This creamy Parmesan Italian sausage soup is like a warm hug in a bowl! With spicy sausage, fresh veggies, and rich cream, it’s hearty and oh-so-delicious.
It’s perfect for chilly days or when you need some comfort food. I love serving it with crunchy bread to soak up every last drop—there’s nothing like that combo!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Italian Sausage: This is the star ingredient, bringing a burst of flavor. You can use either mild or spicy depending on your heat preference. For a lighter version, try ground turkey or chicken sausage as a substitute.
Heavy Cream: Adds richness to the soup. If you’re looking for a lighter option, substitute it with half-and-half or whole milk. For dairy-free, use coconut cream or cashew cream instead.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan is best for flavor. If you’re out, Pecorino Romano offers a similar taste. Nutritional yeast can also provide a cheesy flavor for a vegan option.
Spinach: It’s optional, but I love adding it for extra nutrition and color. Feel free to replace it with kale or Swiss chard, or omit it entirely based on your taste.
How Do I Make Sure the Soup Is Creamy?
To achieve that creamy texture, it’s key to add the cheese slowly. This ensures it melts evenly without clumping. Here’s how:
- After adding the cream and milk, reduce the heat to low.
- Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan gradually while stirring constantly.
- If you notice the soup is too thick for your liking, add a splash of chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
Cooking on low prevents the cream from curdling, keeping the soup smooth and enjoyable. Remember to taste and adjust the seasoning as needed!
Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups baby spinach leaves (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of basil, oregano, thyme)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious soup takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 30 minutes to cook, so in total, you’ll need about 45 minutes. It’s a quick and comforting meal, perfect for any day of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Sausage:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and break it apart with a spoon. Cook until it’s browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Once it’s done, remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set it aside. Keep the drippings in the pot.
2. Sauté the Veggies:
In the same pot, add the chopped onions, diced carrots, and celery. Cook these vegetables until they are softened, which will take about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to keep everything cooking evenly.
3. Add Garlic:
Now, add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for an additional 1 minute until it smells fragrant. Garlic adds a wonderful flavor!
4. Combine Ingredients:
Return the cooked sausage to the pot. Stir in the chicken broth and Italian seasoning. Bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15 minutes. This will help all the flavors combine nicely.
5. Make it Creamy:
Next, stir in the heavy cream and milk. Let the soup simmer on low for about 5 more minutes, warming it through without bringing it to a boil.
6. Add Cheese:
Slowly add the grated Parmesan cheese to the pot while stirring continually. This will help the cheese melt evenly and make the soup creamy.
7. Stir in Spinach:
If you’re using baby spinach, now is the time to stir it in! Cook until the spinach is wilted, which should only take about 1-2 minutes.
8. Season it Up:
Season the soup with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like a little kick. Adjust the seasoning according to your taste!
9. Serve:
Ladle your soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. If you love cheese as much as I do, sprinkle some extra Parmesan on top!
10. Enjoy:
Serve the soup hot with a side of crusty bread or garlic toast. Enjoy this warm and comforting bowl of creamy goodness!
There you go—a delightful Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup that’s sure to satisfy anyone at your table!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Italian Sausage?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great alternative for a lighter option. You might want to add some additional spices, like fennel seeds or red pepper flakes, to replicate the flavor of Italian sausage.
Can I Freeze Leftover Soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating on the stove.
How Do I Thicken the Soup if It’s Too Thin?
If your soup is thinner than you’d like, you can thicken it by simmering it uncovered for a few minutes to reduce the liquid. Alternatively, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little cold water to create a slurry, then stir it into the soup and cook until thickened.
What Can I Serve with This Soup?
This creamy soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, garlic toast, or a fresh side salad. You can also serve it over cooked pasta or rice for a heartier meal!
