Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup Recipe

Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup is a rich, hearty, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for chilly days or when you’re craving comfort food. This soup combines the savory flavors of Italian sausage with a creamy, Parmesan-infused broth, fresh vegetables, and tender pasta or potatoes. It’s a one-pot meal that satisfies all your comfort food cravings and can easily be adapted to your personal taste preferences.

In this 3000-word recipe guide, we will explore the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, tips, variations, and serving suggestions to help you make the most delicious Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup.

Why You’ll Love This Soup

This soup is not only delicious, but it’s also:

• Hearty and comforting: The combination of sausage, cream, and cheese makes this soup incredibly filling and satisfying.
• Easy to make: With just one pot and simple ingredients, this soup comes together in about 30-40 minutes.
• Customizable: You can add more vegetables, switch out the pasta, or even make it low-carb by swapping in cauliflower or other veggies.
• Perfect for meal prep: It reheats beautifully, making it ideal for leftovers or make-ahead meals.

Now, let’s dive into the recipe!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Before you begin cooking, gather and prepare all of your ingredients. This will make the process smoother and more efficient.

1. Dice the vegetables: Dice the onion, carrots, and celery. Mince the garlic and set aside.
2. Grate the Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is best for this recipe, as it melts more smoothly into the soup.
3. Cook the pasta (if using): If you prefer to cook the pasta separately, do so according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside. Alternatively, you can cook the pasta directly in the soup later.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

1. Heat the oil: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the sausage: Add the Italian sausage to the pot and break it up into small pieces with a wooden spoon or spatula. Cook until the sausage is browned and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Remove excess fat: If the sausage releases a lot of fat, you can drain some of it, but leave about 1 tablespoon in the pot for added flavor.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

1. Add the onions, carrots, and celery: Once the sausage is browned, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and translucent.
2. Add the garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.

Step 4: Add Broth and Seasonings

1. Pour in the chicken broth: Add the chicken broth to the pot and stir to combine. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot—this will add extra flavor to the soup.
2. Season the soup: Add the dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine and bring the soup to a simmer.

Step 5: Simmer the Soup

1. Simmer for flavor: Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the soup simmer for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This step is important to ensure that the vegetables are fully cooked and the broth is infused with the rich flavors of the sausage and spices.

Step 6: Add the Cream and Parmesan

1. Add the heavy cream: Slowly stir in the heavy cream, making sure it’s fully incorporated into the broth. The cream will give the soup its rich, velvety texture.
2. Add the Parmesan cheese: Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly to ensure it melts smoothly into the soup. The Parmesan will thicken the soup slightly and add a deep, savory flavor.

Step 7: Cook the Pasta (or Potatoes)

1. Add the pasta (or potatoes): If you’re cooking the pasta directly in the soup, add it now and cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until al dente. If you’re using diced potatoes, add them at this stage and simmer until they are tender, about 10-12 minutes.
2. Stir occasionally: Be sure to stir the soup occasionally to prevent the pasta or potatoes from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

Step 8: Add the Spinach

1. Add the spinach: Stir in the baby spinach and let it wilt in the hot soup for about 1-2 minutes. The spinach adds a vibrant green color and a boost of nutrition.

Step 9: Taste and Adjust Seasonings

1. Season with salt and pepper: Taste the soup and season with additional salt and pepper if needed. Remember that Parmesan cheese is salty, so you may not need much additional salt.

Tips for Making the Perfect Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup

1. Use good-quality Parmesan: For the best flavor and texture, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Pre-shredded Parmesan may not melt as smoothly.
2. Brown the sausage well: Browning the sausage adds a deep, savory flavor to the soup. Be sure to cook it until it’s nicely browned before adding the vegetables.
3. Adjust the creaminess: If you prefer a less creamy soup, you can reduce the amount of heavy cream or replace some of it with half-and-half or milk. If you like it extra creamy, add a bit more cream.
4. Cook the pasta separately: If you plan to have leftovers, consider cooking the pasta separately and adding it to each bowl when serving. This prevents the pasta from soaking up too much liquid and becoming mushy when stored.
5. Don’t rush the simmering: Letting the soup simmer for a good 10-15 minutes allows the flavors to develop and makes the soup taste richer and more flavorful.

Variations on Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup

1. Low-Carb Version: To make this soup low-carb, replace the pasta or potatoes with cauliflower florets or zucchini noodles. You can also skip the starchy vegetables altogether and just enjoy the soup with the sausage and spinach.
2. Tomato-Parmesan Soup: Add a can of diced tomatoes or a few tablespoons of tomato paste to the broth for a tangy twist on the classic. The acidity of the tomatoes pairs beautifully with the rich Parmesan and sausage.
3. Spicy Sausage Soup: If you like a bit of heat, use spicy Italian sausage and increase the amount of red pepper flakes. You can also add some hot sauce to the broth for an extra kick.
4. Cheesy Garlic Bread Topping: For a fun variation, top each bowl with a slice of cheesy garlic bread. Simply toast slices of baguette with garlic butter and Parmesan cheese, then place them on top of the soup for a crunchy, cheesy bite.

How to Serve Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup

This soup is hearty enough to be served as a main course, but it also pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are a few serving suggestions:

• Crusty bread: Serve with a side of crusty bread for dipping. A warm baguette or garlic bread works perfectly.
• Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette can balance the richness of the soup.
• Toppings: Garnish the soup with extra grated Parmesan, fresh parsley, or a drizzle of olive oil for added flavor and presentation.

Storing and Reheating Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup

Storing Leftovers

• Refrigerator: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezer: If you want to freeze the soup, leave out the pasta or potatoes, as they don’t freeze well. Freeze the soup base in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. When ready to serve, thaw and reheat, then add freshly cooked pasta or potatoes.

Reheating

• Stovetop: Reheat the soup in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
• Microwave: You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until hot.

Conclusion

Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup is the ultimate comfort food. It’s rich, hearty, and packed with flavor from the savory sausage, Parmesan cheese, and aromatic vegetables. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner or meal-prepping for the week, this soup is sure to become a new favorite. With its versatility and ease of preparation, you’ll find yourself making this recipe again and again. Enjoy your warm bowl of goodness with a side of crusty bread and savor each creamy, cheesy bite!

Yield: 6

Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup Recipe

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Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup is a rich, hearty, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for chilly days or when you’re craving comfort food. This soup combines the savory flavors of Italian sausage with a creamy, Parmesan-infused broth, fresh vegetables, and tender pasta or potatoes. It's a one-pot meal that satisfies all your comfort food cravings and can easily be adapted to your personal taste preferences.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) Italian sausage (mild or spicy, based on preference)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, diced (optional)
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• 1/2 cup small pasta (like ditalini or small shells)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook the Sausage:

• In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the 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 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat if needed.

2. Sauté the Vegetables:

• Add the diced onion, bell pepper (if using), and garlic to the pot with the sausage. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.

3. Add the Broth and Tomatoes:

• Pour in the chicken broth and add the diced tomatoes (with their juice), Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine.

4. Simmer the Soup:

• Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

5. Cook the Pasta:

• Add the pasta to the soup and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente.

6. Add the Cream and Parmesan:

• Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Simmer for another 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the soup is creamy and the cheese is melted and fully incorporated.

7. Add the Spinach:

• Stir in the chopped spinach and let it wilt in the soup for 2-3 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

8. Serve:

• Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired. Serve hot with crusty bread or garlic bread on the side.

Notes

• Make It Lighter: You can substitute half-and-half or milk for the heavy cream if you prefer a lighter soup.
• Pasta Options: If you prefer a low-carb option, you can omit the pasta or replace it with cauliflower or zucchini noodles.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally.