There is something truly comforting about a bowl of hearty, flavorful soup that warms you from the inside out. The Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup Recipe is exactly that kind of dish: rich, velvety, and packed with savory Italian sausage, fresh greens, and that unmistakable cheesy kick from Parmesan. Whether you’re looking for a cozy dinner to curl up with on a chilly evening or a crowd-pleaser to share, this soup delivers soul-satisfying goodness in every spoonful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this soup is delightfully simple, yet each one plays a crucial role in creating layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this recipe stand out. From the spice of Italian sausage to the creaminess of Parmesan, every element contributes to a perfect bowl.
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy): The star protein that brings bold, savory richness and a touch of spice.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Essential for browning the sausage and sautéing the aromatics.
- 1 small yellow onion (diced): Adds sweetness and depth when softened.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Offers a fragrant, hearty punch to the broth base.
- 4 cups chicken broth: The flavorful liquid foundation of the soup.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Gives the soup its silky, creamy texture.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Introduces nutty, salty complexity and richness.
- 1 cup chopped kale or spinach: Brings a fresh, vibrant green element and nutritional boost.
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms: Earthy mushrooms add texture and umami depth.
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that rounds out the Italian flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): A little heat to balance creaminess for those who love a kick.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing all flavors together.
How to Make Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it into bite-sized crumbles until browned and cooked through. This browning step builds rich flavor, so be patient and let the sausage develop a nice color. Drain any excess grease if needed to keep the soup from becoming too oily.
Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic
Next, add the diced onion to the pot and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes until softened and slightly translucent. Then stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, allowing its aroma to infuse the mixture. These aromatics are the flavor base that make the soup so satisfying.
Step 3: Simmer with Broth and Vegetables
Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Add the sliced mushrooms, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Let everything simmer together for 5 to 7 minutes, giving the mushrooms time to soften and the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 4: Add Cream and Parmesan
Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese until the cheese melts into the soup, creating a luscious, creamy base. This step transforms the broth into the signature velvety consistency that makes this Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup Recipe so irresistible.
Step 5: Incorporate Greens and Season
Finally, toss in the chopped kale or spinach and allow it to wilt gently for about 3 to 5 minutes. Season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste. Now it’s ready to serve, steaming with fantastic flavors and hearty goodness.
How to Serve Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the presentation and taste, sprinkle extra grated Parmesan cheese on top just before serving. A few fresh basil leaves or a drizzle of good-quality olive oil also add an inviting, aromatic touch that makes each bowl feel special.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty garlic bread or a warm focaccia to soak up every last drop. A simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette works beautifully to balance out the creamy richness of the soup.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests? Serve the soup in hollowed-out mini bread bowls or rustic ceramic mugs for a cozy and visually enticing experience. Garnish with toasted pine nuts or a swirl of pesto to add extra texture and flavor layers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This soup keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve the fresh flavors and creamy texture. When you’re ready to eat, give it a good stir as it may thicken slightly upon chilling.
Freezing
While you can freeze this soup, keep in mind that leafy greens might change texture after thawing. To maintain the best quality, freeze the soup before adding kale or spinach and stir in fresh greens when reheating. Use freezer-safe containers and consume within 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat gently over low to medium heat on the stovetop, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. If the soup has thickened, thin it out with a splash of chicken broth or water. Avoid boiling once cream has been added to keep the soup smooth and silky.
FAQs
Can I use turkey sausage instead of Italian sausage?
Absolutely! Turkey sausage is a great leaner alternative. It will still provide flavor and texture, though the dish may be slightly less rich. Adjust seasoning as needed to keep the boldness in your Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup Recipe.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you check your sausage and broth labels to ensure no gluten-containing additives are included.
Can I substitute spinach for kale?
Definitely! Both greens work beautifully in this soup. Spinach tends to wilt faster and has a milder taste, while kale adds a bit more bite and earthiness.
What can I add to make the soup thicker?
For a thicker consistency, you can stir in a tablespoon of cream cheese or reduce the chicken broth slightly during cooking. This will give the soup an even creamier, heartier texture.
Is this recipe suitable for slow cooking?
Yes, it works wonderfully in a slow cooker. Simply brown the sausage first, then add all ingredients except cream and Parmesan. Stir in the dairy at the very end of cooking for best texture.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a soup that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, the Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup Recipe is a must-try. It’s simple enough for an everyday meal yet special enough to impress family or friends. Dive into the rich, creamy, savory comfort that this soup brings and make it a new favorite in your kitchen!
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Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This creamy Parmesan Italian sausage soup is a hearty and comforting Italian-American dish that blends savory Italian sausage, fresh vegetables, and rich Parmesan cheese in a luscious creamy broth. Perfect for cozy dinners, this soup combines the bold flavors of browned sausage, tender kale or spinach, and mushrooms with a hint of spice from red pepper flakes for a satisfying low-carb, gluten-free meal.
Ingredients
Sausage and Aromatics
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Soup Base
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Vegetables and Seasoning
- 1 cup chopped kale or spinach
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. Remove excess grease if needed to keep the soup from being too oily.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the diced onion to the pot and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add Broth and Vegetables: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Add the sliced mushrooms, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Let simmer for 5–7 minutes to soften the mushrooms and meld flavors.
- Incorporate Cream and Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese melts completely and the soup becomes smooth and creamy.
- Add Greens and Finish Cooking: Add the chopped kale or spinach to the soup. Simmer for another 3–5 minutes, or until the greens are wilted and tender.
- Season and Serve: Season the soup with salt and black pepper according to taste. Serve hot, optionally topped with extra Parmesan cheese for an added cheesy finish.
Notes
- For a leaner option, substitute turkey sausage for Italian sausage.
- To thicken the soup, stir in 1 tablespoon of cream cheese or reduce the amount of chicken broth slightly.
- This soup is also suitable for slow cooking: brown the sausage first, then transfer all ingredients except cream and cheese to a slow cooker. Add cream and cheese at the end of cooking.
