Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup Recipe

When the weather starts to cool down, there’s nothing quite like a warm, hearty soup to bring comfort to your day. One of the most satisfying soups you can make at home is this Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup. Packed with savory Italian sausage, fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, and a rich creamy broth that’s elevated by the sharpness of Parmesan cheese, this soup will quickly become a family favorite. Read on for the full recipe, from ingredients to cooking instructions, substitutions, and serving tips. Trust me, you won’t want to miss a single detail of this mouthwatering soup!

What is Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup?

Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup is a rich and flavorful soup made with Italian sausage, vegetables like spinach and carrots, cream, and Parmesan cheese. It’s a perfect blend of spices, hearty ingredients, and creaminess, making it the ideal comfort food for cold days. With its bold flavors, it stands out from other creamy soups, offering the perfect combination of Italian-inspired ingredients with a touch of decadence thanks to the Parmesan.

Ingredients List for Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup

Here’s a complete list of ingredients you’ll need to make this delicious soup:

1. 1 lb (450 g) Italian sausage (mild or spicy, depending on preference)
2. 1 tablespoon olive oil – For sautéing the sausage and vegetables.
3. 1 medium onion, diced – Adds sweetness and depth to the soup.
4. 3 cloves garlic, minced – Provides an aromatic base.
5. 2 large carrots, diced – Adds sweetness and a slight crunch to the soup.
6. 3 celery stalks, diced – Balances the sweetness of the carrots.
7. 4 cups chicken broth – A flavorful base that forms the liquid part of the soup.
8. 1 cup heavy cream – Gives the soup its creamy texture.
9. 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese – For that rich, cheesy flavor.
10. 2 cups fresh spinach (optional) – Adds color, nutrients, and a slight bitterness to balance the richness.
11. 1 teaspoon dried oregano – A classic Italian herb that complements the sausage.
12. 1 teaspoon dried basil – Adds warmth and depth.
13. Salt and black pepper, to taste – Enhances the overall flavor.
14. ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) – For those who like a bit of heat.
15. 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour – To thicken the soup slightly.

Substitutions and Variations

If you need to adapt this recipe to suit dietary preferences or what you have on hand, here are a few substitution ideas:

• Sausage: You can use turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or even vegetarian sausage as a substitute. If you prefer less fat, turkey sausage is a great option. For vegetarians, plant-based sausages like those made from lentils or soy can still give the soup a hearty texture.
• Dairy-Free: To make this soup dairy-free, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream. For the Parmesan, you can use a vegan cheese or nutritional yeast to maintain the cheesy flavor.
• Vegetables: Feel free to add extra vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms for more texture and flavor. You can also replace the spinach with kale or Swiss chard.
• Broth: If you’re out of chicken broth, vegetable broth works just as well.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that you’ve gathered all your ingredients, let’s dive into how to cook this delicious Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup. Follow these simple steps:

1. Prepare the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up into small crumbles as it cooks. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the sausage is browned and fully cooked. Remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot with the remaining fat, add the diced onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook over medium heat for 5-6 minutes until the onions are translucent and the vegetables have softened.
3. Create the Base: Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir to coat evenly. Cook for another minute to remove the raw flour taste. Gradually add the chicken broth, stirring constantly to ensure there are no lumps. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes.
4. Add the Cream and Sausage: Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and the cooked sausage. Season the soup with oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. If you prefer a bit of heat, add the red pepper flakes as well.
5. Simmer: Let the soup simmer for another 10-15 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld together. If you’re using spinach, stir it in during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, just until it wilts.
6. Taste and Adjust: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning as needed. You can add more salt, pepper, or Parmesan cheese to your liking.

How to Cook Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you’re new to making soups from scratch, don’t worry! Here’s a simplified guide to ensure your Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup comes out perfect every time:

• Step 1: Browning the Sausage: Always start by browning the sausage well. This not only cooks the meat but also adds flavor to the soup since the fat left in the pot will help cook the vegetables.
• Step 2: Sautéing Vegetables: When sautéing the onions and garlic, be patient. Cooking them low and slow ensures they release their flavors without burning, which adds depth to your soup.
• Step 3: Thickening the Soup: Flour is key to thickening the soup. Be sure to stir well when adding flour to avoid lumps, and slowly add your broth to create a smooth consistency.
• Step 4: Adding Cream and Cheese: Always add the heavy cream and Parmesan toward the end of cooking. This prevents the cream from curdling and ensures the cheese melts smoothly into the broth.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the Sausage: Be careful not to overcook the sausage initially. Browning is great, but if the sausage gets too dry, it could lose some of its flavor and texture.
• Curdling the Cream: Avoid adding the cream when the soup is at a rolling boil. Instead, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer before stirring in the cream to prevent curdling.
• Not Seasoning Enough: Soups rely on a balance of seasoning. Be sure to taste your soup throughout the process and adjust the seasoning accordingly.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Presentation is key to making your soup look as good as it tastes. Here are a few ways to elevate the appearance of your Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup:

1. Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle a few fresh basil or oregano leaves on top for a pop of color and extra flavor.
2. Shaved Parmesan: Grate fresh Parmesan over each bowl for an elegant finish.
3. Serve with Crusty Bread: Pair your soup with toasted garlic bread or a warm loaf of crusty Italian bread for dipping.

How to Serve Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup

This soup is hearty enough to be served as a main course. For an even more filling meal, consider serving it with a side salad of mixed greens dressed in a light vinaigrette. If you’re serving this at a dinner party, you can serve smaller portions as a starter, followed by a pasta or Italian entrée.

Presentation Ideas for Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup

For a rustic presentation, ladle the soup into earthenware bowls or vintage ceramic dishes. Top with a few shavings of Parmesan, a drizzle of olive oil, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little extra heat. Serve with a small bowl of grated cheese on the side for guests to add to their soup as they like.

Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup Recipe Tips

• Make It Ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day! Store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and reheat over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream if it thickens too much.
• Double the Batch: This recipe doubles well, making it a great option for meal prep or feeding a crowd.
• Freezing: You can freeze this soup, but it’s best to freeze it without the cream and spinach. When reheating, add fresh spinach and cream for a better texture.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use other types of sausage? A: Absolutely! Turkey or chicken sausage works just as well, and for a vegetarian option, plant-based sausages are a good substitute.

Q: Can I make this soup dairy-free? A: Yes, substitute the cream with coconut milk or a plant-based alternative, and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.

Q: Can I freeze this soup? A: Yes, but for best results, freeze it before adding the cream. Add the cream when you reheat the soup.

Conclusion

Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup is the ultimate comfort food, combining savory sausage, rich cream, and sharp Parmesan into one bowl of deliciousness. Whether you're cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. Be sure to experiment with the variations, and don’t forget to share this recipe with anyone who loves a hearty, soul-warming meal. Happy cooking!

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