Creamy Italian Sausage and Wild Rice Soup

This Creamy Italian Sausage and Wild Rice Soup is just what you need when you want a warm, filling meal in one bowl! It is made with mild Italian sausage, tender wild rice, and plenty of vegetables in a creamy broth. It is hearty, full of flavor, and easy to make for dinner! I absolutely loved it!

If you enjoy a good bowl of soup, try my Chicken Wild Rice Soup, too! And for even more ideas, check out my collection of Easy Fall Soup Recipes for simple meals to make any night of the week.

Ingredients & Substitutions

• Italian sausage: Use mild Italian sausage for plenty of flavor without too much heat. Remove the casings if needed. You can use hot Italian sausage if you prefer a little more spice.
• Butter: Unsalted butter is used in two parts of the recipe: for cooking the vegetables and for making the roux. Salted butter can also be used; just adjust the added salt to taste.
• Vegetables: Yellow onion, carrots, celery, and garlic add flavor and texture to the soup. Dice the onion, carrots, and celery into similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly.
• Wild rice: Rinse the uncooked wild rice before adding it to the soup. Cooking time can vary depending on the type of wild rice, so check it for tenderness before moving on.
• Chicken broth: Adds the base flavor to the soup. Use low-sodium broth if you want more control over the salt. Keep a little extra on hand to thin the soup if needed.
• Seasonings: Dried thyme, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper keep the flavor simple and savory. Adjust the salt and pepper to taste.
• All-purpose flour: Helps thicken the creamy broth. Whisk it into the melted butter to make a roux before adding the cream.
• Heavy whipping cream: Makes the broth creamy and rich.
• Spinach: Fresh baby spinach adds a little color and wilts quickly into the soup. Roughly chop it before adding.
• Parsley: Chopped fresh parsley is an optional garnish.

Tips for the Best Creamy Italian Sausage and Wild Rice Soup

1. Brown the sausage well: Let the sausage brown as it cooks, breaking it into small pieces. This adds more flavor to the soup.
2. Cut the vegetables evenly: Dice the onion, carrots, and celery into similar-sized pieces so they cook at about the same rate.
3. Rinse the wild rice: Rinse the rice under cool water before adding it to the soup to remove any dust or debris.
4. Check the rice for doneness: Wild rice can take different amounts of time to cook depending on the variety. It is ready when tender and the grains begin to split.
5. Whisk the roux until smooth: Whisk the flour into the melted butter and cook for 1 to 2 minutes before adding the cream. This helps prevent lumps in the creamy broth.
6. Temper the cream mixture: Slowly whisk some hot broth into the cream mixture before adding it to the soup. This helps it blend smoothly.
7. Add the spinach last: Stir in the spinach near the end of cooking. It only needs a minute or two to wilt.
8. Adjust the consistency: The rice will continue to soak up broth as the soup sits. Keep extra chicken broth nearby to thin it to your liking.

FAQs

Can I use wild rice blend instead of 100% wild rice?

Yes, but cooking time may be different. Wild rice blends often cook faster than 100% wild rice, so check the package directions and adjust the simmering time as needed.

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of Italian sausage?

Yes. Ground turkey or chicken can be used in place of Italian sausage. You may want to add a little extra seasoning since they have a milder flavor.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes! You can make it a day ahead and refrigerate it. The rice will continue to absorb some of the broth as it sits, so you may need to add a little chicken broth when reheating.

Can I use frozen spinach?

Yes. Thaw the spinach first and squeeze out as much excess water as possible before stirring it into the soup.

Why is my soup so thick?

Wild rice continues to absorb liquid as it cooks and as the soup rests. Stir in a little extra chicken broth until it reaches the consistency you like.

Can I make this soup without the cream?

The cream gives the soup its rich, creamy texture. You can leave it out, but the broth will be thinner and less creamy.

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

This recipe is best made on the stovetop because the sausage, vegetables, and creamy roux are prepared in stages. For a slow cooker version, the cooking method and timing would need to be adjusted.

What To Serve With Creamy Italian Sausage and Wild Rice Soup

This soup is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but a few simple sides make it even better!

• Crusty French Baguette: A warm, crusty baguette is perfect for dipping into the creamy broth and soaking up every last bit.
• Easy Dinner Rolls: Soft, fluffy rolls are another great choice for serving alongside a bowl of soup.
• Simple Side Salad: A fresh salad with crisp vegetables adds a nice contrast to the rich, creamy soup.
• Roasted Brussels Sprouts: A simple roasted vegetable side adds color and balances out the meal.
• Cheesy Butter Swim Biscuits: These savory biscuits are perfect for dipping and make a nice addition to dinner.

How To Store Creamy Italian Sausage and Wild Rice Soup

Refrigerator: Let the soup cool, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The rice will continue to absorb broth as it sits, so add a splash of chicken broth when reheating if needed.

To Reheat: Warm the soup in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Add a little chicken broth to loosen it if it has thickened. Avoid boiling, which can affect the creamy texture.

Freezer (Not Recommended): Freezing is not recommended because the cream may separate and the rice can become soft or mushy after thawing. If you choose to freeze it, let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe airtight containers, leaving a little room at the top for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often. Add a splash of chicken broth as needed to adjust the consistency.