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Creamy Italian Sausage and Broccoli Soup

Creamy Italian-Style Beef Sausage and Broccoli Soup is a hearty, comforting one-pot meal that combines savory sausage, tender broccoli, creamy broth, and protein-rich chickpeas. Made without pork or alcohol, this soup delivers classic Italian-inspired flavors in a cozy, family-friendly way. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, cold evenings, or anytime you’re craving a creamy soup that feels indulgent yet balanced.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients

Soup Base

  • 3 spicy Italian-style beef or turkey sausages casings removed
  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil plus more for drizzling
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 large onion diced
  • ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
  • Kosher salt to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Vegetables & Protein

  • 1 15-ounce can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 32 ounces low-sodium chicken stock
  • 1 small head broccoli cut into small florets
  • Broccoli stems sliced into ¼-inch pieces

Cream & Finish

  • ¼ cup heavy cream
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

  • Heat a large pot over medium heat and brown the sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon until cooked through and lightly crispy. Remove and set aside.
  • Increase heat to medium-high and add olive oil, garlic, onion, and thyme; season with salt and pepper. Sauté until softened, about 4 minutes.
  • Add chickpeas and ¼ cup chicken stock to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits.
  • Pour in remaining chicken stock and heavy cream; bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for 5–8 minutes.
  • Add broccoli and reserved sausage; simmer until broccoli is bright green and tender-crisp, about 2–3 minutes.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning, garnish with parsley, drizzle with olive oil, and serve hot.

Notes

Ingredient Substitutions

  • Use half-and-half for a lighter soup
  • Swap broccoli for cauliflower or spinach

Make-Ahead

  • Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
  • Reheat gently to prevent cream separation

Serving Variations

  • Serve with crusty bread or garlic toast
  • Add red pepper flakes for extra heat

Avoid Mistakes

  • Don’t overcook broccoli or it will lose color and texture
  • Simmer gently after adding cream