Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup Recipe

Looking for a comforting, creamy soup packed with flavor? This Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup is the perfect dish to satisfy your cravings for something rich, hearty, and comforting. Whether you're serving it on a chilly evening or prepping it for a weekend family gathering, this soup is sure to become a household favorite. Packed with Italian sausage, tender vegetables, and infused with Parmesan cheese, this soup will leave everyone asking for seconds! Read on for the full recipe, including ingredient lists, step-by-step instructions, and expert tips.

this Recipe

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What Is Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup?

Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup is a rich and hearty soup made with Italian sausage, vegetables, and a creamy Parmesan-infused broth. The base of this soup is a savory combination of garlic, onions, and herbs, while the sausage adds a deliciously spicy kick. The cream and Parmesan cheese make the broth luxuriously rich, giving it that velvety, mouthwatering texture that makes you come back for more. It's a versatile recipe that can easily be customized to suit your taste or dietary preferences, and it's perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a dinner party.

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Ingredients List for Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup

For the Soup Base:

• 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, based on preference)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 large carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for added heat)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Creamy Broth:

• 4 cups chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup chopped spinach or kale (optional for added greens)
• 2-3 medium potatoes, diced (or 1 cup of your preferred pasta)
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for thickening)

Optional Garnishes:

• Extra Parmesan cheese for sprinkling
• Fresh parsley or basil, chopped
• Crusty bread or garlic toast for serving

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Substitutions and Variations

This recipe is highly customizable to suit your personal preferences. Here are some substitutions and variations you can try:

• Sausage Substitutes: If you prefer a different type of sausage, try chicken sausage, turkey sausage, or even a plant-based sausage for a vegetarian option.
• Vegetable Options: You can easily add more vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms to enhance the nutritional value of the soup. Green peas or corn are also great additions.
• Potato Substitution: If you’re not a fan of potatoes, you can replace them with pasta like small shells, ditalini, or even gnocchi for a different texture. Cauliflower florets also work as a low-carb alternative.
• Non-Dairy Option: For a dairy-free version, substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream, and use nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan cheese.
• Spice Levels: For more heat, opt for spicy Italian sausage and increase the crushed red pepper flakes. For a milder soup, use mild sausage and omit the red pepper flakes.

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these step-by-step instructions to prepare the most delicious Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup.

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1. Cook the Sausage:

• In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. If your sausage is fatty, you may not need to add oil.
• Add the Italian sausage to the pot, breaking it up with a spoon or spatula as it browns. Cook for 5-7 minutes, until fully browned and cooked through. Once done, remove the sausage from the pot and set aside, leaving some of the rendered fat in the pot for added flavor.

2. Sauté the Vegetables:

• In the same pot, add the diced onions, carrots, and celery. Cook the vegetables for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until they soften.
• Add the minced garlic, oregano, basil, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for another minute until the garlic becomes fragrant.

3. Create the Base:

• Sprinkle the flour over the cooked vegetables, stirring constantly to coat everything. This will help thicken the soup later.
• Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring to avoid any lumps. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot, as they add a lot of flavor to the broth.

4. Add Potatoes (or Pasta) and Sausage:

• Stir the diced potatoes (or your choice of pasta) into the soup. Add the browned sausage back to the pot as well.
• Bring the soup to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes, until the potatoes are tender (or until the pasta is al dente). Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.

5. Stir in the Cream and Parmesan:

• Once the potatoes or pasta are cooked, lower the heat to medium-low. Stir in the heavy cream (or half-and-half) and the grated Parmesan cheese. Allow the soup to simmer for another 5 minutes, stirring frequently to help the cheese melt smoothly into the broth.
• Add the spinach or kale if using and cook for 2-3 minutes, just until the greens wilt into the soup.

6. Season to Taste:

• Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. The Parmesan cheese adds some saltiness, so be sure to taste before adding more.

7. Let It Rest:

• Remove the soup from heat and let it sit for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some common mistakes to watch out for when making this delicious soup:

• Overcooking the Vegetables: Be careful not to overcook the vegetables in the early steps, especially the garlic, which can burn easily. Burnt garlic will give the soup a bitter taste.
• Curdling the Cream: When adding the cream, make sure the soup isn’t boiling, as this can cause the cream to curdle. Lower the heat to a simmer before stirring in the cream.
• Too Salty: Parmesan cheese is naturally salty, so taste the soup before adding additional salt. If it’s too salty, you can balance it out by adding more broth or a splash of cream.
• Lumpy Cheese: Grate your Parmesan cheese finely and add it gradually to avoid clumping. Stir constantly while adding the cheese to help it melt smoothly into the broth.

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Serving and Presentation Tips

Presentation can make a hearty soup even more inviting. Here’s how to serve your Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup with style:

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How to Serve Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup:

• Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle each serving with extra grated Parmesan for a cheesy garnish.
• Serve the soup with a slice of warm, crusty bread or garlic toast on the side. The bread is perfect for dipping and soaking up the rich, creamy broth.
• For an extra touch of freshness, top the soup with chopped fresh parsley or basil.

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Presentation Ideas for Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup:

• Serve the soup in large, shallow bowls, which allows the vibrant colors of the vegetables, sausage, and greens to be more visible.
• Add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes or freshly cracked black pepper for a pop of color.
• A drizzle of olive oil or a small swirl of cream on top of the soup adds a lovely finishing touch for a restaurant-worthy presentation.

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Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup Recipe Tips

• Make It Ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day, so feel free to make it ahead of time and reheat it before serving. Just be sure to add a splash of broth or cream to loosen it up if it thickens too much in the fridge.
• Freezing Tips: You can freeze the soup without the cream and Parmesan for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw the soup and add the cream and cheese while reheating.
• Double the Recipe: This soup is great for meal prepping or serving a crowd, so feel free to double the recipe. Just make sure to use a large enough pot!

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use pre-cooked sausage instead of raw sausage?
A: Yes, you can use pre-cooked sausage, but it won’t render as much flavor into the soup. Just slice or crumble the sausage and add it when you add the broth.

Q: Can I freeze this soup?
A: Yes, but it’s best to freeze the soup before adding the cream and Parmesan. When reheating, add the cream and cheese for a fresh and creamy texture.

Q: How can I make this soup lighter?
A: To make a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk. You can also use turkey or chicken sausage instead of pork sausage.

Q: What if my soup is too thick?
A: If the soup turns out too thick, simply add more chicken broth or water until you reach the desired consistency.

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Conclusion

Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup is the perfect comforting meal for chilly days or anytime you're craving something hearty and satisfying. Packed with flavor, rich in texture, and customizable to your preferences, this soup is sure to impress family and friends. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this creamy, cheesy, sausage-filled soup will quickly become a favorite in your household. Enjoy!

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