Looking for a quick, comforting meal that’s easy to make on a busy weeknight? This One-Pot Creamy Sausage Kale Soup with Rotini & Feta has you covered! Featuring savory Italian sausage, tender rotini pasta, and fresh kale, this hearty, flavor-packed soup is the ultimate cozy dinner. The rich, creamy broth is infused with white wine, thyme, and a hint of nutmeg, perfectly balanced by tangy crumbled feta cheese. Best of all, everything cooks in just one pot, making cleanup effortless. Whether you're craving a warm fall soup or a satisfying comfort meal, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite!

Last updated February 16th, 2025.

Why You'll Love this Recipe:

One-Pot Wonder – Less mess, fewer dishes! This one-pot soup recipe makes both preparation and cleanup a breeze, perfect for busy weeknights.
Packed with Flavor – The combination of savory Italian sausage, fresh kale, creamy broth, and tangy feta cheese creates a delicious mix of rich, hearty flavors with just the right balance of comfort and freshness.
Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes, this creamy sausage kale soup is a perfect weeknight dinner when you're short on time but craving something warm and satisfying.
Versatile Comfort Food – Easily customize this Italian-inspired soup by swapping the rotini pasta for another variety, using spinach instead of kale, or adding extra veggies like mushrooms or bell peppers for even more flavor.

Ingredient Notes:

Italian Sausage – Choose mild or spicy Italian sausage based on your preference. It adds savory depth and richness, making this creamy sausage kale soup extra flavorful.
Shallot – Provides a milder onion flavor that enhances the soup without overpowering the other ingredients.
Garlic – Fresh minced garlic infuses the broth with aromatic warmth and enhances the savory profile of this hearty Italian soup.
Flour – Used to create a roux, which thickens the soup and gives it a smooth, creamy consistency.
Dry White Wine – Adds acidity and depth to the broth. Choose a dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the flavors without adding sweetness.
Fresh Thyme – Lends a fresh, earthy flavor that brightens the dish. If you don’t have fresh thyme, dried thyme works as a great substitute—use about ⅓ of the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated.
Chicken Broth – Serves as the flavorful base of the soup. Opt for low-sodium broth to better control the salt levels.
Rotini Pasta – This twisted pasta shape holds onto the creamy broth beautifully, adding great texture to this comforting soup. You can swap it with fusilli, penne, or orecchiette if needed.
Kale – Adds nutrients and a slight bitterness, balancing the rich, creamy broth. If preferred, substitute with baby spinach for a milder taste.
Half & Half – Provides a rich, creamy consistency without being as heavy as heavy cream, making the soup perfectly velvety.
Nutmeg – A small pinch enhances the warm, cozy flavors of the soup, adding subtle depth without overpowering the other ingredients.
Feta Cheese – The tangy, creamy feta adds a bold contrast to the rich broth, elevating the flavor complexity of this dish.

creamy italian sausage kale feta cheese and rotini pasta soup

Dietary Restriction & Allergy-Friendly Substitutions:

To Make It Gluten-Free – Substitute the flour with gluten-free all-purpose flour or cornstarch to thicken the soup. (My favorite is the Bob Red Mills Gluten Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour). Use gluten-free rotini pasta made from rice, quinoa, or chickpeas to maintain the texture without gluten.
To Make It Dairy-Free – Swap the half & half for a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream or oat-based half & half. Replace the feta cheese with a dairy-free feta substitute or simply omit it for a lighter version.
To Make It Low-Carb/Keto – Replace the rotini pasta with zucchini noodles, cauliflower rice, or shirataki noodles to lower the carb count while keeping the soup hearty and satisfying.
To Make It Vegetarian – Swap the Italian sausage for plant-based sausage, mushrooms, or lentils for a hearty, meat-free alternative. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep it fully vegetarian-friendly.
To Make It Nut-Free – This creamy sausage kale soup is naturally nut-free, but always double-check store-bought ingredients like broth, dairy alternatives, and pasta to ensure they don’t contain hidden nut ingredients.
To Make It Paleo – Omit the pasta and use spiralized vegetables like zucchini or carrots instead. Ensure all other ingredients, such as broth and dairy alternatives, align with paleo-friendly guidelines.

