We’ve all experienced that craving for a warm, hearty soup on a chilly day, and our Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup delivers just that. Packed with savory Italian sausage, rich Parmesan cheese, and a creamy base, it’s the ultimate comfort food that brings bold flavors to your table.
Drawing from classic Italian traditions, we’ve crafted this recipe to be simple yet satisfying. Whether you’re feeding the family or enjoying a quiet meal, it’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients
In our Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup, we select high-quality ingredients that blend savory Italian sausage with creamy Parmesan for a comforting, flavorful bowl. Below, we list them in the order they’re typically used, with prep notes for accuracy.
- Italian sausage: 1 pound ground, mild or spicy as preferred, removed from casings if needed
- Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped for building the base flavor
- Garlic: 4 cloves, minced to release their aromatic essence
- Carrots: 2 medium, diced into 1/4-inch pieces for added sweetness and texture
- Celery: 2 stalks, sliced thinly to enhance the soup’s fresh crunch
- Chicken broth: 4 cups low-sodium, for a rich, savory foundation
- Diced tomatoes: 1 can (14.5 ounces), drained to balance acidity and depth
- Heavy cream: 1 cup, for achieving that signature creamy consistency
- Parmesan cheese: 1 cup freshly grated, key for the nutty, umami finish
- Dried oregano and basil: 1 teaspoon each, to infuse authentic Italian herbs
- Salt and black pepper: To taste, for seasoning adjustments
- Fresh spinach: 2 cups, roughly chopped and added at the end for a nutritious, vibrant touch
- Pasta shells: 1 cup uncooked, optional for heartiness if desired
Tools and Equipment
To prepare our Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup, we rely on essential tools that ensure efficient cooking and optimal results. Selecting the right equipment helps us achieve the perfect blend of flavors and textures, making the process smooth and enjoyable.
Must-Have Tools
We recommend the following key items, listed by their typical use in the recipe:
- Large Pot or Dutch Oven: A sturdy 6-quart pot is ideal for browning the Italian sausage and simmering the soup. We prefer one with a heavy bottom for even heat distribution to prevent scorching.
- Cutting Board and Chef’s Knife: Use a stable cutting board paired with a sharp 8-inch chef’s knife to chop onions, garlic, carrots, and celery quickly and safely.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial for ingredients like chicken broth and spices, so we suggest a set of stainless-steel cups (1 cup, ½ cup, etc.) and spoons (1 tablespoon, 1 teaspoon, etc.).
- Grater: A box grater or Microplane works best for freshly grating Parmesan cheese, enhancing its creamy texture and flavor in the soup.
- Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: This tool is perfect for stirring the soup as it simmers, helping to incorporate the heavy cream without damaging nonstick surfaces.
- Ladle: A 2-ounce ladle makes serving easy and mess-free, allowing us to portion out the soup into bowls.
Optional Enhancements
If you’re looking to elevate your cooking experience, consider these additions:
- Immersion Blender: For a smoother Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup, we occasionally use this to blend the soup partially in the pot, though it’s optional for a chunkier texture.
- Kitchen Scale: We find this helpful for precise weighing of ingredients like sausage or cheese, ensuring consistency in every batch.
By gathering these tools beforehand, we set ourselves up for success in creating a delicious, hearty soup that highlights the savory notes of Italian sausage and Parmesan.
Instructions
Let’s dive into preparing our hearty Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup with these straightforward steps. We’ll walk you through the process to ensure a flavorful and creamy result every time.
Prep the Ingredients
Before we start cooking, we’ll prepare our ingredients to make the assembly smooth and efficient. Begin by gathering all items from our ingredients list:
- Chop the vegetables: Dice 1 medium onion, 2 cloves of garlic, 2 medium carrots, and 2 stalks of celery into even pieces for quick and even cooking.
- Grate the cheese: Freshly grate 1 cup of Parmesan cheese to enhance its creamy texture and rich flavor in the soup.
- Measure the herbs and liquids: Combine 1 teaspoon dried oregano and 1 teaspoon dried basil in a small bowl; measure out 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes and 1 cup heavy cream.
- Prepare the sausage and greens: If using 1 pound ground Italian sausage remove any casings; rinse and roughly chop 2 cups fresh spinach to add at the end.
This preparation sets the stage for building layers of savory flavors in our Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup.
Cook the Soup
Now that our ingredients are prepped, we’ll cook the soup in a large pot to develop its robust taste.
- Brown the sausage: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pot over medium heat then add the ground Italian sausage and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and crumbled stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Sauté the vegetables: Add the chopped onion garlic carrots and celery to the pot with the sausage and cook for 4-5 minutes until softened and aromatic releasing their natural sweetness.
- Build the base: Stir in the dried oregano basil salt to taste and black pepper to taste then pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes (with juices) and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer the soup: Reduce heat to low and let the soup simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes allowing the flavors to meld and the vegetables to tenderize for a comforting depth.
- If using pasta: Optionally add 1 cup uncooked pasta shells to the pot during the last 8-10 minutes of simmering to absorb the savory broth and add heartiness.
Finish and Serve
To complete our Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup, we’ll add the final elements for a velvety finish and serve it warm.
