Keto Friendly One-Pot Creamy Zucchini Mushroom Sausage Soup Recipe Keto Optional

If you’re looking for a comforting, flavorful soup that’s easy to make and fits a variety of diets, this one-pot creamy zucchini, mushroom, and sausage soup is a perfect choice. It combines hearty Italian sausage with fresh vegetables and a rich, creamy broth. Plus, it offers a keto-friendly base with an optional pasta addition for those who want a little extra carb comfort. This recipe is ideal for busy weeknights, meal prep, or anytime you want a warm, satisfying bowl without a lot of fuss.

Creamy zucchini mushroom sausage soup with spinach

Ingredients You’ll Need

This soup uses simple, wholesome ingredients that come together quickly:

• 1 lb Italian sausage (chicken or turkey sausage works well too)

• 1 tbsp olive oil or butter (only if needed)

• 1 small onion, diced (optional)

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 medium zucchini, diced or sliced

• 1 cup mushrooms (optional but adds great flavor)

• 4 cups chicken broth

• 1 cup heavy cream or 4 oz cream cheese (for creaminess)

• 2–3 big handfuls of fresh spinach

• 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp onion powder

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat

  
  

For those who want to include pasta, tubettini is a great choice. It can be added either separately or cooked right in the pot, depending on your dietary preference.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Brown the Sausage

Start by heating a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. If there’s excess grease, drain it to keep the soup from being too oily.

2. Add Aromatics and Vegetables

Add the diced onion (if using) and minced garlic to the pot. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant. Then add the zucchini and mushrooms. Cook for about 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften.

3. Pour in Broth and Seasonings

Add the chicken broth to the pot. Stir in the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Bring the soup to a simmer and let it cook for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

4. Make It Creamy

Choose your preferred creamy ingredient:

• Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine, or

• Add the cream cheese and stir until it melts smoothly into the soup.

  
  

If you want a thicker texture, you can stir in 1 to 2 tablespoons of almond flour or a pinch of xanthan gum at this stage.

5. Add Fresh Spinach

Stir in the fresh spinach and cook for about 1 minute until it wilts. This adds a nice pop of color and extra nutrients.

6. Taste and Adjust

Give the soup a taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if you want a bit more spice.

Keto-Optional Pasta Tips

This soup works well for keto eaters but also offers flexibility for those who want to add pasta.

Option A: Keep the Soup Keto

Cook ½ to 1 cup of tubettini pasta separately. Serve the soup in bowls and add pasta only to those who want it. This keeps the main pot keto-friendly and allows everyone to enjoy the meal.

Option B: Non-Keto Version

For a traditional pasta soup, stir ½ to ¾ cup of dry tubettini into the soup after adding the broth. Simmer for 10 to 12 minutes until the pasta is tender. Then add the cream and spinach. This version is not keto but perfect for those who want a heartier, carb-filled meal.

Why This Soup Works So Well

This recipe balances rich, savory sausage with fresh vegetables and creamy broth, creating a satisfying meal that feels indulgent without being heavy. The zucchini and mushrooms add texture and nutrition, while the spinach boosts vitamins and minerals. Using either cream or cream cheese gives you control over the soup’s richness and thickness.

The one-pot method means less cleanup and faster cooking, making it ideal for busy cooks. Plus, the keto-optional pasta approach makes it easy to serve different dietary needs without making two separate meals.

Tips for Success