Nothing beats the aroma of Carrabba’s Sausage Lentil Soup slowly simmering away!
This soup is all about combining hearty ingredients like savory sausage, earthy lentils, and classic vegetables into one pot.
A great way to enhance the depth of this soup is to add a pinch of smoked paprika.
For the best texture, soak the lentils for about 15 minutes beforehand, as it helps them cook more evenly.
Don’t forget to finish it off with a drizzle of good olive oil for a touch of extra richness in every bite.
How to Make Carrabba’s Sausage Lentil Soup
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian Sausage
- 1 cup Lentils
- 3 Carrots (diced)
- 2 Stalks Celery (diced)
- 1 Onion (diced)
- 32 oz Chicken Broth
- 14 oz Diced Tomatoes
- 2 tsp Garlic (minced)
- 1 lb Italian Sausage
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
- 1/2 tsp Oregano
- 1/2 tsp Thyme
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1:
Brown the Italian sausage in a large pot over medium heat until fully cooked.
Drain the excess fat.
Step 2:
Add the onions, carrots, and celery to the pot with the sausage.
Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
Step 3:
Stir in the garlic and sauté for an additional minute.
Be sure the garlic becomes fragrant but does not burn.
Step 4:
Add the lentils, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, salt, black pepper, oregano, and thyme.
Bring everything to a gentle boil.
Step 5:
Reduce the heat, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 1 hour until the lentils are tender.
Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe
Sausage Selection
Using a good quality Italian sausage makes all the difference in flavor.
Try spicy sausage if you enjoy a little extra heat.
Perfect Simmer
Ensure you simmer the soup gently for the full hour.
This step is key as it allows the lentils to become perfectly tender.
Add Fresh Herbs
If possible, finish with fresh parsley or basil right before serving.
This can add a vibrant freshness to your soup.
Extra Vegetables
Feel free to toss in extra vegetables you have on hand.
Things like spinach or bell peppers can complement the flavors beautifully.
Adjusting Consistency
If the soup thickens too much while simmering, add a bit more chicken broth.
This is a simple fix if you find it too thick for your liking.
What to Serve with Carrabba’s Sausage Lentil Soup
Freshly Baked Dinner Rolls
Nothing complements a warm bowl of Carrabba’s Sausage Lentil Soup quite like some freshly baked dinner rolls!
The soft, buttery goodness of the rolls is perfect for dipping and soaking up every last bit of the savory broth.
Consider using a sourdough or whole wheat version to add a slight tang or hearty flavor to your meal.
Garlic Bread
If you’re in the mood for something with a bit more kick, garlic bread is a classic choice to pair with this soup.
The crispy, aromatic slices meld wonderfully with the robust flavors of the sausage and lentils.
You can make your own by drizzling some olive oil and minced garlic over slices of baguette and toasting them in the oven.
Caprese Salad
For a fresh and light contrast to the hearty soup, try a simple Caprese salad on the side.
The juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil provide a refreshing balance.
A drizzle of balsamic glaze brings it all together and complements the spice in the soup.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Let’s add a little creativity to your meal with some roasted Brussels sprouts.
They have a great nutty flavor that stands up well to the hearty soup.
Toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast until they’re crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
Grilled Zucchini
For a more unique side, grilled zucchini is both healthy and flavorful alongside the soup.
The slight smokiness from the grill enhances the flavors of the dish.
Simply slice the zucchini, brush them with olive oil, and grill until they’re marked with beautiful char lines.
Mashed Cauliflower
If you’re looking for something different and comforting, try serving creamy mashed cauliflower as a side.
It’s a low-carb alternative that’s creamy and pairs well with the sausage and lentil flavors.
Add some garlic and Parmesan to your mash for extra depth and character.
Variations and Substitutions
You can always play around with different types of sausage for this recipe!
Choosing between spicy or mild Italian sausage really changes the final flavor.
If you’re not a fan of pork, use chicken sausage instead.
Liquid Options
Using chicken broth is common, but vegetable broth ensures a vegetarian route.
Water with bouillon cubes can serve as a quick substitute.
All these options work beautifully!
Vegetable Choices
Carrots and celery are typical, but zucchini chunks add a refreshing twist.
If you love greens, toss in some spinach towards the end.
Consider tomatoes for a tangy touch.
Herbs and Spices
Your favorite Italian seasoning blend will work wonders.
A pinch of cayenne pepper adds a nice kick.
Experiment with a bit of thyme or rosemary for depth.
These small changes add unique character!
How to Store Leftover Carrabba’s Sausage Lentil Soup
Airtight Containers
One of the best ways to store your leftover soup is to place it in airtight containers.
This helps maintain the soup’s flavor and prevents it from absorbing other odors in the refrigerator.
Make sure to let the soup cool to room temperature before transferring it to a container.
Refrigeration Tips
Storing the soup in the refrigerator can keep it fresh for up to three days.
You should place the container in a cool part of the fridge, such as the middle shelf, to maintain a consistent temperature.
Avoid storing it in the door where temperature fluctuations occur more frequently.
Freezing Method
If you’re not planning to eat the soup within a few days, consider freezing it for longer storage.
Pour the soup into a freezer-safe container, leaving some space at the top for expansion as it freezes.
I find it convenient to divide the soup into individual portions before freezing. This makes it easy to defrost just what you need later!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Browning the Sausage
You need to brown the sausage properly to bring out its deep flavors.
Skipping this step or rushing it can result in bland taste.
Make sure to brown it over medium heat until it’s nicely caramelized.
Timing and Texture
Cooking the lentils too long can make them mushy (but don’t undercook them either!).
Keep an eye on them to maintain their tender texture, which usually takes about an hour.
Don’t let them become over-soft, or you’ll lose their hearty bite.
Balancing Ingredients
Too much of one vegetable can overpower the others.
It’s important to dice onions, carrots, and celery in balanced portions for a harmonious blend.
Varying these quantities can disturb the overall balance in the soup’s flavor.

Carrabba's Sausage Lentil Soup Recipe
- 1 lb Italian Sausage
- 1 cup Lentils
- 3 Carrots diced
- 2 Stalks Celery diced
- 1 Onion diced
- 32 oz Chicken Broth
- 14 oz Diced Tomatoes
- 2 tsp Garlic minced
- 1 lb Italian Sausage
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
- 1/2 tsp Oregano
- 1/2 tsp Thyme
- Brown the Italian sausage in a large pot over medium heat until fully cooked.
- Drain the excess fat.
- Add the onions, carrots, and celery to the pot with the sausage.
- Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
- Stir in the garlic and sauté for an additional minute.
- Be sure the garlic becomes fragrant but does not burn.
- Add the lentils, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, salt, black pepper, oregano, and thyme.
- Bring everything to a gentle boil.
- Reduce the heat, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 1 hour until the lentils are tender.
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