This creamy Parmesan Italian sausage soup is like a warm hug in a bowl! Packed with tasty sausage, fresh veggies, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, it’s super comforting.
I always love serving this soup with some crunchy bread. Perfect for dipping! Just remember to save some for seconds—it’s that good! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Italian Sausage: This adds a lot of flavor. You can use either mild or spicy sausage based on your preference. If you’re looking for a lighter option, turkey sausage works well too, still giving that meaty taste.
Heavy Cream: For the creaminess, heavy cream is the star. If you’re avoiding dairy, coconut milk or cashew cream can be good substitutes. Just note the flavor will change a bit!
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan is best for melting. If you can’t find it, Pecorino Romano gives a similar taste. For a vegan option, a nutritional yeast can simulate the cheese flavor.
Veggies: The veggies provide texture and nutrients. You can swap zucchini with bell peppers or snap peas. Frozen spinach is fine if fresh is unavailable—just add it at the same time as the cream.
How Do You Ensure the Soup Has Great Flavor?
Developing a rich flavor in soup often starts with sautéing your ingredients properly. Here’s how:
- Start with olive oil to cook your sausage and veggies. This allows their flavors to infuse the oil.
- Don’t rush the sautéing step for onions, carrots, and celery. Take at least 5 minutes to soften them.
- Adding garlic late serves to bring out its fragrant qualities; just a minute after the veggies is perfect.
- Don’t skip the seasoning! Adding salt and seasoning early helps to deepen the overall flavor.
Enjoy these tips for crafting a delicious and comforting soup on a chilly day! 😊
How to Make Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 medium zucchini, diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional: red pepper flakes for heat
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious soup will take about 10 minutes to prep and around 30 minutes to cook, making the total time about 40 minutes. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week ahead!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Sausage:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the Italian sausage. Use a wooden spoon to break it up as it cooks until it turns brown and is cooked through, which should take about 6-8 minutes. Once done, remove the sausage from the pot and set it aside—don’t forget to leave the delicious juices in the pot!
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same pot, add your diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté the veggies for about 5-7 minutes, until they start to soften. Then, toss in the minced garlic and continue to cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Yum!
3. Add Seasonings:
Now, stir in the dried Italian seasoning, a pinch of salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like it spicy. Mix everything well to ensure the vegetables are well coated with those tasty spices!
4. Combine with Broth:
Return the cooked sausage to the pot and pour in the chicken broth. Bring everything to a gentle boil, then lower the heat to let it simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
5. Add Zucchini:
Next, add the diced zucchini into the pot. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes until the zucchini is just tender yet still has a bit of crunch.
6. Make it Creamy:
Turn the heat low and slowly stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese melts, and the soup becomes nice and creamy. Add in the fresh spinach, letting it wilt in the warm soup for about 1-2 minutes.
7. Taste and Adjust:
Give your soup a taste! This is the time to add any more salt, pepper, or seasoning if you feel it needs it.
8. Serve it Up:
Serve the soup hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and a few cracks of black pepper on top. Grab a spoon and enjoy this delightful dish! It’s sure to warm you up!
Enjoy this rich and comforting creamy Parmesan Italian sausage soup on a cozy day! 🍜✨
FAQ for Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Italian Sausage?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great leaner alternative that works well in this soup. You may want to add some Italian seasoning or a bit of fennel to mimic the traditional sausage flavor.
How Do I Store Leftover Soup?
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat or in the microwave. You may want to add a splash of broth or cream to maintain the creaminess!
Can I Freeze This Soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
What Other Vegetables Can I Add?
Feel free to get creative! Other great options include bell peppers, green beans, or even corn. Just make sure they are cut into small, even pieces for the best texture.
