Description
Rich, hearty Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup blends robust Italian flavors with comforting warmth. Spicy sausage and velvety parmesan create a satisfying meal you’ll crave on chilly evenings.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) Italian sausage (mild or spicy, as preferred)
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 cup diced potatoes (or use gnocchi for a twist!)
- 1 1/2 cups chopped fresh spinach or kale
Liquids and Seasonings:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Render the sausage in a spacious pot, breaking down the meat into delicate crumbles over medium heat until a rich golden-brown color develops, then transfer to a separate dish.
- Utilize the same pot to soften the aromatic vegetable medley of onions, carrots, and celery, allowing them to become translucent and tender. Introduce minced garlic and sauté briefly to release its fragrant essence.
- Cascade chicken broth into the vegetable foundation, accompanied by cubed potatoes, Italian seasoning, and a whisper of red pepper flakes. Elevate to a gentle boil, then reduce to a serene simmer, allowing potatoes to tenderize completely.
- Reintegrate the reserved sausage into the bubbling liquid. Drizzle heavy cream and sprinkle Parmesan, stirring methodically until the cheese melts seamlessly, creating a luxurious, velvety texture.
- Incorporate vibrant greens like spinach or kale, allowing them to gently wilt and infuse the soup with an emerald brightness. Calibrate seasoning with salt and pepper to enhance the complex flavor profile.
- Ladle the sumptuous soup into serving vessels, offering an optional dusting of additional Parmesan. Present alongside crusty, rustic bread for a complete, comforting dining experience.
Notes
- Swap spicy Italian sausage with mild version for sensitive palates or children who prefer less heat.
- Remove casings from sausage before cooking to ensure even crumbling and better texture throughout the soup.
- Use fresh Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese instead of pre-grated for richer, more authentic flavor profile.
- Reduce heavy cream and replace partially with low-fat milk for lighter, healthier alternative without compromising creamy consistency.
- Make soup vegetarian by substituting sausage with plant-based crumbles or hearty mushrooms like cremini or portobello.
- Enhance nutrition by adding extra vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers during vegetable sautéing stage.
- Freeze soup without cream and greens, adding those ingredients fresh when reheating to maintain optimal texture and brightness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg