This creamy Parmesan Italian sausage soup is warm and comforting, perfect for chilly nights. With tasty sausage, fresh veggies, and a cheesy twist, it’s a dish everyone loves!
Making this soup is so easy! Just brown the sausage, add the veggies, and stir in cream and Parmesan for that yummy richness. I always top mine with a sprinkle of extra cheese—why not, right? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Italian Sausage: This is the star of the soup giving it great flavor. I like a mix of mild and spicy sausage for balance. If you prefer, ground turkey or chicken can work too for a leaner option.
Heavy Cream: It adds richness to the soup. You can replace it with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version, but the soup will be less creamy. For a dairy-free version, try coconut cream!
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and adds a wonderful nutty taste. If you’re out, Pecorino Romano is a great substitute, or nutritional yeast can be used for a dairy-free option.
Spinach or Kale: I love adding greens for nutrition and color. Use any leafy greens like Swiss chard or even frozen spinach if fresh isn’t available.
How Do You Get the Sausage Nice and Brown?
Getting that rich, browned flavor in your sausage is key! Start by using a hot pot, and make sure to break the sausage into smaller pieces as it cooks.
- Heat the olive oil before adding sausage to seal in flavors.
- Leave space between pieces to help browning instead of steaming.
- Let it sit for a minute before stirring to develop a nice crust.
Following these tips will really enhance the overall flavor of your soup!
How to Make Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casing removed
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 1 medium potato, peeled and cubed
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
- 2 cups fresh spinach or kale, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of oregano, basil, thyme)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: crushed red pepper flakes for heat
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious soup takes about 10 minutes of prep time and about 30 minutes of cooking time, making a total of approximately 40 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a cozy weeknight meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Sausage:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the Italian sausage. Cook until it’s nicely browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
2. Add the Veggies:
Once the sausage is browned, it’s time to add the chopped onion, diced carrots, and diced celery. Stir everything together and let it cook for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables start to soften.
3. Enhance with Garlic and Seasoning:
Add the minced garlic and the dried Italian seasoning to the pot. Stir it in and cook it all together for another minute. The garlic should smell amazing!
4. Bring It All Together:
Now, toss in the cubed potato and pour in the chicken broth. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it go until the potatoes are tender, which should take around 15 minutes.
5. Make It Creamy:
Once the potatoes are tender, stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Keep cooking for 3-5 minutes until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy and delightful.
6. Add the Greens:
Mix in the chopped spinach or kale, and cook just until they wilt, which should take about 2 minutes. This adds a nice pop of color and nutrition!
7. Final Touches:
Give the soup a taste and season with salt and black pepper as needed. If you like a little heat, sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your creamy Parmesan Italian sausage soup hot! Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and maybe a drizzle of olive oil for an extra touch of flavor. Enjoy every comforting spoonful!
Bon Appétit!
FAQ About Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup
Can I Use a Different Type of Sausage?
Absolutely! You can use chicken sausage for a lighter option or even turkey sausage if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure it’s fully cooked.
How Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the sausage and add extra veggies or legumes like cannellini beans for protein. Vegetable broth can replace chicken broth for added flavor!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or microwave. You may need to add a splash of broth or cream to restore the creamy consistency.
Can I Freeze This Soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well! Let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove before serving.
