There’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting bowl of Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup to satisfy your cravings on a chilly evening.
This hearty soup is packed with rich, savory flavors from Italian sausage, fresh vegetables, and a luscious Parmesan-infused broth.
It’s a simple, one-pot recipe that’s easy to make yet elegant enough to impress your family and guests.
Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup
This Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines hearty Italian sausage, rich cream, and savory Parmesan cheese. Packed with tender vegetables, zesty seasonings, and a velvety texture, this soup is perfect for a cozy dinner or a crowd-pleasing meal. The savory sausage and creamy broth are beautifully balanced by the sharp, nutty flavor of Parmesan cheese, making every spoonful a warm and satisfying experience. Whether served with crusty bread for dipping or enjoyed on its own, this soup is sure to become a favorite!
Ingredients
- 1 onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 carrots sliced
- 2 celery stalks chopped
- 4 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cups spinach or kale
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Salt and pepper to taste: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the Italian sausage over medium heat until browned and fully cooked, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Remove from the pot and set aside, leaving a little bit of the rendered fat for flavor.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add the diced onion, sliced carrots, and chopped celery to the pot. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add the Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Return the cooked sausage to the pot and mix well.
- Add the Cream and Cheese: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, allowing the cheese to melt into the broth and create a smooth, creamy texture. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add Greens: Add the spinach or kale to the soup and stir until it wilts, about 2-3 minutes.
- Serve: Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Ladle the soup into bowls and serve with crusty bread or a simple side salad for a complete meal.
Notes
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup is the perfect blend of hearty and creamy. The combination of well-seasoned Italian sausage, aromatic garlic and onions, and the smooth richness of Parmesan cheese creates an irresistible dish. The soup is thick, satisfying, and full of depth, making it the ultimate comfort food. Not only is this dish flavorful, but it’s also incredibly easy to prepare. Everything comes together in one pot, which means minimal cleanup and maximum convenience. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner, meal prepping for the week, or serving a special occasion meal, this soup is sure to be a hit.Versatile and Customizable
One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. You can customize it to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Want to make it lighter? Use turkey or chicken sausage instead of traditional Italian sausage. Need a low-carb option? Skip the pasta or potatoes and add more vegetables like spinach, kale, or zucchini. You can even make it gluten-free by using cornstarch or a gluten-free thickener instead of flour.Expert Tips and Tricks
For the best flavor and texture, always use freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead of pre-packaged varieties. Freshly grated cheese melts better and enhances the overall taste of the soup. If you prefer a thicker consistency, consider adding a slurry made from cornstarch and water or mash some of the vegetables into the broth for a natural thickening effect. To create a lighter version of the soup, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, which reduces the fat content without compromising creaminess.Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
Lasagna soup is incredibly versatile, making it easy to customize based on dietary preferences. For a protein swap, try using ground turkey or chicken sausage instead of traditional Italian sausage. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth and replace the sausage with hearty ingredients like mushrooms or white beans. To make a low-carb version, skip the carrots and add extra greens such as spinach or kale, or swap in cauliflower for added texture without the extra carbohydrates.Serving and Pairing Suggestions
This creamy and flavorful soup pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes. Serve it with warm, crusty bread or homemade garlic knots to soak up every last drop of broth. A crisp Caesar salad makes a refreshing contrast to the rich soup, while a glass of white wine like Pinot Grigio complements the flavors perfectly. If you prefer a non-alcoholic beverage, try sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon for a bright, refreshing touch.Storage and Reheating Tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream if the soup becomes too thick. Avoid boiling to prevent curdling.What is Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup?
Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup is a rich and comforting dish made with Italian sausage, a creamy broth, and a blend of flavorful seasonings.
It often includes ingredients like garlic, onions, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and heavy cream, giving it a well-balanced taste.
Parmesan cheese adds a nutty, savory flavor that enhances the richness of the soup. This dish is a popular choice for those who love hearty, flavorful soups with a touch of Italian flair.
What Type of Sausage Should I Use?
Italian sausage is the best choice for this soup because it provides a depth of flavor with its herbs and spices. You can use either mild or spicy Italian sausage, depending on your preference.
If you prefer a leaner option, turkey or chicken Italian sausage works well without compromising taste.
If using raw sausage links, remove the casings before cooking to ensure even browning and better texture in the soup.
Can I Make This Soup Ahead of Time?
Yes! Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup is an excellent make-ahead dish. The flavors meld together over time, making it even more delicious the next day. However, because the soup contains dairy, it may thicken when stored.
To reheat, simply add a splash of broth or milk while warming it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. Avoid boiling, as it may cause the cream to separate.
What Are Some Good Substitutions and Variations?
This soup is highly customizable. Here are some great substitutions and variations:
- Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
- Low-Carb/Keto Version: Replace any pasta or potatoes with cauliflower florets or zucchini noodles.
- Vegetable Additions: Mushrooms, bell peppers, or kale can be added for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Pasta or Rice Addition: If you prefer a heartier soup, add cooked pasta, gnocchi, or rice toward the end of cooking.
- Protein Variations: Instead of sausage, try diced chicken or even shrimp for a different twist.
How Can I Make This Soup Extra Creamy?
For an even richer and creamier texture, you can:
- Add more heavy cream or a mix of cream cheese and Parmesan cheese.
- Blend a small portion of the soup and mix it back in to create a naturally thicker consistency.
- Stir in a slurry of cornstarch and water if you prefer a thicker soup without adding more dairy.
