Carrabba’s Sausage Lentil Soup (Copycat Recipe) – A Hearty, Flavorful Bowl of Comfort

Get ready for a rich and comforting bowl of Carrabba’s Sausage Lentil Soup, packed with tender lentils, spicy or sweet Italian sausage, and fresh veggies. This copycat version of the popular restaurant recipe is the perfect dish to cozy up with on a chilly night. With bold flavors from garlic, tomatoes, and Italian herbs, this soup will warm you from the inside out. Plus, it’s easy to make and great for leftovers!

Scroll down for the recipe!

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The Inspiration Behind Carrabba’s Sausage Lentil Soup

This hearty soup is a favorite at Carrabba’s Italian Grill, known for its comforting blend of tender lentils and flavorful sausage in a tomato-based broth. It’s filling, flavorful, and nutritious, making it perfect for a cozy family dinner or meal prep for the week. With this copycat recipe, you can recreate the rich, robust flavors of this classic soup right in your own kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Sausage Lentil Soup

This sausage lentil soup is incredibly filling and packed with bold flavors from the Italian sausage, garlic, and tomatoes. The lentils provide a hearty, protein-rich base, while the carrots, zucchini, and celery add freshness and texture. It’s a great meal to make in a big batch, and it tastes even better the next day! Plus, you can easily customize it by using hot or sweet sausage depending on your flavor preferences.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Based on 6 Servings):

• Calories: 320 kcal
• Fat: 14g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Protein: 19g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fiber: 12g

This soup is a nutrient-dense meal, providing plenty of protein and fiber while keeping you full and satisfied.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This sausage lentil soup is hearty enough to be enjoyed on its own, but you can also pair it with a crusty loaf of bread for dipping. For a lighter option, serve it alongside a simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette. Garnish the soup with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, fresh basil, and oregano for a burst of flavor. You could also add a dollop of ricotta or a spoonful of pesto to take the soup to the next level.

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Storage and Reheating Tips

This sausage lentil soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors will continue to develop, making it an even better meal the next day. You can also freeze the soup in individual portions for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm it in a pot over medium heat until it’s heated through. If the soup thickens too much in the fridge, add a little chicken broth or water when reheating to thin it out.

Fun Fact: The Origins of Lentil Soup

Lentils have been a staple food in many cultures for thousands of years. In ancient Greece and Rome, lentil soup was a common dish, often consumed by the poor because of its affordability and high nutritional value. Today, lentil soup remains popular worldwide due to its versatility and health benefits.

Cooking Tips

• Adjust the Consistency: If you prefer a thicker soup, simmer it uncovered for the last 10-15 minutes. For a thinner consistency, simply add more broth or water as needed.
• Make it Spicy: For an extra kick, use hot Italian sausage and add red pepper flakes while cooking the sausage.
• Make it Vegetarian: To make this soup vegetarian, skip the sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add more vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.

Optional Variations

• Add Greens: Stir in a handful of fresh spinach or kale during the last 5 minutes of cooking for added nutrients and color.
• Try Different Sausages: Swap the Italian sausage for chicken sausage, turkey sausage, or even plant-based sausage for a lighter option.
• Add More Veggies: You can bulk up the soup with extra vegetables like bell peppers, potatoes, or mushrooms for additional flavor and nutrition.

Carrabba’s Sausage Lentil Soup Copycat Recipe

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 cans, 14.5 oz each)
• 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

Instructions:

1. Brown the Sausage:In a large skillet over medium-high heat, crumble and brown the Italian sausage until fully cooked. Once the sausage is nearly done, add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Drain any excess fat.
2. Prepare the Soup:In a large Dutch oven or stockpot, combine the cooked sausage and garlic with the diced onion, celery, carrots, zucchini, chicken broth, diced tomatoes (including their juices), lentils, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
3. Bring to a Boil:Place the pot over medium-high heat and bring the soup to a boil. Once it starts to boil, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 1 hour, or until the lentils are tender.
4. Adjust Consistency:If the soup is too thick for your liking, you can add a little more chicken broth or water to thin it out. If you prefer a thicker soup, continue to simmer uncovered until the desired consistency is reached.
5. Serve and Garnish:Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh basil, oregano, and a generous sprinkle of freshly shredded Parmesan cheese if desired.

Final Thoughts

This copycat version of Carrabba’s Sausage Lentil Soup is a delicious and hearty meal that’s perfect for cozy dinners at home. Packed with bold flavors from Italian sausage, tender lentils, and a medley of vegetables, this soup will become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this comforting dish is sure to satisfy!