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Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup

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Ingredients:

  • 1 lb sweet Italian sausage
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 1/2 cups ditalini pasta
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 4 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
  • Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Directions:

  1. Start by browning the Italian sausage in a large pot over medium heat. Use a spatula to break it up as it cooks, ensuring it’s evenly browned. Once cooked through, remove the sausage from the pot using a slotted spoon and set it aside on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess grease.
  2. In the same pot, add the olive oil and diced onion. Sauté the onion until it becomes translucent and fragrant, usually about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, allowing the garlic to release its aroma.
  3. Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and stir in the heavy cream, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes if using. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
  4. Add the ditalini pasta to the pot and let it simmer until it’s cooked al dente, which typically takes around 8 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
  5. Once the pasta is cooked, return the browned sausage to the pot. Add the chopped spinach and let it cook until wilted, usually around 2 minutes.
  6. Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it’s fully melted and incorporated into the soup, creating a luxuriously creamy texture.
  7. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with additional grated Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor.

 

Serving and Storage Tips:

  1. Portion Control: This recipe yields 6-8 servings, making it ideal for family dinners or meal prepping for the week. Serve it as a main course alongside crusty bread or a side salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
  2. Garnish Wisely: When serving, don’t forget the garnishes! Sprinkle extra grated Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley over each bowl just before serving to add a pop of color and enhance the flavor profile.
  3. Soup Toppings: Get creative with additional toppings to customize each bowl to your liking. Crumbled crispy bacon, a dollop of sour cream, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze can take this soup to the next level.
  4. Storage: If you have leftovers, allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure that the soup is reheated thoroughly before serving.
  5. Freezing: This soup freezes exceptionally well, making it a convenient option for future meals. Simply ladle the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top to allow for expansion. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw the soup overnight in the refrigerator and then gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally.
  6. Meal Prep: Consider doubling the recipe and portioning out individual servings into freezer-safe containers for quick and easy meals on busy days. Label each container with the date to keep track of freshness.
  7. Reheating: When reheating the soup, do so over low to medium heat to prevent the cream from curdling. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating and maintain the soup’s creamy consistency.

By following these serving and storage tips, you can make the most out of your Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup, ensuring it stays delicious and satisfying with every serving, whether fresh from the pot or reheated from the freezer.

 

Variations:

  1. Spice it Up: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, swap the sweet Italian sausage for spicy Italian sausage or add extra red pepper flakes to the soup for a fiery kick.
  2. Vegetarian Option: Skip the sausage altogether and make a vegetarian version of this soup by using plant-based sausage alternatives or simply bulking up the vegetables. Try adding diced bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for added flavor and texture.
  3. Cheese Swap: While Parmesan cheese adds a rich and savory flavor to the soup, feel free to experiment with different cheeses for a unique twist. Try sharp cheddar, creamy gouda, or tangy asiago for a flavor profile that suits your taste preferences.
  4. Creamy Substitutes: For a lighter option, substitute part or all of the heavy cream with coconut milk or almond milk. This variation provides a dairy-free alternative while still maintaining a creamy consistency.
  5. Gluten-Free: Make this soup gluten-free by using your favorite gluten-free pasta instead of ditalini. Rice pasta, quinoa pasta, or chickpea pasta are all excellent alternatives that will ensure everyone can enjoy this delicious dish.
  6. Add More Veggies: Boost the nutritional content of the soup by adding additional vegetables such as diced carrots, celery, or kale. These additions not only add extra flavor and texture but also make the soup even more wholesome and hearty.
  7. Herb Infusions: Experiment with different herbs to customize the flavor profile of the soup. Try fresh rosemary, thyme, or sage for a fragrant and herbaceous twist that complements the other ingredients beautifully.
  8. Creamy Base Alternatives: Instead of heavy cream, you can use alternatives like Greek yogurt or cashew cream to achieve a creamy texture. These options offer a lighter yet still indulgent option for those looking to reduce their dairy intake.

By exploring these variations, you can tailor the Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup to suit your dietary preferences, taste preferences, and even seasonal ingredients, ensuring that each batch is unique and delicious.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

  1. Can I use hot Italian sausage instead of sweet Italian sausage in this recipe?
    • Absolutely! Swapping sweet Italian sausage for hot Italian sausage will add a spicy kick to the soup, perfect for those who enjoy a bit of heat in their dishes.

  2. Is it necessary to use fresh spinach, or can I use frozen spinach instead?
    • While fresh spinach is recommended for optimal flavor and texture, you can substitute frozen spinach if needed. Just be sure to thaw and drain it before adding it to the soup.

  3. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
    • Yes, you can make this soup ahead of time. Simply follow the recipe instructions, allow the soup to cool completely, and then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop before serving.

  4. I’m lactose intolerant. Can I substitute the heavy cream with a non-dairy alternative?
    • Absolutely! You can use alternatives such as coconut milk, almond milk, or oat milk in place of heavy cream to make this soup dairy-free and lactose-free while still maintaining a creamy consistency.

  5. Can I freeze this soup?
    • Yes, this soup freezes exceptionally well. Simply ladle cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top for expansion, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating

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