Description
This creamy, hearty soup is packed with savory Italian sausage, vegetables, and pasta, all blended together with rich Parmesan cheese and a touch of Italian seasoning. Perfect for a cozy meal on a chilly day, this dish is both comforting and flavorful.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound (450 g) Italian sausage (mild or spicy, as desired)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cups (1 liter) chicken broth
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- 1 cup (240 ml) milk (optional, for a lighter soup)
- 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 cup (150 g) small pasta (like ditalini or orzo)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 cups (60 g) fresh spinach or kale, roughly chopped
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil (if needed) over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned and fully cooked through. Remove the sausage from the pot and set aside.
- In the same pot, add the diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes or until the vegetables have softened.
- Pour in the chicken broth, and bring to a simmer. Add the cooked sausage back into the pot.
- Stir in the heavy cream, milk (if using), Parmesan cheese, and pasta. Let the soup simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.
- Season with Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes (if desired), salt, and black pepper.
- Add the spinach or kale and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the greens have wilted.
- Serve hot, topped with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- For a lighter version, you can use milk in place of the heavy cream.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, reduce the amount of chicken broth or add more cheese.
- Feel free to use different greens, like kale or Swiss chard, instead of spinach.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian