Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup
Ingredients:
1 lb sweet Italian sausage
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
6 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 1/2 cups ditalini pasta
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
4 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Directions:
In a large pot, brown the Italian sausage over medium heat, breaking it up as it cooks. Once fully cooked, remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside.
In the same pot, add the olive oil and sauté the onion until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Pour in the chicken broth, bring to a boil and then reduce to a simmer. Stir in heavy cream, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, and season with salt and pepper.
Add the ditalini pasta to the pot and simmer until the pasta is al dente, about 8 minutes.
Return the cooked sausage to the pot and add the chopped spinach, cooking until the spinach wilts, roughly 2 minutes.
Off the heat, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well incorporated.
Serve the soup hot, garnished with additional Parmesan and fresh parsley if desired
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Kcal: 480 kcal | Servings: 6-8 servings
Here are some secrets to achieve the perfect Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup:
- Use quality ingredients: Start with high-quality sweet Italian sausage, fresh garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Using fresh ingredients will enhance the flavor of the soup.
- Brown the sausage well: When browning the Italian sausage, make sure to cook it until it’s nicely browned and caramelized. This step adds depth of flavor to the soup.
- Sauté the onions and garlic: Take the time to sauté the onions and garlic until they are soft and fragrant. This step releases their natural sweetness and flavors, enhancing the overall taste of the soup.
- Use chicken broth for flavor: Opt for good-quality chicken broth or homemade broth for the base of the soup. The broth adds richness and depth of flavor to the soup.
- Simmer the soup: Allow the soup to simmer gently after adding the broth and seasonings. This allows the flavors to meld together and develop into a deliciously flavorful soup.
- Add heavy cream for creaminess: The heavy cream adds a rich and creamy texture to the soup, giving it a luxurious mouthfeel. Be sure not to boil the soup after adding the cream to prevent curdling.
- Cook pasta separately: Cook the ditalini pasta separately from the soup until al dente. This prevents the pasta from becoming mushy and helps control the texture of the soup.
- Season generously: Don’t be afraid to season the soup well with dried oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed to suit your preference.
- Add spinach at the end: Add the chopped spinach to the soup towards the end of cooking, allowing it to wilt slightly but still retain its vibrant green color and fresh flavor.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese off the heat until melted and well incorporated. The cheese adds richness and a savory flavor to the soup.
- Garnish with fresh parsley: Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness to the finished soup. Sprinkle chopped parsley over the soup just before serving for a beautiful presentation.
By following these secrets, you’ll achieve a deliciously creamy and flavorful Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup that’s sure to impress!
Here are some popular questions and their answers related to Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup:
- Can I use spicy Italian sausage instead of sweet?
- Yes, you can definitely use spicy Italian sausage if you prefer a bit of heat in your soup. Just be aware that it will alter the flavor profile slightly, so adjust the seasoning accordingly.
- Can I use turkey sausage instead of pork?
- Absolutely! Turkey sausage is a leaner option and can be a great alternative if you’re looking to reduce the fat content of the soup. Just keep in mind that it may affect the overall flavor slightly.
- Can I make this soup ahead of time?
- Yes, you can make this soup ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat it on the stove over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
- Can I freeze this soup?
- While you can freeze this soup, it’s important to note that the texture of the cream may change slightly upon thawing. To freeze, let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- What can I serve with this soup?
- This soup pairs well with crusty bread, garlic bread, or a simple green salad. You can also serve it with a sprinkle of extra grated Parmesan cheese on top for added flavor.
- Can I make this soup vegetarian?
- Yes, you can make a vegetarian version of this soup by omitting the Italian sausage and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add extra vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini for added flavor and texture.
- Can I use a different type of pasta?
- Yes, you can use any small pasta shape you prefer in this soup, such as elbow macaroni, penne, or shells. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for the pasta you choose.
- How can I make this soup less creamy?
- If you prefer a less creamy soup, you can reduce the amount of heavy cream used or omit it entirely. You can also use half-and-half or whole milk as a lighter alternative.
These answers should help address some common questions about making Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup