Description
This Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup is a hearty and comforting dish that combines savory Italian sausage with a rich tomato and cream-based broth. Loaded with aromatic vegetables, tender greens, and finished with Parmesan cheese, it makes a perfect meal for chilly days or whenever you crave something warm and flavorful.
Ingredients
Scale
Sausage and Aromatics
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
Soup Base
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Cream and Cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Greens (Optional)
- 2 cups fresh spinach or kale, chopped
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage: In a large pot over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until well browned and cooked through, breaking it up as it cooks. Once browned, remove the sausage from the pot and set it aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Using the same pot, add diced onion, minced garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté the vegetables over medium heat until they soften and become fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
- Build the Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and crushed tomatoes, then stir in Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to taste. Return the browned sausage back into the pot and mix well.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the soup simmer gently for 15 to 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Add Cream & Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan cheese until the soup is smooth and creamy.
- Add Greens (Optional): If using, add the chopped spinach or kale and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the greens are wilted and tender.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with extra Parmesan cheese if desired, and serve hot for a comforting meal.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but the soup will be less rich.
- You can use spicy Italian sausage for a bit of heat, or mild sausage for a milder flavor.
- Frozen spinach can be used if fresh is unavailable; just thaw and drain excess liquid before adding.
- Serve with crusty bread or garlic bread for an extra satisfying meal.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
