Here’s a delicious and hearty recipe for Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup that’s perfect for a cozy meal. It’s full of flavor with Italian sausage, vegetables, and a rich creamy base.
Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup
Ingredients:
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, based on preference)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 ½ cups baby spinach (or kale), chopped
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for extra spice)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Cook the sausage: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage from the pot and set it aside.
- Sauté the vegetables: In the same pot, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 4-5 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the potatoes and seasonings: Stir in the diced potatoes, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.
- Add the broth: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the soup to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
- Stir in the sausage and cream: Once the potatoes are soft, return the cooked sausage to the pot. Stir in the heavy cream and let it simmer for another 5 minutes.
- Add the spinach and Parmesan: Stir in the chopped spinach (or kale) and grated Parmesan cheese. Let the soup cook for 2-3 minutes until the spinach is wilted and the cheese is melted and incorporated into the soup.
- Taste and adjust seasoning: Add more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes for additional spice if desired.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan. Serve with crusty bread or garlic bread on the side.
Recipe Notes:
- Sausage options: You can use mild or spicy Italian sausage, depending on your taste. For a leaner option, try turkey or chicken sausage.
- Creamy texture: For a thicker soup, you can blend a portion of the soup before adding the spinach and Parmesan. Use an immersion blender or carefully transfer some of the soup to a blender and then return it to the pot.
- Cheese substitution: If you don’t have Parmesan cheese, you can substitute Pecorino Romano for a slightly sharper flavor.
- Vegetable variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms for added flavor and texture.
Time and Temperature:
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 30 minutes
- Total time: 45 minutes
This Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup is a comforting, rich, and hearty dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal. Enjoy!