Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup is a warm and comforting dish that brings a smile to everyone’s face. It’s perfect for chilly evenings or when you want something hearty. With rich flavors from Italian sausage, creamy broth, and fresh spinach, this soup is bound to be a favorite.
Why Make This Recipe
You should make this soup because it’s not only delicious but also easy to prepare. The combination of savory sausage and creamy goodness makes it a filling meal. It’s great for family dinners or serving to guests, and everyone will love it! Plus, it’s a one-pot recipe, so cleanup is a breeze.
How to Make Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup
Ingredients:
- 1 lb sweet Italian sausage
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups ditalini pasta
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Directions:
- In a large pot, brown the Italian sausage over medium heat, breaking it up as it cooks. Once fully cooked, remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside.
- In the same pot, add the olive oil and sauté the onion until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth, bring to a boil and then reduce to a simmer. Stir in heavy cream, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, and season with salt and pepper.
- Add the ditalini pasta to the pot and simmer until the pasta is al dente, about 8 minutes.
- Return the cooked sausage to the pot and add the chopped spinach, cooking until the spinach wilts, roughly 2 minutes.
- Off the heat, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well incorporated.
- Serve the soup hot, garnished with additional Parmesan and fresh parsley if desired.
How to Serve Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup
Serve this soup hot in bowls. You can add more grated Parmesan cheese on top and sprinkle some fresh parsley for a nice touch. It pairs well with crusty bread or a light salad.
How to Store Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup
You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. If you plan to store it for longer, consider freezing it for up to a month.
Tips to Make Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup
- For a healthier version, you can use turkey or chicken sausage instead of sweet Italian sausage.
- Feel free to add other veggies like carrots or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
- Adjust the spices to your liking, adding more or less red pepper flakes for heat.
Variation
You can make this soup vegetarian by omitting the sausage and using vegetable broth. Swap in some chickpeas or lentils for protein. Add more veggies like zucchini or kale to enhance the flavors!
FAQs
1. Can I use different pasta for this soup?
Yes, you can use any small pasta shape you like, such as shells or macaroni.
2. Is this soup gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and ensure your chicken broth is gluten-free as well.
3. Can I prepare this soup in advance?
Absolutely! You can make it a day before and store it in the fridge. Just reheat before serving, and you may need to add a bit more cream or broth.
