This Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup is warm and comforting! With hearty sausage, fresh veggies, and rich parmesan, it’s a bowl of goodness perfect for chilly days.
I love how easy it is to whip up! Just cook the sausage and toss in the rest. And trust me, the leftovers taste even better! Who doesn’t want a yummy soup to cozy up with? 🍲
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Italian Sausage: You can choose between mild or spicy sausage based on your preference. If you want to reduce fat, ground turkey or chicken can be a great substitute, giving a lighter version of the soup while still offering good flavor.
Heavy Cream: This adds richness to the soup. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or even coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative. Just keep in mind the flavor will change slightly.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan is best for flavor. If you don’t have any, Pecorino Romano works well too. For a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast can be used as a substitute, offering a cheesy taste.
Kale or Spinach: This is optional and adds nutritional value. Feel free to swap it out for other greens like Swiss chard or even frozen spinach if you don’t have fresh on hand.
How Do I Get the Sausage Just Right?
Cooking the sausage properly is crucial for getting rich flavor in your soup. Here’s how to do it:
- Use medium heat to allow the sausage to brown without burning.
- Breaking it up into smaller pieces while cooking helps it cook evenly and makes it easier to incorporate into the soup.
- Cook until fully browned and crumbled, about 5-7 minutes. This enhances its flavor and texture.
After browning, don’t skip removing excess fat if there’s too much in the pot; this keeps your soup from being greasy. Just leave enough for flavor! Enjoy making this delicious soup! 🌟
How to Make Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 cup kale or spinach, chopped (optional)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Time Needed:
This delicious soup will take approximately 30 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend about 10 minutes preparing the vegetables and sausage, followed by around 20 minutes of cooking to bring all those wonderful flavors together. In no time, you’ll have a lovely bowl of soup to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Sausage:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the Italian sausage. Use a spoon to break it up as it cooks. Stir it frequently and cook until it’s browned and fully cooked through, which takes about 5-7 minutes. When done, remove the sausage from the pot and set it aside on a plate.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same pot, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook these until they soften, around 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and stir for another minute until you can smell its lovely aroma.
3. Bring in the Herbs:
Add the dried oregano and basil to the pot, stirring them into the mixture well. Once they’re fragrant, return the cooked sausage to the pot and mix everything together.
4. Add Broth and Potatoes:
Now it’s time to add your diced potatoes and the chicken broth. Give it a good stir and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes.
5. Make It Creamy:
After the potatoes are tender, pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir it until the cheese melts and the soup becomes creamy. If you’re using kale or spinach, add it now and let it cook for an additional 2 minutes until it’s wilted.
6. Season and Serve:
Finally, taste your soup and season with salt and pepper to your liking. Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese if you’d like!
Enjoy your creamy, cheesy, and savory Italian sausage soup! It’s perfect for cozy nights in. 🍲🌿
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Sausage?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken is a great substitute if you prefer a leaner option. Just season it well, as it may be milder in flavor compared to sausage. You might want to add a bit more garlic and herbs to boost the taste!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally for even heating.
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Yes! For a vegetarian version, omit the sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can add more vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini for added flavor and texture!
What’s the Best Way to Thicken the Soup?
If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash a portion of the cooked potatoes against the side of the pot and stir them back in. Alternatively, a slurry made of cornstarch mixed with water can be added while simmering to achieve a creamier consistency.
