Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup Recipe

Hearty Italian Sausage Soup with Creamy Parmesan Recipe

Comfort wraps around you like a warm blanket with this delectable parmesan italian sausage soup that promises pure culinary bliss.

Rich, hearty flavors dance through every spoonful of this creamy italian sausage soup, creating a symphony of taste.

Tender sausage chunks mingle with velvety broth, creating an irresistible harmony of textures and seasonings.

Robust herbs and aromatic ingredients elevate this soup from ordinary to extraordinary.

Each bite tells a story of traditional Italian cooking with a modern twist.

Packed with protein and bursting with flavor, this soup delivers warmth and satisfaction in a single bowl.

Parmesan and Italian Sausage Soup to Warm You Up

  • Whip Up Comfort: A hearty soup that wraps you in warmth and satisfies deep hunger with rich, creamy flavors perfect for chilly evenings.
  • Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor: Requires just one pot and simple ingredients, making this recipe super friendly for busy home cooks who want delicious meals without complicated techniques.
  • Family-Friendly Feast: Packed with protein from Italian sausage and nutrition from vegetables, this soup appeals to both kids and adults, creating a crowd-pleasing meal that everyone will enjoy.
  • Quick Weeknight Winner: Comes together in under 30 minutes, allowing you to serve a restaurant-quality soup without spending hours in the kitchen or dealing with complex cooking steps.

Ingredient Essentials for Creamy Sausage Soup

Meat:
  • Italian Sausage: A flavorful and hearty protein that adds richness to the soup.
Aromatics and Vegetables:
  • Onion, Garlic, Carrots, Celery: A classic blend that provides depth and a savory base for the soup.
Liquid and Dairy Ingredients:
  • Chicken Broth: A light and savory liquid that forms the soup's foundation.
  • Olive Oil: Helps sauté the vegetables and adds a subtle Mediterranean flavor.
  • Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious and creamy texture in the soup.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, salty, and nutty flavor to enhance the overall taste.
Herbs and Seasonings:
  • Spinach: A nutrient-rich green that adds color and freshness to the soup.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the soup's flavors.

Instructions for Rich Italian Sausage Soup

Step 1: Brown The Sausage

Grab your pot and cook the Italian sausage until it develops a beautiful golden-brown color.

Transfer the sausage to a separate plate, keeping those delicious meat juices behind.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

Using the same pot, heat olive oil and toss in finely chopped:
  • Onions
  • Garlic
  • Carrots
  • Celery

Sauté these vegetables until they become soft and release their incredible fragrance.

Step 3: Build The Soup Base

Pour chicken broth into the pot, allowing it to reach a rolling boil.

This creates a flavorful foundation for your soup.

Step 4: Combine And Simmer

Return the cooked sausage to the pot, reducing heat to create a gentle simmer.

Let the flavors mingle and develop for several minutes.

Step 5: Enrich With Creamy Goodness

Stir in:
  • Heavy cream
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh spinach

Continue cooking until the spinach wilts and the soup becomes wonderfully creamy and heated throughout.

Step 6: Final Touch And Serve

Season with salt and pepper, adjusting to your taste preferences.

Ladle the soup into warm bowls and enjoy immediately while it’s steaming hot.

Tips for Cheesy, Flavorful Sausage Soup

  • Remove excess grease from browned sausage to prevent an overly oily soup and maintain a clean, rich flavor profile.
  • Cut onions, carrots, and celery into similar-sized pieces for even cooking and consistent texture throughout the soup.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for maximum flavor and smoother melting compared to pre-packaged grated cheese.
  • Add heavy cream gradually and simmer gently to prevent separation and maintain a silky, creamy texture.
  • Replace Italian sausage with ground turkey or plant-based sausage for a lighter or vegetarian version of the soup.

Variations for a New Soup Every Time

  • Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace Italian sausage with plant-based sausage or crumbled firm tofu for a meat-free version packed with protein.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free chicken broth and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.
  • Low-Carb Adaptation: Substitute carrots with cauliflower or zucchini to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining similar texture and nutritional value.
  • Dairy-Free Alternative: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a creamy, lactose-free soup option.

Serving Creamy Sausage Soup Hot

  • Rustic Bread Companion: Slice a crusty Italian or sourdough bread to dip into the rich, creamy soup, soaking up all those delicious flavors.
  • Hearty Side Salad Pairing: Toss a crisp green salad with light vinaigrette to balance the soup's richness and add fresh, zesty contrast.
  • Cozy Comfort Combo: Serve alongside a glass of medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the sausage's savory notes.
  • Winter Warmth Topping: Sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley on top for added texture and a burst of fresh herb flavor.

Best Ways to Store Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup

  • Store leftover soup in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and refrigerate for 3-4 days. Cool completely before storing to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Transfer soup to freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. Avoid freezing dairy-based soups with cream for best texture.
  • Warm gently in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth to restore original consistency. Heat until steaming hot, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Pour into a pot and reheat slowly over medium-low heat. Stir frequently to prevent scorching and maintain creamy texture.

FAQs

  • What type of sausage works best for this recipe?

Italian sausage is ideal, preferably mild or spicy versions. You can use ground sausage or remove casings for better texture and easier cooking.

  • Can I make this soup healthier?

Use lean Italian sausage, replace heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, and add extra vegetables like zucchini or kale for more nutrients.

  • Is this soup gluten-free?

The basic recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure your chicken broth and Parmesan cheese are certified gluten-free to be completely safe.

  • How can I add more protein to the soup?

Include white beans, diced chicken, or additional sausage to boost protein content. You can also top with crispy bacon bits for extra protein and flavor.

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Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup Recipe

Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup Recipe


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4.7 from 35 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup delivers comfort in each spoonful, blending robust Italian flavors with rich, velvety textures. Warm, satisfying spoonfuls invite you to savor this soul-nourishing dish perfect for chilly evenings.


Ingredients

Scale

Meat:

  • 1 pound Italian sausage (ground)

Vegetables:

  • 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
  • 4 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 2 large carrots (sliced into thin rounds)
  • 2 stalks celery (diced)
  • 2 medium potatoes (peeled and diced into small cubes)
  • 2 cups fresh spinach (roughly chopped)

Liquids and Seasonings:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cups chicken broth (low-sodium)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt (to taste)
  • Pepper (to taste)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Brown italian sausage in a large pot over medium-high heat until fully cooked and caramelized, about 6-8 minutes. Transfer meat to a plate, leaving behind flavorful drippings.
  2. In the same pot, sauté diced onions, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and chopped celery in olive oil until vegetables become translucent and slightly softened, approximately 4-5 minutes.
  3. Pour chicken broth into the vegetable mixture, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pot, and bring the liquid to a rolling boil.
  4. Reduce heat to low, return cooked sausage to the pot, and allow the soup to simmer gently for 10-12 minutes, allowing flavors to meld together.
  5. Slowly incorporate heavy cream and grated parmesan cheese, stirring continuously to create a smooth, creamy consistency.
  6. Add fresh spinach leaves to the soup, stirring until they wilt and become tender, which takes about 2-3 minutes.
  7. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. Ladle into warm bowls and serve immediately while hot.

Notes

  • Select high-quality Italian sausage with a balanced blend of spices for maximum flavor depth.
  • Remove sausage casings before cooking to ensure even browning and better texture integration into the soup.
  • Use fresh baby spinach for a vibrant green color and delicate, tender leaves that melt seamlessly into the creamy base.
  • Customize the soup’s consistency by adjusting chicken broth and cream quantities to create your preferred thickness.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 410 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 540 mg
  • Fat: 33 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 10 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 17 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg
Michael Reyes

Michael Reyes

Founder & Lead Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Southwestern and Latin American cuisine
  • Developing easy single-serving recipes
  • Food styling and food photography

Education

Santa Fe Community College

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Practical, hands-on learning in essential kitchen skills, including food safety, hygiene, knife techniques, and kitchen organization.

Michael’s love for cooking runs deep, rooted in the bold, colorful flavors of his New Mexico upbringing.
After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from Santa Fe Community College, he spent years sharpening his skills in kitchens that celebrated traditional Southwestern and Latin American dishes.
He believes cooking should feel approachable and fun, never complicated. When he’s not stirring up new recipe ideas, Michael’s out hiking scenic trails, chatting with farmers at local markets, or chasing the perfect sunset shot for inspiration.

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