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

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

By: Becky Hardin

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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!

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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!

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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!

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Recipe

Sausage Lentil Soup

4.56 from 147 votes

Author: Becky Hardin

Prep: 20 minutes minutes

Cook: 1 hour hour 10 minutes minutes

Total: 1 hour hour 30 minutes minutes

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Serves8 bowls

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

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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

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  • 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

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  • 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.

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  • 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!

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More Sausage Soup Recipes We Love

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

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

FAQs

Do I have to cook lentils before adding to soup? ›

Do you cook lentils before adding to soup? Nope! Dried lentils cook in 35 minutes in the soup, and there's no need to soak them either!

Why is my lentil soup so thick? ›

If things get a bit too thick: Often times lentil (or other bean soups) will substantially thicken up, especially overnight; if this happens and the soup becomes a bit too thick, simply thin it out with a little water or stock.

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 low glycemic? ›

Nutritious, delicious and inexpensive, the tiny but mighty lentil is a culinary superstar. These heart healthy pulses (the edible seed inside a legume) are packed with nutrients including protein, potassium, folate, iron and calcium. They are low in calories, low on the glycemic index and high in fiber.

What happens if I don't rinse lentils? ›

While it seems like an unnecessary step, don't skip rinsing your lentils and sifting through them before cooking to remove any stones or debris. It is rare to find stones, but it does happen.

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.

Why does my lentil soup taste bland? ›

The beauty of lentils is that they are a completely blank slate — they can take on any flavor you throw at them. That also means if you don't give them any flavor, well, they will taste pretty bland. Add aromatics to the water or, even better, use chicken or vegetable stock instead of water.

What is the white stuff in lentil soup? ›

Those look to be radicles (embryonic stems, the part the root grows from) that have separated from the lentils. If you look closely at the less squished lentils in your soup, you'll probably see some with the radicles still attached.

Is Costco lentil soup healthy? ›

Perfect for meatless Monday meals, Amy's Organic Lentil Soup is a vegetarian soup that's popular among Costco shoppers for its lovely flavor and excellent nutrition label. “It's packed with protein, fiber, and a delightful blend of spices,” Best explains.

Is lentil soup full of carbs? ›

Carb content of lentils

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 ).

How much protein is in lentil sausage 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 good for losing belly fat? ›

Lentils are high in fiber and protein, making them a great choice for promoting fullness and reducing overall calorie intake.

Do lentils spike blood sugar? ›

Even though pulses contain carbohydrates, they don't give sharp rises to blood glucose levels compared to other carbohydrate-containing foods. The make-up of the carbohydrates in pulses, the fibre content and the fact that they are high in protein slows down the breakdown of the carbohydrates into glucose in the blood.

Is it healthy to eat lentil soup every day? ›

Eating more lentils may help people maintain a healthy weight or lose weight. Replacing energy-dense (or high calorie) foods with legumes such as lentils can help people prevent or manage obesity and lose weight. Research suggests that regularly eating lentils may help with the management and prevention of diabetes.

Do I need to pre cook lentils? ›

Nope! Unlike lots of other dried pulses (such as some dried beans), lentils don't need to be soaked before cooking. This means they're really quick and easy to use – you can decide you want to cook lentils when you're already ready to start cooking, and they can be ready to eat not long after.

What happens if you don't cook lentils all the way? ›

In addition, undercooked lentils stay with lectin, an ingredient that may cause stomach problems like diarrhea or even food poisoning.

Will lentils soften in soup? ›

If you're making a homey soup or stew, either regular green or brown lentils would be an excellent choice. Instead of holding their shape, they soften and become mushy as they cook. I like to add the dried lentils to a big pot of soup and let it simmer until they become tender, about 30 minutes.

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