– **Title**: Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup
– **Ingredients**:
– 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, your preference)
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 3 medium carrots, diced
– 3 celery stalks, diced
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 cups baby spinach
– 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Olive oil (for cooking)
– Optional: Fresh parsley or additional Parmesan for garnish
– **Instructions**:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Remove the sausage and set it aside, leaving the drippings in the pot.
2. In the same pot, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and add the can of diced tomatoes with their juices. Stir in the Italian seasoning and bring the mixture to a boil.
5. Reduce the heat to a simmer and return the cooked sausage to the pot. Let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
6. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, mixing until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy. Add the baby spinach and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the spinach is wilted.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If desired, garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan before serving. Enjoy!
This hearty and creamy soup is perfect for a cozy meal, showcasing the rich flavors of Italian sausage balanced with the smoothness of Parmesan.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Italian Sausage: Use mild or spicy sausage based on your taste. If you need a lighter option, turkey sausage or plant-based sausage can work well too!
Onion: A medium onion adds a nice base flavor. You can substitute with shallots or green onions if you prefer a milder taste.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the best flavor. If you need a shortcut, garlic powder could work, but fresh is always better for aroma.
Diced Tomatoes: Canned tomatoes are convenient. For more flavor, try roasted or fire-roasted canned tomatoes. You can also use fresh tomatoes if you have them on hand.
Heavy Cream: This adds creaminess! Substituting with half-and-half will give you a lighter version, or use coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
Pasta: I prefer elbow macaroni, but any small pasta works great! If you’re gluten-free, try gluten-free pasta varieties.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan enhances flavor, but pre-grated works too. Nutritional yeast can be a good dairy-free alternative as well.
How Do You Cook Italian Sausage Perfectly?
Cooking sausage just right is key to this soup’s flavor. Break it apart while browning, and ensure it cooks thoroughly. Here’s how:
- Heat your pot over medium heat, then add the sausage.
- Use a wooden spoon to break it up into smaller pieces.
- Cook until browned, stirring often—this helps get nice, even color and flavor.
- If there’s excess fat, drain it off to avoid greasy soup.
By following these steps, you’ll enhance the flavor of the soup and give a hearty base for the dish!
How to Make Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, based on preference)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juice
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup elbow macaroni or small pasta
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious soup will take about 15 minutes to prepare and 20 minutes to cook, making it a quick and satisfying meal ready in about 35 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Sausage:
In a large pot over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until it’s browned. Use a wooden spoon to break it up into small pieces as it cooks. If there’s any excess fat in the pot, carefully drain it to keep your soup from being greasy.
2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic:
Add the diced onion to the pot with the sausage. Sauté until the onion turns translucent—this should take about 3-4 minutes. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until you can smell its lovely aroma!
3. Add Tomatoes and Broth:
Now, pour in the can of diced tomatoes with all their juice, followed by the chicken broth. Bring this mixture to a boil and get ready for some great flavors!
4. Cook the Pasta:
Once your soup reaches a boil, add the elbow macaroni and sprinkle in the Italian seasoning. Reduce the heat a bit and let everything simmer until the pasta is cooked, which will be about 7-10 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally to keep it from sticking!
5. Stir in Cream and Cheese:
After the pasta is cooked, gently stir in the heavy cream and the grated Parmesan cheese. Let it heat through for a couple of minutes, making sure to stir occasionally so it all blends nicely.
6. Season and Serve:
Finally, taste your soup and season it with salt and pepper according to your liking. Serve it hot in bowls, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if you’re feeling fancy. Enjoy your creamy and delicious soup!
## FAQ for Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup
Can I Substitute a Different Type of Sausage?
Absolutely! You can use turkey sausage for a leaner option or even chicken sausage. Just make sure to choose a sausage that has good flavor, as this will influence the overall taste of the soup.
Can I Use Half-and-Half Instead of Heavy Cream?
Yes, you can use half-and-half as a lighter alternative to heavy cream! Keep in mind that the soup may not be as rich and creamy, but it will still be delicious. If you prefer a thicker texture, consider adding a bit more cheese to compensate.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if it gets too thick.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Soup?
Definitely! Feel free to add vegetables like spinach, kale, or bell peppers for extra nutrition. Just add them when you introduce the diced tomatoes and chicken broth, allowing them to cook until tender!
