Sausage Lentil Soup Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (2024)

Sausage Lentil Soup Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (1)

By: Becky Hardin

This post may include affiliate links that earn us a small commission from your purchases at no extra cost to you.

Sausage Lentil Soup is a hearty favorite. It’s like your favorite restaurant comfort food made easy at home! This amazing copycat Carrabba’s sausage and lentil soup recipe is a staple at our house. So delicious!

Sausage Lentil Soup Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (2)

Table of Contents

What’s in this Carrabba’s Lentil Soup Recipe?

This Carrabba’s Sausage Lentil Soup copycat recipe is a favorite. I just love the flavor of the Italian sausage mixed with the lentils and veggies. It’s just so delicious! It’s not an exact copy of the original, but I wanted to put my own spin on it by making some adjustments. I hope you love this version just as much!

  • Italian Sausage: Adds a rich and savory flavor to the soup, providing a depth of taste and a hint of spiciness. I recommend using hot Italian sausage, but sweet also works.
  • Garlic: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the soup and adds a delicious and aromatic element.
  • Mirepoix: A combination of onion, celery, and carrots that creates an aromatic and flavorful base for the soup.
  • Zucchini: Adds a slightly sweet taste and vibrant green color.
  • Chicken Broth: Forms the base of the soup, adding savory and umami flavor.
  • Diced Tomatoes: Add tanginess and acidity to the soup.
  • Lentils: Brown lentils are a key ingredient in the soup, providing a hearty and protein-packed element. They add a nutty flavor and a slightly firm texture.
  • Salt + Pepper: Enhances the overall taste of the soup.

Pro Tip: Garnish with fresh basil, oregano, and Parmesan cheese for that true restaurant taste!

Variations on Sausage and Lentil Soup

You can beef up this soup with just about any veggies you like. Bell peppers and mushrooms are a personal favorite. I also love adding chopped kale or spinach in the last 3-5 minutes of cook time for a wilty, delicious, healthy addition.

For a lighter option, swap the ground sausage for ground turkey!

Sausage Lentil Soup Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (3)

Sausage Lentil Soup Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (4)

Email This Recipe

Enter your email and we’ll send the recipe directly to you!

By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from The Cookie Rookie.

Is lentil soup healthy for a diet?

Lentil soup can be a great part of a healthy diet when enjoyed in moderation.

What’s the nutritional value of lentil sausage soup?

This sausage lentil soup is packed with healthy carbs and protein. It’s high in fiber, potassium, vitamin A, vitamin C, and iron. However, it is also high in saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium, so it should be enjoyed in moderation.

Do you rinse lentils before making soup?

Yes, you should rinse lentils before cooking them! Although they are usually sorted before they’re packaged, they can still contain small rocks and debris that could break a tooth!

Does lentil soup burn belly fat?

Lentils are rich in soluble fiber, which can help you to burn belly fat.

Which color lentil is healthiest?

Nutritionally speaking, black (Beluga) lentils are the healthiest. However, all varieties of lentils are healthy! We use brown lentils in this soup because they hold their shape well.

Can you overcook lentils in soup?

Yes, you can overcook lentils in soup. As they continue to cook, the lentils will begin to split, turn mushy, and lose their nutrients to the cooking liquid. You want to cook your lentils until they are tender, not mushy!

Why does my lentil soup taste bland?

If you follow my recipe exactly, your soup should be far from bland! Don’t skip all of the wonderful aromatics, and you’re sure to have a flavorful soup!

Sausage Lentil Soup Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (5)

How to Store and Reheat

Store leftover sausage lentil soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat over medium-low heat on the stovetop until warmed through.

How to Freeze

Freeze sausage and lentil soup in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Serving Suggestions

Keep that Italian restaurant feel by serving this soup with Copycat Olive Garden Salad and breadsticks. Add some apps, like mozzarella sticks, zucchini fries, or stuffed mushrooms.

Still hungry? Try an Italian entrée, like chicken parmesan, lasagna, or spaghetti and meatballs.

Cap off the night with tiramisu, cannolis, or cheesecake!

Sausage Lentil Soup Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (6)

Recipe

Sausage Lentil Soup

4.56 from 147 votes

Prep: 20 minutes minutes

Cook: 1 hour hour 10 minutes minutes

Total: 1 hour hour 30 minutes minutes

Sausage Lentil Soup Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (7)

Serves8 bowls

Print Rate

Save Shop our store

This sausage and lentil soup recipe is filled with lots of veggies, inspired by Carrabba's well-loved soup.

Sausage Lentil Soup Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (8)

Email This Recipe

Enter your email and we’ll send the recipe directly to you!

By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from The Cookie Rookie.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound Italian sausage hot or sweet
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 onion diced
  • 1 rib celery chopped
  • 2 carrots chopped
  • 1 zucchini chopped
  • 5 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 29 ounces diced tomatoes (2 (14.5-ounce) cans)
  • 2 cups dry brown lentils rinsed and sorted
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 2 teaspoons ground black pepper

Optional Garnishes

  • Fresh basil
  • Fresh oregano
  • Freshly shredded Parmesan cheese

Recommended Equipment

Instructions

  • In a large skillet, brown the sausage over medium-high heat, crumbling as you cook. When the sausage is almost done, add in the garlic and allow it to cook.

    1 pound Italian sausage, 3 cloves garlic

    Sausage Lentil Soup Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (9)

  • In a large Dutch oven, combine all of the ingredients (including the cooked sausage and garlic) and bring to a boil.

    1 onion, 1 rib celery, 2 carrots, 1 zucchini, 5 cups low-sodium chicken broth, 29 ounces diced tomatoes, 2 cups dry brown lentils, 2 teaspoons kosher salt, 2 teaspoons ground black pepper

    Sausage Lentil Soup Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (10)

  • Reduce the heat to a simmer and cover.

  • Simmer for about 1 hour, or until the lentils are tender. If the soup is too thick, add water to thin to desired consistency.

    Sausage Lentil Soup Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (11)

  • Sprinkle with basil, oregano, and Parmesan for garnish if desired.

    Fresh basil, Fresh oregano, Freshly shredded Parmesan cheese

Last step! Don’t forget to show me a pic of what you made! Upload an image or tag me @thecookierookie on Instagram!

Becky’s tips

  • You can beef up this soup with just about any veggies you like. Bell peppers and mushrooms are a personal favorite.
  • I also love adding chopped kale or spinach in the last 3-5 minutes of cook time for a wilty, delicious, healthy addition.
  • For a lighter option, swap the ground sausage for ground turkey!
  • Cook then lentils until they are tender and just beginning to split; you don’t want them to turn mushy!
  • Nutritional information does not include optional garnishes.

Storage:Store sausage lentil soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1bowl Calories: 428kcal (21%) Carbohydrates: 40g (13%) Protein: 25g (50%) Fat: 19g (29%) Saturated Fat: 7g (44%) Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g Monounsaturated Fat: 9g Cholesterol: 43mg (14%) Sodium: 1209mg (53%) Potassium: 1070mg (31%) Fiber: 17g (71%) Sugar: 6g (7%) Vitamin A: 3201IU (64%) Vitamin C: 18mg (22%) Calcium: 94mg (9%) Iron: 6mg (33%)

Did You Make This?I want to see! Be sure to upload an image below & tag @thecookierookie on social media!

Sausage Lentil Soup Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (12)

Sausage Lentil Soup Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (13)

Upload A PhotoTag on
Insta
Leave A Rating

More Sausage Soup Recipes We Love

  • Sausage Tortellini Soup
  • Baked Mostaccioli
  • Lasagna Soup
  • Sweet Potato Chili
  • Zuppa Toscana

Sausage Lentil Soup Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (14)

Claim your free ebook!

Subscribe to have posts delivered straight to your inbox!! PLUS get our FREE ebook!

Sign Me Up

Sausage Lentil Soup Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (2024)

FAQs

Should lentils be soaked before making soup? ›

The other good news: Lentils don't need to soak as beans do (though you do need to sort and rinse them before cooking). Different types of lentils cook in different amounts of time. Red lentils are the fastest cooking and they dissolve as they cook and make for a smooth soup.

How many calories are in Carrabba's sausage lentil soup? ›

Carrabba's Italian Grill Sausage And Lentil Soup Cup (1 serving) contains 20g total carbs, 12g net carbs, 11g fat, 12g protein, and 220 calories.

Is lentil soup good for you? ›

Here are some of the reasons why you should include lentil soup in your diet. Lentils are high in protein, which is essential for building and maintaining your muscles, bones, and skin. Protein also helps you feel full and satisfied, which can support weight loss and appetite control.

Why is my lentil soup too thick? ›

If the soup seems too thick add 1 more cup of vegetable stock (or water). Taste test and adjust seasonings as needed. Using an immersion blender or regular blender puree half of the soup (don't skip this part...the texture of smooth/chunky is the best!) Keep the soup on low heat until ready to serve.

