Introduction:
Indulge in the warmth and richness of a hearty soup with a twist of Italian flair – Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup. This comforting soup brings together the savory flavors of Italian sausage, tender vegetables, aromatic herbs, and creamy Parmesan cheese for a satisfying and delicious meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether enjoyed as a cozy weeknight dinner or served as an appetizer at your next gathering, this recipe is sure to please even the pickiest of palates. Let’s dive into the culinary journey and learn how to create this soul-warming dish.
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:
- In a large pot, brown the Italian sausage over medium heat, breaking it up as it cooks. Once fully cooked, remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside.
- In the same pot, add the olive oil and sauté the onion until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth, bring to a boil and then reduce to a simmer. Stir in heavy cream, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, and season with salt and pepper.
- Add the ditalini pasta to the pot and simmer until the pasta is al dente, about 8 minutes.
- Return the cooked sausage to the pot and add the chopped spinach, cooking until the spinach wilts, roughly 2 minutes.
- Off the heat, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well incorporated.
- Serve the soup hot, garnished with additional Parmesan and fresh parsley if desired.
Serving Tips:
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Before serving, garnish each bowl of Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or basil. Not only does it add a pop of color, but it also enhances the flavor and aroma of the soup.
- Pair with Bread or Salad: Serve the soup with crusty bread, garlic breadsticks, or a side salad for a complete and satisfying meal. The bread is perfect for dipping into the creamy broth, while the salad adds freshness and crunch to balance the richness of the soup.
- Serve in Bread Bowls: For a fun and creative presentation, hollow out round bread loaves and ladle the soup into the bread bowls. It adds a rustic touch to the meal and allows guests to enjoy both the soup and the edible bowl.
Storage Tips:
- Refrigerate Leftovers: Allow any leftover Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or individual serving-size containers. Refrigerate promptly and consume within 3-4 days.
- Reheat with Caution: When reheating the soup, do so gently over low to medium heat on the stovetop to prevent the cream from separating or curdling. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.
- Freeze for Later: If you have more soup than you can consume within a few days, consider freezing it for later enjoyment. Ladle cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, leaving some room for expansion. Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Thaw and Reheat: To enjoy frozen soup, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or place the sealed container in a bowl of cold water until thawed. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You may need to add a splash of broth or cream to adjust the consistency.
- Adjust Seasoning Before Serving: Taste the reheated soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary before serving. You may need to add more salt, pepper, or herbs to refresh the flavors after freezing.
FAQs:
- Can I use any type of Italian sausage for this soup? Yes, you can use any type of Italian sausage you prefer, such as sweet, mild, or spicy, depending on your taste preferences. Feel free to experiment with different varieties to customize the flavor of the soup to your liking.
- Can I make this soup vegetarian or vegan? Absolutely! To make this soup vegetarian, you can substitute the Italian sausage with plant-based sausage or omit it altogether and increase the amount of vegetables. For a vegan version, use dairy-free substitutes for the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, such as coconut cream and nutritional yeast.
- Can I freeze this soup? Yes, you can freeze Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup for later consumption. Allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- What can I serve with this soup? This soup pairs well with a variety of sides, including crusty bread, garlic breadsticks, side salads, or even a simple grilled cheese sandwich. The bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy broth, while the salad adds freshness to the meal.
- Can I adjust the thickness of the soup? Yes, you can adjust the thickness of the soup to your liking by adding more or less heavy cream or broth. If you prefer a thicker consistency, simmer the soup uncovered for a longer time to allow some of the liquid to evaporate. Conversely, if you prefer a thinner consistency, add more broth or cream until you reach your desired thickness.
Conclusion:
Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup is the epitome of comfort in a bowl, combining the richness of Italian sausage, the creaminess of Parmesan cheese, and the heartiness of tender vegetables in a delightful soup that’s sure to warm you from the inside out. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, this soup is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you crave a nourishing and satisfying meal. Whip up a batch today and savor the comforting flavors of this Italian-inspired soup with your loved ones. Buon appetito!