Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup
This hearty and flavorful soup combines Italian sausage, Parmesan cheese, and fresh vegetables to create a creamy, comforting dish perfect for any season.
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Wooden Spoon
- Ladle
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 1 lb Italian sausage mild, hot, or turkey
- 1 tbsp olive oil for browning sausage
- 1 onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 4 cups chicken broth low sodium
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes optional, for spice
Vegetables
- 2 cups baby spinach or kale
- 1 carrot diced
- 1 bell pepper diced, any color
- 1 can diced tomatoes optional
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add Italian sausage, breaking it apart as it browns. Cook until caramelized and golden brown.
- Add diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until soft and fragrant, about 3 minutes.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Add diced carrots, bell peppers, and optional diced tomatoes. Simmer for 10 minutes until vegetables soften.
- Lower heat and stir in heavy cream. Gradually add freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously to prevent clumping.
- Add baby spinach (or kale) and let it wilt into the soup. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot with extra Parmesan and crusty bread on the side.
Notes
For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with whole milk and use turkey sausage instead of pork sausage.