Description
A rich and creamy parmesan Italian sausage soup perfect for a cozy meal. Easy, flavorful, and ready in 40 minutes!
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 1 lb (450g) Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 cups baby spinach or kale (chopped)
For Garnish (Optional):
- Extra parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Red pepper flakes
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Sausage
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the Italian sausage and break it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Use a slotted spoon to transfer the sausage to a plate. Set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
- In the same pot, add onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Simmer the Broth
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil.
- Add the Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
- Lower the heat and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
Step 4: Make It Creamy
- Stir in the heavy cream and parmesan cheese, stirring continuously to melt the cheese into the broth.
- Add the cooked Italian sausage back to the pot.
Step 5: Final Touches
- Stir in the baby spinach or kale and let it wilt for 2-3 minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with extra parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, and red pepper flakes (if desired).
- Serve hot with crusty bread or garlic toast.
Notes
- ✔️ Use Fresh Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese can make the soup grainy. Freshly grated melts better!
- ✔️ Make It Lighter: Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk.
- ✔️ Make It Keto-Friendly: Skip the carrots and use cauliflower for a low-carb version.
- ✔️ Spice It Up: Use hot Italian sausage and extra red pepper flakes for a kick!
Keywords: creamy sausage soup, Italian sausage soup, parmesan soup, comfort food soup, hearty soup, easy soup