What happens if you don't pre soak lentils? ›

Soaking: Unlike beans, lentils are small and cook relatively quick (in general, about 20-30 minutes) so they don't require pre-soaking. However, soaking lentils for a few hours or overnight may improve the digestibility of starches in lentils and an overnight soak can also reduce cooking time by about half.

Can you overcook lentils in soup? ›

Yes, you can overcook lentils; they will become mushy. Much depends on the type of lentil you're using. Some cook quicker and hold their shape better than others. To avoid overcooking them, always follow the cooking directions in your recipe and use the type of lentils called for in the ingredient list.

Is lentil soup full of carbs? ›

Due to their high carb content, legumes are generally avoided on a strict keto diet. In fact, 1 cup (180 grams) of cooked lentils provides 36 grams of carbs. Even when you subtract the 14 grams of fiber, it yields 22 grams of net carbs ( 7 ).

What are the nutrition facts for sausage and lentil soup? ›

Nutrition Facts

1 cup: 192 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 842mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 9g fiber), 13g protein.

Is lentil soup calorie dense? ›

Lentil soup is not only hearty and satisfying but also relatively low in calories, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a healthy and filling meal. On average, a single serving of lentil soup contains approximately 150-200 calories, depending on the specific ingredients and portion size.

Which color lentil is healthiest? ›

Black Lentils (Beluga lentils)

Best of all, black lentils are the most nutritious variety of lentils, boasting the highest amount of protein, plus high levels of calcium, potassium, and iron.

Is lentil soup good for bowels? ›

Lentils are rich in a type of fiber that helps your digestive system work as it should and fuels good bacteria in your gut. Fiber may also help reduce the risk of colorectal cancer. “Fiber plays an important role in regulating our bowels and protecting the immune system,” says Homan.

Can I eat 5 day old lentil soup? ›

Lentil Soup will easily keep for 5 days in the fridge, making it ideal for cooking on the weekend and serving throughout the week. And it also freezes 100% perfectly for 3 months – even longer!

What happens if you eat too much lentil soup? ›

Eating half a cup of cooked lentils gives you lots of essential nutrients and their high fiber content makes you feel full. However, the fiber in lentils can be hard for your body to break down. Eating too many lentils can cause gas, bloating, and cramping.

Why is my lentil soup tasteless? ›

Lentils are bland, that's why they are perfect for adding flavour to. Personally, my favourite is to fry up bits of bacon and stir those into the cooked lentils, dead easy and quick. What do I do to keep lentils from being bland and terrible? Add loads of garlic, cumin, onion, and ginger.

What is the foam on top of lentil soup? ›

That means the foam will typically appear when making meat-based broths and, to a lesser degree, soups made from high-protein vegetables such as chickpeas and lentils. When those coagulated proteins cluster together, they can create air pockets, which is what causes the “sudsy bubbles,” says Trout.

Does soaking lentils make a difference? ›

Soaking lentils increase the mineral absorption rate of the body. An enzyme called phytase is activated when you soak the dal for some time. Phytase helps in breaking down phytic acid and helps in binding calcium, iron and zinc. This makes the absorption process much easier.

Can you add uncooked lentils to soup? ›

I add the lentils dry (uncooked) to the pot, but before doing that, I make sure to rinse them under running water. I also quickly look through them to make sure anything that isn't a lentil is removed (sometimes other beans or grains sneak in, especially when you get them from the bulk aisle).

Why won't my lentils soften in soup? ›

You're not using enough water

According to the BBC, lentils need a whole lot of water to cook all of the way through. So use at least three times more water than lentils and avoid the temptation to salt the water. Adding salt can make the lentil's exterior tough and unappetizing (via Lentils.org).

Do lentils lose nutrients when soaked? ›

Lentils contain antinutrients such as trypsin inhibitors and phytic acid, which reduce the absorption of some nutrients. Soaking and cooking lentils will minimize these, but regardless, you will still absorb the majority of your nutrients.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Foster Heidenreich CPA

Last Updated:

Views: 6146

Rating: 4.6 / 5 (76 voted)

Reviews: 83% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Foster Heidenreich CPA

Birthday: 1995-01-14

Address: 55021 Usha Garden, North Larisa, DE 19209

Phone: +6812240846623

Job: Corporate Healthcare Strategist

Hobby: Singing, Listening to music, Rafting, LARPing, Gardening, Quilting, Rappelling

Introduction: My name is Foster Heidenreich CPA, I am a delightful, quaint, glorious, quaint, faithful, enchanting, fine person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.