This creamy Parmesan Italian sausage soup is a warm hug in a bowl! It’s rich and hearty, loaded with savory sausage, vegetables, and a sprinkle of cheesy goodness.
I love how the flavors mingle together while it cooks. Perfect for chilly days, it’s so easy to whip up—you might just want to make it every week!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Italian Sausage: Choose between mild or spicy based on your heat preference. If you’re looking for a leaner option, turkey or chicken sausage works well too; just be mindful that they may lack some fat which helps in flavor.
Broth: Chicken broth is perfect, but feel free to use vegetable broth for a lighter soup or if you want it to be vegetarian. I often use low-sodium broth to control salt levels.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter version, consider using half-and-half or whole milk. Just remember that it may not be quite as rich. For dairy-free, coconut milk provides creaminess but will change the flavor slightly.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated cheese melts better and has more flavor than pre-grated versions. If you don’t have Parmesan, Pecorino Romano is a good substitute.
How Do You Get the Best Flavor from Your Sausage?
Cooking the sausage properly is key to a delicious soup. Here’s what to do:
- Start by breaking up the sausage as you cook it in a hot pot. This allows it to brown nicely and brings out the fat for flavor.
- Make sure it’s fully cooked; no pink should show. Browning adds depth to the soup.
- Leave the fat in the pot; it’s filled with flavor that blends with the veggies.
What’s the Best Way to Sauté Vegetables for Flavor?
When sautéing onions, carrots, and celery, focus on building a flavor base:
- Cook them on medium heat until they soften and start to brown. This process can take about 5 minutes.
- Add garlic last, since it cooks quickly. It releases an incredible aroma that enhances the soup!
Keep stirring to avoid burning—this will keep your flavors sweet and not bitter! Enjoy making your soup!
Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 1 lb (450g) Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cups (1 liter) chicken broth
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- 1 cup (100g) grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
- 2 cups fresh spinach or kale, chopped (optional)
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious soup takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 30 minutes to cook. So, in roughly 40 minutes, you’ll have a warm, creamy soup that’s perfect for any day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Sausage:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until it’s browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set it aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot. This adds amazing flavor!
2. Sauté the Veggies:
In the same pot, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté them until they start to soften, about 5 minutes. Stirring occasionally helps them cook evenly!
3. Add Aromatics:
Next, stir in the minced garlic, dried Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes if you like a little kick. Cook for about 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant. Your kitchen will smell wonderful!
4. Combine Ingredients:
Return the cooked sausage to the pot. Pour in the chicken broth and bring everything to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, until the veggies are tender.
5. Make it Creamy:
Once the veggies are soft, lower the heat again; stir in the heavy cream and the grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese melts completely, making the soup beautifully creamy!
6. Add Greens:
If you’re using spinach or kale, add it now! Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the greens are wilted and vibrant.
7. Season:
Time to taste! Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking. Remember, the Parmesan cheese adds some saltiness, so taste it before adding too much!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the soup hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley. This soup pairs perfectly with crusty bread for dipping. Enjoy your delightful bowl of comfort!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Italian Sausage?
Yes, you can absolutely substitute ground turkey for Italian sausage! Keep in mind that turkey is leaner, so you may want to add some extra seasoning or a bit more olive oil to enhance the flavor.
How Can I Make This Soup Dairy-Free?
To make this soup dairy-free, use coconut milk or a non-dairy cream alternative instead of heavy cream. You can also replace the Parmesan with a dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy!
Can I Add Other Vegetables to This Soup?
Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or potatoes for extra nutrition and flavor. Just chop them into similar sizes and adjust the cooking time as needed so they become tender.
How to Safely Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. If the soup thickens too much, just add a splash of broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