Additional Substitutions & Variations:

Vegetables – Enhance the soup by adding carrots, bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for extra flavor, texture, and nutrition.
Beans – For added protein and fiber, toss in a can of drained and rinsed white beans or chickpeas.
Spices – Customize the flavor with red pepper flakes for heat, smoked paprika for depth, or a pinch of Italian seasoning to enhance the herby notes.
Creaminess – Substitute half & half with heavy cream for an even richer, more indulgent soup. If you prefer a lighter option, an unsweetened dairy-free alternative like cashew cream.
Cheese Variations – Swap feta cheese for goat cheese for a tangier bite, or add a sprinkle of Parmesan or Pecorino Romano on top before serving for a different flavor profile.
Pasta Types – Use other pasta shapes such as orzo, small shells, ditalini, or gluten-free pasta to suit your preference.
Protein Options – Swap Italian sausage for chicken sausage or turkey sausage for a lighter version. You can also use ground chicken, ground turkey, or even shredded rotisserie chicken for a different take.
Vegetarian Version – Omit the Italian sausage and replace it with mushrooms, extra beans, or plant-based sausage for a satisfying meat-free version.
Herbs – Experiment with fresh basil, parsley, or rosemary to add a different herbal twist to the soup.
Wine-Free Option – If you prefer to skip the white wine, substitute it with extra chicken broth or a splash of lemon juice for brightness.

creamy sausage kale and feta soup with pasta

Expert Tips & Recipe Notes:

Cooking the Sausage – For the best flavor, use high-quality Italian sausage. Ensure it’s browned well to develop a rich, savory base for the soup.
Adjusting Thickness – If the soup is too thick, add more chicken broth or half & half to reach your desired consistency. Conversely, if it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to allow some liquid to evaporate.
Kale Prep – Remove the tough stems from the kale and chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces for easier eating. Add the kale during the last few minutes of cooking to keep it vibrant and tender.
Nutmeg Tip – A pinch of nutmeg adds warmth and enhances the creaminess of the soup, but be careful not to overdo it; a little goes a long way!
Make Ahead – This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove and add a splash of broth if it thickens too much during storage.
Freezing – If you plan to freeze the soup, consider omitting the pasta and adding it fresh when reheating. Pasta can become mushy when frozen and thawed.
Garnishing – For a pop of freshness, garnish the soup with additional crumbled feta, freshly chopped herbs, or a drizzle of olive oil just before serving.
Taste Testing – Always taste the soup before serving and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or more herbs as needed to suit your palate.

FAQs for One-Pot Creamy Sausage Kale Soup:

What type of sausage should I use for this soup?
- For the best flavor, use mild or spicy Italian sausage. It adds a savory richness that complements the creamy broth and kale. You can also opt for chicken sausage or turkey sausage for a lighter version.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
- Yes! While rotini pasta is the classic choice, you can substitute with any type of small pasta like penne, shells, or gluten-free pasta. If you prefer, you can also use zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
- Yes, you can make the soup ahead and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat it gently on the stove, adding more chicken broth or half & half if it thickens too much.
How can I make this soup spicier?
- If you want a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or a splash of hot sauce to the soup while cooking. This will bring extra heat and depth to the creamy sausage kale soup.
Can I freeze this soup?
- Yes, but for the best results, omit the pasta before freezing. Pasta can become mushy when frozen and thawed, so it's best to add it fresh when reheating. Freeze the soup for up to 3 months and add fresh pasta when ready to serve.
Can I make this soup dairy-free?
- Absolutely! Use coconut cream or dairy-free half & half in place of the half & half. Substitute the feta cheese with a dairy-free cheese alternative or simply omit it for a lighter version.
What can I add to this soup to make it heartier?
- To make this soup even more filling, you can add white beans, chickpeas, or extra vegetables like carrots or bell peppers. For more protein, consider adding shredded rotisserie chicken.

creamy sausage kale and feta soup with rotini pasta

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