Description
Hearty Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup brings robust Italian countryside flavors to your kitchen with rich, comforting ingredients. Simmering spices and tender sausage create a luxurious meal that draws comfort seekers to the warmth of classic Italian culinary traditions.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 1 pound sweet Italian sausage
- 4 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
Aromatics and Seasonings:
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Liquids and Pasta:
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 1/2 cups ditalini pasta
Instructions
- Heat a large pot over medium temperature and thoroughly brown the Italian sausage, breaking it into small pieces using a spatula. Transfer the cooked sausage to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.
- Using the same pot, sauté diced onions in olive oil until they become translucent and aromatic, approximately 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to release its fragrant notes.
- Pour chicken broth into the pot and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to a simmer, then incorporate heavy cream, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper to enhance the overall flavor profile.
- Introduce ditalini pasta to the simmering liquid and cook until perfectly al dente, typically requiring 8 minutes. Gently stir periodically to prevent pasta from adhering to the pot’s bottom.
- Return the browned sausage to the pot and fold in fresh spinach, allowing it to wilt completely, which takes approximately 2 minutes.
- Remove the pot from heat and vigorously stir in grated Parmesan cheese until it melts completely, creating a rich and smooth consistency.
- Serve the soup in individual bowls, garnishing with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant finishing touch.
Notes
- Sausage Selection Matters: Choose high-quality Italian sausage with good fat content to ensure rich, deep flavors in the soup, which helps create a more robust taste profile.
- Pasta Perfection: Cook ditalini pasta just until al dente to prevent mushiness, as it will continue to absorb liquid while sitting in the hot soup, maintaining ideal texture.
- Cream Stability Trick: Temper the heavy cream by slowly adding a small amount of hot broth before pouring it into the soup to prevent potential curdling and ensure smooth consistency.
- Dietary Adaptations: Swap Italian sausage for plant-based alternatives, use gluten-free pasta, and substitute dairy-free cheese to accommodate various dietary restrictions without compromising taste.
- Prep Time: 6 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 354 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 796 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 11 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg