If you’re craving a hearty, comforting bowl that’s packed with savory flavors and vibrant greens, this Smoked Sausage & Spinach Soup Recipe is going to become your new go-to. The smoky richness of the sausage paired with tender spinach and a medley of beans creates a satisfying, nutritious soup that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. Plus, it’s incredibly simple to make, yet delivers a depth of taste that’s hard to beat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Smoked Sausage & Spinach Soup Recipe plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture, making the soup both delicious and visually inviting.
- Smoked sausage: Adds a bold, smoky depth and hearty protein to the soup.
- Frozen spinach: Brings vibrant color and a mild earthiness while boosting nutrition.
- Dried minced onion flakes: Intensify the savory base without overpowering freshness.
- Diced tomatoes (canned with juice): Provide acidity and a subtle sweetness to balance the richness.
- Black eyed peas: Add a creamy texture and slightly nutty flavor.
- Great northern beans: Enhance the creaminess and protein content for a satisfying bite.
- Chicken broth: Creates the flavorful, soothing liquid base that ties everything together.
- Knorr vegetable soup mix: Boosts the overall umami and seasoning complexity effortlessly.
How to Make Smoked Sausage & Spinach Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by heating a Dutch oven over medium heat and adding your smoked sausage pieces. Cook until they develop a lovely brown crust, which unlocks those deep, smoky flavors essential to this Smoked Sausage & Spinach Soup Recipe. Don’t forget to drain off any excess fat to keep the soup from becoming greasy—this keeps the broth clear and the flavors well-balanced.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients and Simmer
Next, add your thawed and drained spinach, minced onion flakes, diced tomatoes with their juice, black eyed peas, great northern beans, chicken broth, and the packet of Knorr vegetable soup mix right into the pot. Give it a good stir to marry all those wonderful ingredients. Bring everything up to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer for 20 to 30 minutes. This simmering step melds the robust sausage with the fresh spinach and hearty beans, creating that comforting depth that makes this soup so irresistible.
How to Serve Smoked Sausage & Spinach Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Adding the right garnishes can really elevate your bowl of Smoked Sausage & Spinach Soup Recipe. Try topping it with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of color and freshness. A dusting of grated Parmesan cheese or a small dollop of sour cream can add creaminess and a satisfying contrast to the smoky broth.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs beautifully with a crusty baguette or warm, buttery cornbread. The bread will soak up the flavorful broth perfectly and add a lovely crunchy texture alongside the tender sausage and beans. For a lighter side, a crisp green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this Smoked Sausage & Spinach Soup Recipe in individual bread bowls—just hollow out small round loaves, ladle in the soup, and watch as your guests enjoy the perfect edible container. Another idea is to garnish with crispy bacon bits or a swirl of pesto to give the soup an extra burst of savory character and visual appeal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Smoked Sausage & Spinach Soup Recipe keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to four days. Store it in an airtight container to maintain its rich flavors and avoid absorbing any fridge odors. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so leftovers taste even better the next day!
Freezing
This soup freezes wonderfully, making it ideal for meal prep or busy weeknights. Cool it completely before transferring to freezer-safe bags or containers. It will keep in the freezer for up to three months without losing its delicious smoky essence or the texture of the beans and spinach.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy your saved soup, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator if frozen, then reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to re-incorporate any ingredients that may have settled. If needed, add a splash of broth or water to loosen the consistency.
FAQs
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh spinach works just fine—add it towards the end of cooking as it wilts quickly. If you prefer a milder spinach flavor and less moisture, frozen and well-drained spinach provides a more consistent result.
Is there a vegetarian version of this soup?
You can easily adapt this Smoked Sausage & Spinach Soup Recipe for vegetarians by substituting the smoked sausage with a plant-based sausage alternative or using smoked paprika for flavor and extra beans for heartiness instead.
Can I use another type of sausage?
Yes! While smoked sausage is ideal for its distinctive flavor, kielbasa, andouille, or even a spicy chorizo can add wonderful twists to the soup. Just keep in mind how the spice level will change with your selection.
What if I don’t have Knorr vegetable soup mix?
No worries! You can replace it with a teaspoon of vegetable bouillon powder or your favorite mixed herbs and a pinch of salt to keep that rich savory background intact in the soup.
How thick should the soup be?
This soup is meant to be hearty yet brothy, with a nice balance between liquid and chunky ingredients. If you prefer it thicker, simply simmer longer uncovered to reduce the broth, or add a bit of mashed beans to naturally thicken it up.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with this Smoked Sausage & Spinach Soup Recipe—it’s simple, full of wholesome ingredients, and packed with flavor that feels like it was made with love. Whether you’re new to cooking soups or a seasoned home chef, this recipe will quickly become a cherished part of your meal rotation. So grab your ingredients, get cooking, and enjoy every cozy, smoky spoonful!
Print
Smoked Sausage & Spinach Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A hearty and flavorful Smoked Sausage & Spinach Soup combining savory smoked sausage, nutrient-rich spinach, and a variety of beans simmered in a seasoned chicken broth, perfect for a comforting meal in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Meat
- 1 lb smoked sausage, cut into bite-sized pieces
Vegetables & Beans
- 1 (10-oz) package frozen spinach, thawed and drained
- 1 (15-oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (15-oz) can black eyed peas, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15-oz) can great northern beans, drained and rinsed
Seasonings & Broth
- 2 Tbsp dried minced onion flakes
- 5 cups chicken broth
- 1 packet Knorr vegetable soup mix
Instructions
- Cook the sausage: In a Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the smoked sausage pieces until they start to brown and release their flavors, then drain any excess fat to keep the soup from becoming greasy.
- Add remaining ingredients: Pour in the thawed spinach, diced tomatoes with their juice, black eyed peas, great northern beans, dried minced onion flakes, chicken broth, and Knorr vegetable soup mix into the Dutch oven with the sausage.
- Simmer the soup: Bring the soup mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for 20 to 30 minutes to meld the flavors together and heat through thoroughly.
Notes
- Drain excess fat after browning the sausage to reduce grease in the soup.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth for a healthier option and better control over salt levels.
- Frozen spinach should be well drained to prevent excess water in the soup.
- This soup can be made ahead and tastes even better the next day after flavors meld deeply.
- For a spicier twist, add red pepper flakes or hot sauce while simmering.
