One-Pot Creamy Cabbage Soup

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Warm, creamy, and utterly satisfying, One-Pot Creamy Cabbage Soup is your answer to chilly evenings and hearty cravings. This soul-soothing bowl features tender cabbage, chunky potatoes, and bites of smoky sausage in a rich, velvety broth that clings to every spoonful. With its rustic charm and simple prep, it easily becomes a family favorite.

Made in one pot for convenience, this soup balances comfort and ease. It transforms humble ingredients into something luxurious without being fussy. Whether you’re serving it for a quick weeknight dinner or a lazy Sunday lunch, it promises warmth in every bite.

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What Kind of Cabbage Works Best for This Soup?

Green cabbage is the go-to choice for its mild sweetness and sturdy texture, which holds up well during simmering. Napa cabbage is softer and more delicate, lending a silkier finish. Savoy can also be used if you want extra texture and depth.

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Ingredients for the One-Pot Creamy Cabbage Soup

Cabbage – The heart of this dish, cabbage adds bulk and natural sweetness once cooked down. Use green cabbage for best results.

Potatoes – They bring starchy comfort and thicken the broth naturally as they cook.

Sausage – Smoked sausage or kielbasa adds bold, savory notes that infuse the entire pot.

Onion and Garlic – These aromatics create the base flavor, giving the soup depth and warmth.

Carrots and Celery – These vegetables round out the texture and add a familiar soup base.

Chicken Broth – A savory liquid backbone that blends the flavors while keeping the soup light.

Heavy Cream – Swirled in at the end, it creates that dreamy, creamy consistency.

Butter and Olive Oil – Used to sauté the vegetables, adding flavor and richness.

Salt, Pepper, and Optional Red Pepper Flakes – For seasoning and a touch of heat if desired.

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How To Make the One-Pot Creamy Cabbage Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions, celery, and carrots. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until softened and fragrant. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

Add sliced sausage to the pot and let it brown slightly. This will release flavorful oils and deepen the savory base.

Step 3: Add the Cabbage and Potatoes

Stir in chopped cabbage and cubed potatoes. Mix everything well so the vegetables are coated with the aromatic base and sausage fat.

Step 4: Pour in the Broth

Pour in the chicken broth and bring everything to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 25-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cabbage is fully cooked.

Step 5: Finish with Cream

Once the vegetables are tender, stir in the heavy cream. Let the soup simmer uncovered for an additional 5 minutes to thicken slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.

Step 6: Serve

Ladle into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley or a sprinkle of black pepper for a rustic finish.

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Serving and Storing One-Pot Creamy Cabbage Soup

This soup is a complete meal on its own but pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side of cornbread. It reheats well and often tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.

To store, let the soup cool to room temperature, then transfer it into airtight containers. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze it without the cream component and add the cream when reheating.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make this soup vegetarian?

You can swap the sausage for plant-based sausage or chickpeas and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

Yes, but the result will be less rich. Whole milk or half-and-half works better than skim milk.

What type of potatoes are best?

Yukon golds are ideal because they hold their shape and have a buttery texture, but russets can work if you prefer them to break down and thicken the broth.

Is it possible to make this in a slow cooker?

Yes. Sauté the aromatics and sausage first, then transfer everything except the cream into the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-7 hours. Add cream at the end.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

Yes, but freeze before adding the cream. Add the cream when reheating for best texture.

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Want More Soup Ideas?

You might also like the Hearty Tuscan Bean Soup, rich in legumes and herbs for a nourishing bite. Or try the Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup if you’re craving something cheesy and comforting.

For something with a southern twist, the Louisiana Seafood Gumbo delivers bold flavor in every spoonful. If you’re a fan of slow-cooked meals, the Crockpot Italian Meatball Soup should be on your list.

For creamy lovers, Creamy Turkey Noodle Soup is another fantastic option that feels like a hug in a bowl.

Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

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If you make it, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Did you go for kielbasa or smoked sausage? Did you add a sprinkle of cheese on top? Drop a comment below. Your version might inspire someone else’s pot!

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