- Incorporate the cream and cheese: Stir in the heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan cheese then cook for an additional 2-3 minutes on low heat until the soup thickens and the cheese melts smoothly for that signature creamy texture.
- Add the greens: Mix in the chopped fresh spinach and cook for 1-2 minutes until wilted to provide a vibrant pop of color and nutrients.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste the soup and add more salt or black pepper if needed to balance the savory Italian sausage and Parmesan flavors.
- Serve immediately: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with extra grated Parmesan if desired; pair it with crusty bread for a satisfying meal that highlights the soup’s rich comforting qualities.
Make-Ahead Instructions
One of the best features of our Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup is its flexibility for busy schedules. We can prepare it in advance to save time while preserving the rich, savory flavors of the Italian sausage and the velvety smoothness of the Parmesan cheese. Below, we outline step-by-step instructions to make this comforting soup ahead, ensuring it reheats beautifully with minimal effort.
Preparing the Soup in Advance
To get ahead, follow these steps after completing the main recipe:
- Cook the soup fully: Once we’ve finished simmering the soup and incorporated the heavy cream, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and fresh spinach, remove it from the heat. This allows all the flavors—such as the earthy oregano, aromatic basil, and hearty sausage—to meld perfectly.
- Cool it quickly: Transfer the soup to a shallow container to cool it rapidly. We recommend spreading it out to reduce the temperature from boiling to room temperature in about 30–60 minutes. Quick cooling helps prevent bacterial growth and maintains the soup’s creamy texture.
- Portion for storage: Divide the cooled soup into airtight containers or freezer-safe bags. For example, we can portion it into 2-cup servings to make reheating easier for individuals or small families.
Storage Guidelines
Proper storage is key to keeping our Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup fresh and delicious. Here’s how we handle it:
- Refrigerator storage: Store the soup in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. Always use a container with a tight lid to lock in the flavors.
- Freezer storage: For longer-term options, freeze the soup for up to 2–3 months. Freezing works best if we exclude any added pasta, as it can become mushy upon thawing.
To summarize storage times clearly, we’ve compiled the following table:
| Storage Method | Duration | Key Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | 3–4 days | Keep below 40°F (4°C) for safety. |
| Freezer | 2–3 months | Label containers with dates for easy tracking. |
Reheating for Optimal Flavor
When it’s time to enjoy our soup, reheating should be done thoughtfully to retain its creamy consistency and vibrant taste:
- From the refrigerator: Gently reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon. We aim for 5–10 minutes until it reaches a simmer, adding a splash of chicken broth if it thickens too much.
- From the freezer: First, thaw the soup overnight in the refrigerator. Then, reheat as above, or use the microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, for about 3–5 minutes on high power. Be cautious not to boil it, as this could cause the Parmesan to separate and lose its silky texture.
- Final adjustments: After reheating, we can taste and adjust seasoning with a pinch of salt and black pepper. For an extra touch, stir in a handful of fresh spinach right before serving to revive the soup’s bright, green notes.
By following these make-ahead steps, we ensure our Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup remains a go-to, flavorful meal that’s as convenient as it is delicious.
Conclusion
We’ve loved sharing this Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup recipe with you. It’s a simple way to add comfort to your meals and impress family or friends.
We’re confident it’ll become one of your favorites for its rich flavors and ease.
Try it soon and let us know how it turns out!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup?
This comforting soup features savory Italian sausage, creamy Parmesan cheese, and fresh veggies in a rich broth. It’s a simple, hearty dish perfect for chilly days, ideal for family dinners or cozy meals. With its blend of flavors from oregano, basil, and spinach, it offers a satisfying, homemade taste that warms you up.
What ingredients are needed for Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup?
Key ingredients include ground Italian sausage, onion, garlic, carrots, celery, low-sodium chicken broth, diced tomatoes, heavy cream, freshly grated Parmesan, dried oregano and basil, salt, pepper, fresh spinach, and optional pasta shells. Prep notes emphasize using high-quality items for the best flavor and texture, making it easy to gather for a delicious meal.
What tools do I need to make this soup?
You’ll need a large pot or Dutch oven for cooking, a cutting board and chef’s knife for chopping veggies, measuring cups and spoons for accuracy, a grater for cheese, a wooden spoon or spatula for stirring, and a ladle for serving. An immersion blender or kitchen scale can enhance the process, ensuring smooth preparation.
How do I prepare Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup?
Start by browning the sausage, then sauté onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. Add broth, tomatoes, herbs, and simmer to blend flavors. Stir in cream, Parmesan, and spinach at the end, adjusting seasoning as needed. The whole process takes about 30-45 minutes, resulting in a velvety, flavorful soup best served with bread.
Can I make Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the soup fully, cool it quickly, and store in airtight containers. It keeps in the fridge for up to 3-4 days or freezes for up to 3 months. This makes it perfect for busy schedules, allowing you to reheat on the stove or microwave while maintaining its creamy texture and taste.
How should I store and reheat the soup?
Store cooled soup in the fridge for 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months in freezer-safe containers. To reheat, warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to preserve creaminess, or use the microwave in short bursts. Avoid boiling to keep flavors vibrant and texture intact.