Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup

Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup is a rich and flavorful dish perfect for chilly days. With hearty Italian sausage, fresh spinach, and a creamy base enriched with Parmesan cheese, this soup is comforting and satisfying.

Ingredients

• 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup baby spinach
• 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Optional: croutons or extra Parmesan for garnish

Directions

1. Cook Sausage: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned and crumbled. Remove the sausage from the pot and set aside.
2. Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
3. Add Broth and Tomatoes: Return the cooked sausage to the pot. Add chicken broth, diced tomatoes, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Stir in Cream and Cheese: Reduce heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, cooking until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy.
5. Add Spinach: Add baby spinach to the soup and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
6. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and croutons if desired.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves 6 people. Prep time is approximately 15 minutes, with a cooking time of about 25 minutes, resulting in a total time of 40 minutes.

Variations

• Add Vegetables: Include additional vegetables such as carrots or bell peppers for more flavor and nutrition.
• Spice it Up: Add red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
• Use Ground Turkey: Substitute Italian sausage with ground turkey for a lighter version.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through. The soup may thicken upon refrigeration; you can add a bit of broth or cream while reheating to achieve desired consistency.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use sweet Italian sausage instead of spicy?
   Yes, you can use sweet or spicy sausage based on your preference.
2. Is this soup gluten-free?
   Yes, all ingredients used are naturally gluten-free.
3. Can I freeze this soup?
   Yes, but it’s best to freeze it without the cream. Add cream after thawing and reheating.
4. What can I substitute for heavy cream?
   You can use half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream, but the flavor and texture may vary.
5. How can I make this soup vegetarian?
   Omit the sausage and use vegetable broth with added beans or lentils for protein.
6. What kind of cheese works best?
   Parmesan cheese is recommended for its flavor, but you can experiment with other cheeses like Pecorino Romano.
7. Can I add pasta to this soup?
   Yes, small pasta shapes like orzo or ditalini can be added. Cook separately and stir in before serving.
8. What’s a good side to serve with this soup?
   A crusty bread or a side salad pairs well with the creamy soup.
9. How long will the leftovers last?
   Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
10. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
    Yes, brown the sausage and sauté the onion and garlic first, then add everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours.

Conclusion

Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup is a delightful comfort food that combines savory flavors with a creamy texture. It’s easy to make and perfect for sharing with family and friends. Whether enjoyed as a main dish or a hearty starter, this soup is sure to warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds!

Print