If you’re craving something warm, comforting, and packed with flavor that feels like a big cozy hug in a bowl, then you’re going to absolutely adore this Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup Recipe. It’s a perfect blend of savory Italian sausage, fresh vegetables, and luscious cream, all bubbling together with Parmesan cheese to create a soup that’s rich, satisfying, and surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re feeding the family or just treating yourself, this soup hits all the right notes of hearty and comforting with a touch of elegance.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup Recipe lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients. Each component is thoughtfully chosen to build layers of flavor, texture, and vibrant color, making every spoonful a delight.
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed: The star protein that brings bold, savory flavor and a wonderful meaty texture.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps brown the sausage and sauté the vegetables, adding a subtle richness.
- 1 medium onion, diced: Adds sweetness and depth to the soup’s base.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Delivers that classic aromatic punch that Italian dishes are known for.
- 2 medium carrots, diced: Introduce a slight natural sweetness and bright orange color.
- 2 celery stalks, diced: A key vegetable for balance and subtle crunch.
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that gives the soup authentic Italian flair.
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For those who love a gentle kick of heat.
- 4 cups chicken broth: Acts as the flavorful liquid base, soaking up all the savory goodness.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Makes the soup irresistibly creamy and velvety.
- 1 cup diced potatoes: Adds heartiness and a lovely tender bite.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving: The ultimate finishing touch for a rich umami flavor and silky texture.
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped: Boosts nutrition and adds a pop of verdant freshness.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential seasoning to bring all the flavors together perfectly.
How to Make Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Cook until it’s nicely browned, about 5 to 7 minutes. This browning is key to developing that deep, savory flavor that forms the backbone of this soup. If you notice excess fat, you can drain some — but leaving a bit helps the sausage flavor infuse the soup.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics and Veggies
Next, toss in the diced onion, minced garlic, carrots, and celery right into the pot with the sausage. Sauté everything together for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and the onion becomes translucent. At this point, your kitchen will start to smell absolutely incredible, as those garlic and onion aromas set the stage for what’s coming.
Step 3: Add Seasonings and Broth
Sprinkle in the dried Italian seasoning and the crushed red pepper flakes if you’re feeling adventurous. Stir to coat the sausage and veggies evenly. Pour in the chicken broth, increasing the heat slightly to bring the mixture to a simmer. This step will marry all those fantastic flavors and create the soup’s flavorful base.
Step 4: Cook the Potatoes
Once simmering, add the diced potatoes. Let them cook for about 10 to 12 minutes, or until they become tender. Potatoes are the perfect addition here because they soak up the savory broth while adding a smooth, creamy bite that complements the sausage beautifully.
Step 5: Stir in the Cream and Parmesan
Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and slowly stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese melts and the soup turns silky and creamy. This moment is pure magic, turning the soup into a decadent treat. Be sure to stir well so the cheese doesn’t clump but melts evenly into the broth.
Step 6: Add the Spinach and Season
Finally, fold in the fresh chopped spinach and let it wilt for 2 to 3 minutes. This adds a pleasing freshness and a nice balance to the richness. Finish by seasoning the soup with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Your Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup Recipe is now ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra grated Parmesan cheese right before serving elevates the look and flavor. For an added touch, a few torn fresh basil leaves or a dash of black pepper provide color and a fresh dimension. A drizzle of good quality olive oil over the top can also add a luxurious finish.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with a crusty loaf of rustic Italian bread or garlic breadsticks to mop up every last drop. A simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette keeps things light on the side, balancing out the richness of the soup perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming presentation, serve the soup in hollowed-out mini bread bowls or decorative ceramic bowls. You could also ladle it over cooked pasta or rice for a hearty twist that turns this soup into a complete meal. A sprinkle of toasted pine nuts on top adds a delightful crunch and visual appeal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of this Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup Recipe keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen and improve after a day, making it a perfect make-ahead meal for busy nights.
Freezing
While this soup freezes well, keep in mind that the cream and spinach may slightly change in texture after thawing. To freeze, cool the soup completely and transfer to freezer-safe containers. It will keep for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching and to reincorporate the creamy texture. If the soup becomes too thick, simply add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen it back up.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of Italian sausage?
Absolutely! While Italian sausage provides bold, traditional flavor, ground turkey or chicken can be a leaner alternative. Just add extra Italian seasoning to compensate for the milder meat.
Is it possible to make this soup dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative and use a dairy-free Parmesan substitute. The soup will still be creamy and delicious with a different twist.
What if I don’t have fresh spinach on hand?
Frozen spinach works just fine; just thaw and drain any excess water before adding it near the end of cooking. Alternatively, kale or Swiss chard are tasty substitutes.
Can I add pasta or rice to this soup?
Definitely! Adding cooked pasta or rice boosts the heartiness, making it more filling and substantial. Stir them in after the soup is done cooking just to heat through.
How spicy is this soup? Can I adjust the heat level?
The crushed red pepper flakes add a gentle warmth but can be omitted or increased based on your preferred heat level. This recipe is very flexible when it comes to spice!
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup Recipe isn’t just a meal; it’s a comforting experience that warms your soul and your kitchen. It’s one of those dishes you’ll find yourself returning to again and again because it’s easy, packed with flavor, and wonderfully satisfying. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to share something truly special with those you love. Trust me, once you try this soup, it just might become a favorite in your home too.
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Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup is a hearty and flavorful dish perfect for cozy nights. It features browned Italian sausage, tender vegetables, creamy Parmesan-infused broth, and fresh spinach all simmered together for a comforting and rich soup that’s easy to make on the stovetop.
Ingredients
Soup Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup diced potatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces with a spoon. Remove excess fat if needed.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add the diced onion, minced garlic, diced carrots, and diced celery to the pot. Sauté for 5 to 6 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Add Seasonings: Stir in the dried Italian seasoning and crushed red pepper flakes (if using) to the vegetable and sausage mixture to build the base flavor.
- Add Broth and Potatoes: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Add the diced potatoes and cook for 10 to 12 minutes until the potatoes are tender.
- Incorporate Cream and Cheese: Reduce heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese until the soup becomes smooth and creamy, blending all flavors together.
- Add Spinach and Season: Stir in the chopped fresh spinach and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until wilted. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot for a comforting meal.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
- You can add cooked pasta or rice to make the soup more filling.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Removing excess fat from sausage helps reduce the soup’s richness if desired.
