When the weather starts to cool, nothing beats a steaming bowl of creamy parmesan Italian sausage soup to warm you up from the inside out. This rich, comforting dish combines savory Italian sausage with a creamy broth and the bold flavor of Parmesan cheese. Whether you’re looking for a hearty meal for your family or a dish to impress guests at your next dinner party, this soup is a winner. In this post, we’ll explore how to make creamy parmesan Italian sausage soup, including ingredients, step-by-step instructions, tips for the perfect texture, and serving suggestions.
What is Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup?
Creamy parmesan Italian sausage soup is a rich, indulgent soup that’s perfect for any chilly day. The soup features Italian sausage, which is sautéed until browned and full of flavor. The base is made with a creamy broth that gets its richness from heavy cream and a generous amount of Parmesan cheese. The soup is often made with vegetables like onions, garlic, spinach, or kale, adding a nutritional boost and vibrant color to the dish.
This soup is perfect for those who love a little heat, as Italian sausage can vary from mild to spicy, allowing you to adjust the flavor to your liking. The addition of Parmesan cheese gives the soup a sharp, nutty flavor that beautifully complements the sausage, making each spoonful irresistibly delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Soup
- Creamy & Comforting: The combination of heavy cream and Parmesan cheese creates a rich, velvety texture that’s perfect for cozy dinners.
- Packed with Flavor: The savory Italian sausage, aromatic garlic, and fresh vegetables provide layers of flavor in every bite.
- Quick and Easy: This soup can be made in just under 40 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner parties.
- Versatile: Customize this soup with your favorite veggies or adjust the spice level to your preference. You can even swap out the sausage for a different protein if you like.
- One-Pot Wonder: Everything is cooked in one pot, meaning minimal cleanup after enjoying your delicious meal.
The Ingredients You’ll Need
Making creamy parmesan Italian sausage soup at home is simple and requires only a few basic ingredients. Here’s a rundown of what you’ll need:
For the Soup:
- Italian Sausage: 1 lb. of mild or spicy Italian sausage, casings removed. The sausage is the star of the soup, so choose one that’s high quality and flavorful.
- Onions: 1 medium onion, finely chopped. The onion adds a savory base flavor to the soup.
- Garlic: 3 cloves of garlic, minced. Garlic enhances the flavor profile and adds depth to the soup.
- Chicken Broth: 4 cups of chicken broth or stock. This will be the base of your soup.
- Heavy Cream: 1 cup of heavy cream. The cream gives the soup its smooth, luxurious texture.
- Parmesan Cheese: 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Freshly grated cheese melts better and provides a more authentic flavor.
- Spinach or Kale: 2 cups of fresh spinach or kale, chopped. This adds color and nutrition to your soup, making it a complete meal.
- Potatoes: 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced (optional). Potatoes can make the soup heartier, adding texture and making it more filling.
- Olive Oil: 2 tbsp for sautéing the sausage and vegetables.
- Salt & Pepper: To taste.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Optional, for a little heat (adjust to taste).
- Italian Seasoning: 1 tsp. A blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme complements the Italian sausage flavor.
Garnishes (Optional):
- Fresh Basil: Chopped, for garnish.
- Additional Parmesan: Grated, for sprinkling on top.
- Crusty Bread: To serve on the side.
How to Make Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Begin by heating olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon or spatula. Cook until the sausage is browned and fully cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove any excess fat if necessary, but leave a little behind for flavor.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
To the same pot, add the chopped onions and garlic. Sauté until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. If you’re using potatoes, add them at this stage and cook for another 3 minutes to lightly soften them.
Step 3: Add the Broth and Simmer
Once the vegetables are softened, pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes. If you added potatoes, this step will cook them through.
Step 4: Stir in the Cream and Parmesan
Once the broth has simmered and the potatoes are tender, add the heavy cream and stir well. Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until the cheese melts into the soup, making it creamy and smooth.
Step 5: Add the Greens
Add the spinach or kale to the soup and stir until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. If you prefer a thicker soup, you can also mash a few potatoes with the back of a spoon at this stage.
Step 6: Season to Taste
Taste the soup and season with salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes, if desired. Adjust the seasoning based on your preferences.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve with a side of crusty bread for dipping and enjoy the creamy goodness.
Tips for Making the Best Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese will give the soup a more authentic and flavorful taste than pre-shredded cheese.
- Customize the Greens: While spinach is a common choice, kale can add a heartier texture to the soup. You can also experiment with other greens like arugula or chard.
- Make It Spicy: If you like heat, use spicy Italian sausage or add extra crushed red pepper flakes for a fiery kick.
- Thicken the Soup: To thicken the soup, you can blend a portion of it with an immersion blender, or mash some of the potatoes for a heartier texture.
- Make It Ahead: This soup can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will meld together even more over time, making it a perfect dish for meal prep.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Leftover creamy parmesan Italian sausage soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup has thickened too much during storage, add a bit more chicken broth or cream to reach your desired consistency.
This soup can also be frozen for up to 3 months. However, note that dairy-based soups can sometimes separate when frozen, so it’s best to add the cream and Parmesan cheese when reheating.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 410 kcal
- Protein: 23g
- Carbs: 16g
- Fat: 31g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 780mg
(Note: Nutritional information may vary based on ingredient substitutions or portion sizes.)
Serving Suggestions
This creamy soup pairs perfectly with a variety of sides:
- Garlic Bread: The rich, buttery flavor of garlic bread complements the creamy soup beautifully.
- Caesar Salad: A fresh, crunchy Caesar salad with homemade dressing balances the richness of the soup.
- Roasted Vegetables: Serve alongside roasted vegetables for a complete, healthy meal.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a comforting, delicious soup that’s both hearty and creamy, creamy parmesan Italian sausage soup is the perfect choice. This soup is quick, easy to make, and loaded with flavor, making it a go-to dish for any time of the year. Whether you’re enjoying it with family or serving it for guests, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your household.
