Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup: A Hearty and Flavorful Delight

Comfort food at its finest, this Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup is the ultimate dish to warm you up during the colder months. Packed with savory flavors, this rich and creamy soup combines the hearty goodness of Italian sausage, tender vegetables, and pasta in a velvety broth, creating a satisfying and wholesome meal. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or serving it as a cozy meal for yourself, this soup is sure to become a new favorite.

The secret to its depth of flavor lies in the combination of the perfectly seasoned sausage, the creamy broth, and the addition of Parmesan cheese, which adds a nutty richness to each spoonful. And with the option to adjust the level of spiciness and creaminess, this soup is as customizable as it is delicious. It’s easy to make, with minimal prep time, and is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Whether served with a crusty piece of bread or on its own, this soup promises to be a comforting and filling meal that you will want to enjoy time and time again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Hearty and Satisfying

The combination of Italian sausage, vegetables, and pasta creates a filling meal that will keep you full and satisfied for hours.

2. Creamy and Flavorful

The addition of heavy cream, milk, and Parmesan cheese results in a rich and creamy texture, with a deep, savory flavor that’s irresistible.

3. Quick and Easy to Prepare

This soup is simple to make, with minimal ingredients and straightforward steps that make it perfect for a weeknight dinner.

4. Customizable to Your Taste

You can easily adjust the spiciness of the sausage or add more or less cream to suit your preferences, making it versatile for a variety of tastes.

5. Perfect for Leftovers

This soup stores well and even tastes better the next day, making it an ideal meal for meal prep or for reheating later in the week.

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Ingredients

• Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
• Olive oil (if needed)
• Onion, diced
• Garlic, minced
• Carrots, diced
• Celery stalks, diced
• Chicken broth
• Heavy cream
• Milk (optional, for a lighter soup)
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Small pasta (like ditalini or orzo)
• Italian seasoning
• Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper
• Fresh spinach or kale, roughly chopped

Variations

• Swap the Sausage: Use turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter version of the soup, or opt for a vegetarian sausage alternative if you prefer a meat-free dish.
• Different Greens: You can substitute spinach with kale or Swiss chard for a slightly different flavor profile.
• Change the Pasta: Feel free to use other small pasta shapes like elbow macaroni, farfalle, or even small gnocchi.
• Add More Vegetables: Try adding zucchini, bell peppers, or tomatoes for extra color and nutrients.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked. Remove excess grease if necessary and set the sausage aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pot, add the diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables begin to soften and the onion is translucent.

Step 3: Add the Broth and Seasonings

Pour in the chicken broth and stir in the Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 4: Add the Pasta

Stir in the small pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually around 7-10 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking.

Step 5: Add the Cream and Cheese

Reduce the heat to low, then add the heavy cream, milk (if using), and Parmesan cheese. Stir to combine and let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly and become creamy.

Step 6: Stir in the Greens

Add the chopped spinach or kale and cook for 2-3 minutes, until wilted and tender.

Step 7: Adjust Seasoning and Serve

Taste the soup and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes for heat. Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Make it Creamier: For an even richer soup, increase the amount of heavy cream or use half-and-half instead of milk.
• Brown the Sausage Well: Don’t rush the browning process. Let the sausage cook until it’s deeply browned for maximum flavor.
• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Be sure to cook the pasta al dente, as it will continue to soften as it sits in the soup.
• Adjust Consistency: If the soup is too thick after refrigerating, add a little more broth or milk when reheating to reach your desired consistency.

How to Serve

This creamy Parmesan Italian sausage soup is perfect when paired with a piece of crusty bread or a side salad. For a more indulgent experience, top the soup with additional grated Parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil. It also makes a fantastic main dish when served with a light dessert.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The soup may thicken as it cools, so you may need to add a splash of broth or milk when reheating.

Freezing

This soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. To freeze, allow it to cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the soup over low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally. Add extra broth or milk if needed to return the soup to your desired consistency.

FAQs

1. Can I use turkey sausage instead of Italian sausage?

Yes, turkey sausage works well as a lighter alternative to traditional Italian sausage.

2. Can I make this soup without cream?

Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with more milk or use a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream for a lighter version.

3. What type of pasta should I use for this soup?

Small pasta shapes like ditalini, orzo, or elbow macaroni work best in this soup.

4. Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, you can omit the sausage and use vegetable broth to make the soup vegetarian.

5. Is it possible to make this soup dairy-free?

Yes, by using dairy-free cheese and milk alternatives, you can easily make this soup dairy-free.

6. Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen spinach can be used instead of fresh spinach. Just be sure to thaw and drain it before adding it to the soup.

7. How can I make the soup spicier?

Add more crushed red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage to increase the heat.

8. Can I add more vegetables to the soup?

Yes, you can add additional vegetables such as zucchini, potatoes, or bell peppers for added texture and flavor.

9. How long does it take to cook this soup?

This soup takes about 30-40 minutes to make, from start to finish.

10. Can I use a slow cooker to make this soup?

Yes, you can brown the sausage and sauté the vegetables on the stovetop first, then transfer them to the slow cooker along with the broth and other ingredients. Cook on low for 4-6 hours.

Conclusion

This creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup is the ultimate comfort food that combines rich, savory flavors with a creamy texture. It’s perfect for a cozy night in and is sure to please the whole family. With its easy preparation, delicious ingredients, and comforting qualities, it’s a recipe you’ll want to keep on hand for years to come. Whether enjoyed fresh or reheated as leftovers, this soup will never go out of style.

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