Sausage Broccoli Soup
A hearty sausage and broccoli soup with creamy mushroom flavor, filled with vegetables and cheese tortellini, perfect for comforting family meals or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown, crumble, and drain the sausage.
- Cook the vegetables (onion, mushrooms, carrots, broccoli) in chicken broth until tender.
- Cook the cheese tortellini separately according to package instructions.
- Combine cooked sausage, vegetables, chicken broth, cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, pepper, basil, and thyme in a large pot.
- Simmer until heated through.
- Add cooked tortellini to the soup and stir to combine.
- Serve hot, optionally sprinkled with grated Romano cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier soup, consider adding beans or lentils. You can substitute the sausage with turkey sausage for a leaner option, or use plant-based sausage for a vegetarian version. Fresh garlic can replace garlic powder for a more robust flavor. If you want extra creaminess, add more cream of mushroom soup or a splash of heavy cream.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the soup hot, optionally garnished with grated Romano cheese for added flavor. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side salad, making it a complete meal. For a lighter touch, consider serving it alongside Aunt Nells' Tomato-Cucumber Soup for an enjoyable combination of flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pour the soup into a pot and warm it over medium heat, stirring occasionally. You can also use the microwave, heating in 1-minute intervals, until hot. Add a splash of milk if the soup thickens too much.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sausage Broccoli Soup contains roughly 1895 calories, with 46g protein, 321g carbohydrates, and 52g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (161% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (154% of the Daily Value), and calcium (127% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1550mg per serving (67% 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 vegetables instead of fresh?
Yes, you can definitely use frozen vegetables in this soup. Just add them directly to the pot with the chicken broth and adjust the cooking time as needed, since frozen veggies may take a bit longer to become tender.
Is it possible to make this soup dairy-free?
Absolutely! To make this soup dairy-free, substitute the milk with a plant-based alternative like almond milk or coconut milk, and replace the cream of mushroom soup with a dairy-free version. Just ensure the cheese tortellini is also dairy-free if you want to keep it vegan.
How can I enhance the flavor of the soup?
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine during the vegetable cooking step, or stir in some red pepper flakes for heat. Fresh herbs like parsley or dill can also elevate the dish. For a twist, serve it with a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
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).