.
- Stir in the cooked sausage and mushroom mixture.
- Add condensed cream of mushroom soup, cooked tortellini, pepper, basil, and thyme; heat through.
- Stir in light cream and Romano cheese; heat through before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more robust flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine after sautéing the onions and mushrooms. If you're short on time, pre-cooked sausage can be a great substitute. You can also swap out the tortellini for a gluten-free pasta or omit it altogether for a lighter version. Fresh herbs can enhance the dish; use them if available.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chowder hot, garnished with additional grated Romano cheese and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for added flavor. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal. For a fun twist, try serving it alongside a slice of Cheesey Potato Casserole for a hearty dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover chowder in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the chowder thickens too much, add a little more chicken broth or cream to reach your desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sausage Broccoli Chowder contains roughly 621 calories, with 42g protein, 52g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (85% of the Daily Value), potassium (41% of the Daily Value), and iron (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1349mg per serving (59% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli for convenience. Just be sure to add it during the last few minutes of cooking to avoid overcooking. Frozen vegetables are pre-blanched, so they will cook faster than fresh ones.
Is it possible to make this chowder vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make a vegetarian version, substitute the Italian sausage with plant-based sausage or sautéed mushrooms for added texture. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and the chowder will still be delicious and hearty.
Can I freeze the chowder?
Yes, this chowder can be frozen, but keep in mind that the cream may change texture upon thawing. To freeze, allow it to cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. Reheat gently on the stovetop after thawing, adding a little cream or broth if it appears too thick.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).