This creamy Parmesan Italian sausage soup is a warm bowl of comfort! With savory sausage, fresh veggies, and a sprinkle of Parmesan, it’s rich and tasty. Perfect for chilly days!
Honestly, the smell while it’s cooking is just amazing! I love to enjoy it with a slice of bread for dipping. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you for this cozy dish!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Italian Sausage: You can use either mild or spicy sausage depending on your taste. If you’re looking for a lighter option, try substituting with turkey or chicken sausage. It works well without sacrificing flavor.
Heavy Cream: For a slightly lighter soup, swap heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based alternative like coconut milk. The texture will change, but it will still be creamy!
Kale or Spinach: If you don’t have kale or spinach on hand, you can use Swiss chard, collard greens, or even frozen greens. They all add extra nutrients and flavor to the soup.
Parmesan Cheese: If you’re out of Parmesan, grated Pecorino Romano can also give you that wonderful cheesy flavor. Nutritional yeast is a good dairy-free substitute if you want a cheesy flavor without cheese.
Red Pepper Flakes: If you prefer a milder soup, simply skip the red pepper flakes. You can also use a dash of smoked paprika for a different flavor profile without the heat.
How Do I Make Sure My Soup is Creamy and Delicious?
To achieve that perfectly creamy texture in your soup, follow these simple steps:
- Cook the sausage until browned and cooked through. This adds a great depth of flavor to the base.
- Ensure to sauté the vegetables until they are soft. This brings out their sweetness and flavor.
- Add the heavy cream right before you finish cooking. This prevents it from curdling and maintains that smooth texture.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese off the heat. It melts beautifully into the hot soup without becoming gritty.
Lastly, taste as you go! Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to suit your preference. Enjoy your soup with yummy bread for a cozy meal!
How to Make Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups chopped kale or spinach (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and 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 10 minutes for prep and about 30 minutes for cooking. In total, you’ll be enjoying your creamy Parmesan Italian sausage soup in about 40 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Sausage:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is warm, add the Italian sausage. Use a spoon to break it up as it cooks. Keep an eye on it and cook until it’s nicely browned and cooked through—this should take about 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove the sausage from the pot and set it aside on a plate.
2. Sauté the Veggies:
In the same pot, add the chopped onion, diced carrots, and diced celery. Sauté them for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until they begin to soften. This will add lots of flavor to your soup!
3. Add Garlic:
Now it’s time to add the minced garlic. Cook for another minute until it becomes fragrant—this is where the amazing aroma fills your kitchen!
4. Combine Broth and Seasonings:
Return the cooked sausage back to the pot. Now pour in the chicken broth and sprinkle in the Italian seasoning. Bring the pot to a gentle boil. Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes to let all those flavors meld together.
5. Add Cream and Greens:
Stir in the heavy cream and the chopped kale or spinach if you’re using it. Cook for another 5 minutes until the greens are tender and everything is heated through.
6. Sprinkle in Parmesan:
Remove the pot from heat. Gently stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and makes the soup creamy. This is the magic touch that makes the soup so delicious!
7. Season and Serve:
Finally, taste your soup and season it with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like it spicy. Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired. Serve it warm with some crusty bread on the side for a full and satisfying meal!
Enjoy your comforting, creamy Parmesan Italian sausage soup!
Can I Use Turkey or Chicken Sausage Instead?
Absolutely! Turkey or chicken sausage is a great lean alternative and will still provide delicious flavor. Just make sure it’s cooked through before adding to the soup.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you want a lighter option, you can swap heavy cream with half-and-half or full-fat coconut milk. Both will still give a creamy texture without the extra calories!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in a pot over low heat or in the microwave until heated through.
Can I Freeze This Soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It will last for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
