This creamy Parmesan Italian sausage soup is a warm hug in a bowl! With savory sausage, fresh veggies, and rich Parmesan cheese, it’s the perfect meal to cozy up with on a chilly day.
I love how quick this soup comes together! Just cook the sausage, toss in some veggies, and stir in that cheese for a tasty finish. Grab some crusty bread, and you’re all set! 🍞
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Italian Sausage: It adds rich flavor to the soup. If you want a lighter version, you can swap it for turkey sausage or even plant-based sausage for a vegetarian option.
Heavy Cream: This makes the soup rich and creamy. If you’re looking for a lower-calorie option, you can replace it with half-and-half or even coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
Parmesan Cheese: The main cheese that gives flavor. If you can’t find Parmesan, you could try Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano. Just be aware that Pecorino is saltier, so adjust seasoning accordingly.
Vegetables: Feel free to mix in whatever veggies you have. Bell peppers, kale, or even corn could work well in this soup!
How Do I Prepare the Vegetables for This Soup?
Chopping vegetables evenly is important for a uniform cooking time. Here’s how I tackle it:
- For carrots and celery, slice them into small, equal pieces to ensure they cook through at the same pace.
- Zucchini should be diced larger than the carrots since it cooks faster. Aim for about half-inch cubes.
- When dicing onions and garlic, a sharp knife helps make clean cuts, reducing the risk of mushy bits.
Take your time chopping; even pieces mean better texture in your final soup. Happy cooking!
Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Meat:
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
- Vegetables:
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 1 medium zucchini, diced
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- Liquids:
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Cheese:
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Other:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning (oregano, basil, thyme)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: crushed red pepper flakes for heat
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for prep and about 30 minutes for cooking, making a total of about 45 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a hearty weeknight meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Sausage:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove the sausage from the pot and set aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
Using the same pot, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
3. Add Garlic:
Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
4. Combine Ingredients:
Return the cooked sausage back to the pot. Stir in the Italian seasoning, along with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Pour in the Broth:
Add the chicken broth to the pot and bring the soup to a gentle boil. Then, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes to let the flavors meld together nicely.
6. Add Zucchini:
Stir in the diced zucchini and continue to cook for another 5 minutes until the zucchini is tender but not mushy.
7. Creamy Base:
Lower the heat and add the heavy cream, stirring well to combine. Be careful not to boil the soup at this stage.
8. Stir in Parmesan:
Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and the soup becomes creamy. Make sure to taste and adjust with more cheese if you love that cheesy flavor!
9. Add Spinach:
Finally, stir in the chopped spinach and let it wilt in the hot soup for about 2 minutes.
10. Adjust Seasoning:
Taste your soup and adjust the seasoning as needed with salt, pepper, and optional crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
11. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy your delicious creamy Parmesan Italian sausage soup!
FAQ for Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Italian Sausage?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lower-fat alternative. Just add some Italian seasoning to enhance the flavor, as it’s milder than sausage.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the soup for up to 2 months. Just make sure to cool it completely before freezing, and thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Yes! Feel free to add any vegetables like bell peppers, kale, or corn. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly based on what you add.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
This recipe is already gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free chicken broth and ensure your sausage is also gluten-free. Always check labels when selecting your ingredients!
