When the weather turns chilly, there’s nothing quite like a bowl of soup to warm you up. This Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup is one of my favorite recipes to make during the colder months. It’s rich, comforting, and full of flavor. I first tried a version of this soup at a little Italian restaurant years ago, and I’ve been making my own version ever since. The combination of savory Italian sausage, creamy broth, and Parmesan cheese is just irresistible. It’s the kind of soup that feels like a cozy blanket on a cold day. Let me share this recipe with you it’s sure to become a favorite in your home too.
History of Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup
This soup is inspired by the flavors of Italian cuisine, where sausage, Parmesan cheese, and rich broths are staples. While there isn’t a specific historical origin for this exact soup, it draws on traditional Italian ingredients and techniques to create a hearty, comforting dish.
Why Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup?
This soup is perfect for anyone who loves a rich, flavorful meal that’s easy to make. It’s a one-pot dish, so cleanup is minimal, and it’s incredibly versatile. You can adjust the ingredients to suit your taste, making it as simple or as fancy as you like.
What is Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup Made Of?
The soup is made with Italian sausage, chicken broth, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, garlic, onions, spinach, and seasonings like basil and oregano. It’s a simple combination of ingredients that come together to create a creamy, satisfying soup.
What to Have with Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup
This soup is a complete meal on its own, but you can pair it with:
- A slice of crusty bread or garlic bread
- A simple green salad
- A side of roasted vegetables
Is Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup Healthy?
It’s a rich and indulgent soup, so it’s best enjoyed in moderation. To make it healthier, you can use turkey sausage, low-sodium chicken broth, and substitute half-and-half for heavy cream. Adding extra veggies like carrots or zucchini can also boost the nutritional value.
Kitchen Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: red pepper flakes for a little heat
Directions:
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through. Remove the sausage and set aside.
- In the same pot, add the diced onion and cook for 4-5 minutes, until softened. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in the cooked sausage, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Let it cook for 10 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy.
- Add the fresh spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes, until the spinach is wilted.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips
- For extra flavor, use fire-roasted diced tomatoes or a splash of white wine.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp water and stir it into the soup before adding the cream.
- Add other veggies like carrots, zucchini, or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Yes! Turkey sausage or chicken sausage work well in this recipe.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, it reheats well. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Is this soup spicy?
It depends on the sausage you use. Mild Italian sausage will keep it mild, while spicy sausage will add heat.
Conclusion
This Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup is a quick, flavorful, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. It’s easy to make, uses simple ingredients, and is sure to become a family favorite. Give it a try—it might just become your new go-to soup!
Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup
When the weather turns chilly, there’s nothing quite like a bowl of soup to warm you up. This Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup is one of my favorite recipes to make during the colder months. It’s rich, comforting, and full of flavor. I first tried a version of this soup at a little Italian restaurant years ago, and I’ve been making my own version ever since. The combination of savory Italian sausage, creamy broth, and Parmesan cheese is just irresistible. It’s the kind of soup that feels like a cozy blanket on a cold day. Let me share this recipe with you it’s sure to become a favorite in your home too.
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: red pepper flakes for a little heat
-
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through. Remove the sausage and set aside.
-
In the same pot, add the diced onion and cook for 4-5 minutes, until softened. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
-
Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in the cooked sausage, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Let it cook for 10 minutes.
-
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy.
-
Add the fresh spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes, until the spinach is wilted.
-
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.