Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup is a rich, creamy, and savory soup packed with Italian sausage, Parmesan cheese, vegetables, and herbs. This cozy dish is perfect for cold nights, family dinners, or meal prep, offering a satisfying balance of protein, creamy broth, and delicious seasoning. The bold flavors of Italian sausage, paired with the nutty taste of Parmesan and aromatic herbs, make this soup an irresistible comfort food.
How to Make this Soup Soup
Making Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup is simple and involves just a few steps. First, brown the sausage to release its rich flavor. Next, sauté onions, garlic, and vegetables before adding broth, seasonings, and Parmesan cheese. Finally, let the soup simmer until all the flavors meld together into a creamy, hearty dish.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 1 small onion
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 medium carrot
- 1 celery stalk
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups spinach or kale
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup small pasta (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the sausage: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces.
- Sauté the vegetables: Add onion, garlic, carrot, and celery to the pot. Cook for 3–5 minutes until softened.
- Add the broth and seasonings: Pour in chicken broth, diced tomatoes, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir well and bring to a gentle boil.
- Simmer the soup: Reduce heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes.
- Add the cream and Parmesan: Stir in heavy cream and grated Parmesan, mixing well until creamy and smooth.
- Incorporate greens and pasta: If using spinach/kale or pasta, add them in the last few minutes of cooking.
- Serve hot: Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy with crusty bread or garlic toast.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with crusty Italian bread for dipping into the creamy broth.
- Top with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil for added flavor.
- Pair with a side salad for a complete meal.
- Enjoy with a glass of red wine for an elegant dinner experience.
- Serve in a bread bowl for a fun, restaurant-style presentation.
Tips and Variations
- Use different sausages: Try turkey sausage or plant-based sausage for a lighter version.
- Make it spicier: Add more red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage.
- Thicken the soup: Stir in a cornstarch slurry for a thicker texture.
- Swap the greens: Use kale, Swiss chard, or arugula instead of spinach.
- Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta or omit pasta entirely.
Preparation Time and Serving Size
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Serving Size: 6 servings
Nutrition Information
- Calories: ~350 kcal
- Carbohydrates: ~15g
- Protein: ~18g
- Fat: ~25g
- Fiber: ~2g
Ingredient Substitutes
- Heavy cream alternative: Use coconut milk or half-and-half for a lighter option.
- Parmesan substitute: Try Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
- Chicken broth alternative: Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
- Diced tomatoes substitute: Use tomato paste mixed with water for a richer broth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes! It stores well in the fridge for 3–4 days. Reheat gently on the stove before serving.
Can I freeze Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup?
Yes, but avoid freezing if using cream, as it may separate. Freeze without cream and add it fresh when reheating.
What type of Italian sausage is best?
Both mild and spicy Italian sausage work well. Choose based on your spice preference.
Can I use ground beef instead of sausage?
Yes, but sausage adds extra flavor. If using beef, add extra seasoning.
What can I serve with this soup?
It pairs well with garlic bread, a green salad, or roasted vegetables.
Conclusion
Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup is a creamy, flavorful, and comforting dish perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or meal prep, this soup is a hearty, satisfying, and easy-to-make meal. Try this recipe today and enjoy a warm bowl of Italian goodness.
Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup Recipe
Ingredients
Instructions
Brown the sausage
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces.
Sauté the vegetables
Add onion, garlic, carrot, and celery to the pot. Cook for 3–5 minutes until softened.
Add the broth and seasonings
Pour in chicken broth, diced tomatoes, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir well and bring to a gentle boil.
Simmer the soup
Reduce heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes.
Add the cream and Parmesan
Stir in heavy cream and grated Parmesan, mixing well until creamy and smooth.
Incorporate greens and pasta
If using spinach/kale or pasta, add them in the last few minutes of cooking.
Serve hot
Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy with crusty bread or garlic toast.