When the weather turns chilly, there’s nothing quite like a warm, hearty bowl of soup to keep you cozy. This Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup is the perfect comfort food, combining savory sausage, tender pasta, and fresh spinach in a rich and creamy broth. It’s a dish that brings together all the best flavors of Italian cooking in one delicious bowl.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this comforting soup:
- 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 ½ cups ditalini pasta
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ 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
Step 1: Cook the Sausage
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the sweet Italian sausage, breaking it up into smaller pieces with a wooden spoon. Cook until the sausage is browned and fully cooked through. Once done, remove the sausage from the pot and set it aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pot, add the diced onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, just until the garlic becomes fragrant. This step helps build a flavorful base for the soup.
Step 3: Add the Broth and Herbs
Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if you’re using them), salt, and pepper. These herbs and spices infuse the broth with classic Italian flavors.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
Add the ditalini pasta to the pot and cook until al dente, following the package instructions. The pasta will absorb some of the broth’s flavors as it cooks, making it deliciously tender.
Step 5: Add the Cream and Spinach
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, which gives the soup its rich, creamy texture. Add the roughly chopped fresh spinach and cook until it’s wilted. The spinach not only adds color but also a fresh, slightly earthy flavor.
Step 6: Return the Sausage
Return the browned sausage to the pot and stir to combine everything. The sausage’s savory taste complements the creamy broth and fresh spinach, making each bite satisfying.
Step 7: Finish with Parmesan
Stir in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until it’s melted and well combined. The Parmesan adds a nutty, salty richness that perfectly rounds out the soup’s flavors.
Step 8: Serve
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with additional grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley. Serve it hot and enjoy the comforting, hearty goodness of this Italian-inspired soup.
Additional Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Calories per Serving: Approx. 450 Kcal
Tips for the Best Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup
- Spice It Up: For extra flavor, try using a mix of sweet and spicy Italian sausage. The combination adds a nice balance of flavors to the soup.
- Greens Substitution: If you’re not a fan of spinach, you can substitute it with kale or Swiss chard. Both greens will add a slightly different texture and flavor to the soup.
- Serving Suggestion: Pair this soup with a slice of crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth. It’s the perfect way to complete the meal.
Conclusion
This Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup is the ultimate comfort food, blending rich, savory flavors with a creamy texture that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or enjoying it on a quiet evening, this soup is sure to warm you up from the inside out. It’s easy to make, loaded with flavor, and destined to become a favorite in your household.