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Carrabba’s Sausage and Lentil Soup Recipe — Authentic Italian Flavor

This Carrabba’s sausage lentil soup is a comforting, savory recipe that’s perfect for chilly days. Hearty and full of flavor, it’s easy to make at home and quickly becomes a go-to when you want something warm and satisfying.

A bowl with homemade carrabba's lentil soup garnished with parsley.

Table of Contents

My Take On Carrabba’s Lentil Soup

A warm bowl of this lentil and sausage soup is ideal for cold weather. While Carrabba’s version is delicious, this homemade rendition captures the same savory, comforting flavors and is simple to prepare.

The soup combines Italian sausage with a medley of vegetables, dry lentils, diced tomatoes, and a flavorful broth. It’s filling, balanced, and rich in texture—so good you might swear it came from the restaurant.

This recipe makes enough to share for a casual meal or game day, and the leftovers keep beautifully, making it convenient for busy weeknights.

A white bowl with lentil soup in it. There is a spoon in the bowl and the soup is garnished with parsley.

Ingredients

Simple, fresh ingredients make this soup hearty and flavorful. Use the quantities listed or adjust to taste.

  • Italian sausage — adds protein and richness; mild or spicy both work.
  • Garlic cloves — minced, for aroma and depth.
  • Onion — diced, for a savory base.
  • Celery, carrots, and zucchini — chopped, for texture and balance.
  • Chicken broth — the soup base; vegetable or beef broth can be substituted.
  • Diced tomatoes (undrained) — adds body and acidity to the broth.
  • Dry lentils — the hearty core of the soup; no pre-soaking required.
  • Salt and pepper — to taste.
  • Fresh parsley — chopped, for garnish.

A countertop with multiple bowls containing the ingredients to make homemade carrabba's lentil soup.

How To Make Carrabba’s Sausage Lentil Soup

A large pot with sausage being cooked in it.

Step 1: Cook The Sausage

Prepare and chop the vegetables. In a large stock pot or Dutch oven, brown the Italian sausage over medium-high heat until nicely browned. Add the minced garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.

A large pot with sausage and vegetables in it. A wooden spoon sits in the pot.

Step 2: Add The Veggies

Add the diced onion, chopped celery, carrots, and zucchini to the pot. Sauté the vegetables with the sausage and garlic for about one minute to soften slightly and build flavor.

A large pot with veggies, sausage, diced tomatoes, lentils, and a measuring cup pouring chicken broth into the pot.

Step 3: Cook the Lentils

Stir in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes (undrained), and dry lentils. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer and cover. Cook until the lentils are tender, about one hour, checking occasionally and adding a splash of water if the soup becomes too thick.

A large pot with homemade Carrabba's lentil soup. A ladle is scooping it.

Step 4: Serve

When the lentils are tender, ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Optional toppings like sliced avocado or a dollop of sour cream add richness. Serve hot and enjoy.

An overhead view of a bowl with homemade carrabba's lentil soup garnished with parsley.

How I Recommend Storing and Reheating This Soup

Let leftovers cool, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 4 months.

To reheat, warm the soup gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even heating.

A bowl with homemade carrabba's lentil soup garnished with parsley.

More Copycat Recipes To Try

  • Chick-Fil-A chicken noodle soup
  • Olive Garden chicken alfredo
  • Olive Garden giant cheese stuffed shells
  • Cheesecake Factory four cheese pasta
  • Cheesecake Factory pasta carbonara
  • Outback potato soup
  • Qdoba’s tortilla soup
Yield: 4 servings

Carrabba’s Sausage and Lentil Soup Recipe

A bowl with homemade carrabba's lentil soup garnished with parsley.

This Carrabba’s sausage lentil soup is savory, hearty, and perfect for cooler weather. It’s easy to make and packed with flavor from Italian sausage, vegetables, lentils, and a rich broth.

Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
1 hour
Total Time
1 hour 10 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 lb. Italian sausage
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup onion, diced
  • 1 celery stalk, chopped
  • 1 cup carrots, chopped
  • 1 cup zucchini, chopped
  • 5 cups chicken broth
  • 2 cups diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 2 cups dry lentils
  • 2 tsp. salt
  • ¼ tsp. pepper
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. In a large stock pot or Dutch oven, brown sausage over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
  2. Add onion, celery, carrots, and zucchini. Sauté for about 1 minute.
  3. Stir in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes (undrained), and lentils. Bring to a boil.
  4. Reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for about 1 hour or until the lentils are tender. Add water if needed to reach your desired consistency.
  5. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

4

Serving Size:

1 serving

Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 231Total Fat: 7gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 46mgSodium: 684mgCarbohydrates: 28gFiber: 4gSugar: 2gProtein: 16g

© I’m Hungry For That

Cuisine:
Carrabba’s

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