Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup: A Delicious & Easy Recipe

Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup: Just the name conjures up images of cozy evenings, doesn’t it? Imagine sinking your spoon into a bowl of creamy, savory goodness, the aroma of Italian herbs filling your kitchen. This isn’t just soup; it’s a hug in a bowl, a comforting classic that’s surprisingly easy to make.

Italian sausage soup, in its various forms, has been a staple in Italian-American households for generations. Rooted in the tradition of using simple, readily available ingredients to create hearty and satisfying meals, it reflects the resourcefulness and culinary ingenuity of Italian immigrants. While the exact origins are difficult to pinpoint, the spirit of this soup embodies the warmth and generosity of Italian family meals.

What makes Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The richness of the Italian sausage, the creamy broth infused with Parmesan cheese, and the tender vegetables create a symphony of tastes that will tantalize your taste buds. People adore this dish because it’s incredibly flavorful, relatively quick to prepare, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re looking for a comforting weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish for a gathering, this soup is guaranteed to be a hit. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in some extra vegetables!

Ingredients:

• Italian Sausage: 1 pound, removed from casings (I prefer sweet Italian sausage, but you can use hot for a spicier kick!)
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons, extra virgin (This adds a lovely richness to the base of the soup.)
• Yellow Onion: 1 large, chopped (About 1 ½ cups, diced finely.)
• Garlic: 4 cloves, minced (Fresh garlic is key for that authentic Italian flavor!)
• Carrots: 2 medium, peeled and diced (Adds sweetness and texture.)
• Celery: 2 stalks, diced (Another essential for a flavorful soup base.)
• Chicken Broth: 8 cups, low sodium (Using low sodium allows you to control the saltiness.)
• Diced Tomatoes: 1 (28-ounce) can, undrained (Don’t drain them! The juice adds so much flavor.)
• Tomato Paste: 2 tablespoons (This intensifies the tomato flavor and adds depth.)
• Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon (A classic Italian herb.)
• Dried Basil: 1 teaspoon (Another must-have for Italian dishes.)
• Red Pepper Flakes: ¼ teaspoon (Optional, for a little heat. Adjust to your preference.)
• Bay Leaf: 1 (Adds a subtle, aromatic flavor. Remember to remove it before serving!)
• Heavy Cream: ½ cup (This makes the soup incredibly creamy and decadent.)
• Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup, grated, plus more for serving (Freshly grated is always best!)
• Fresh Spinach: 5 ounces, roughly chopped (Adds nutrients and a vibrant green color.)
• Salt and Black Pepper: To taste (Seasoning is crucial! Don’t be afraid to taste and adjust.)
• Crusty Bread: For serving (Optional, but highly recommended for dipping!)

Preparing the Sausage and Vegetables:

1. Brown the Sausage: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Cook until the sausage is browned and cooked through, about 7-10 minutes. Make sure to crumble it well so you don’t have large chunks.
2. Remove Sausage and Set Aside: Once the sausage is browned, remove it from the pot with a slotted spoon and set it aside in a bowl. Leave the rendered fat in the pot – this will add flavor to the vegetables.
3. Sauté the Aromatics: Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes. You want them to be tender but not browned.
4. Add Garlic: Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.

Building the Soup Base:

1. Add Tomato Paste: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. This helps to caramelize the tomato paste and deepen its flavor.
2. Deglaze the Pot: Pour in a small amount of the chicken broth (about ½ cup) and scrape the bottom of the pot to loosen any browned bits. These browned bits are called fond, and they add a ton of flavor to the soup.
3. Add Remaining Ingredients: Add the remaining chicken broth, diced tomatoes (with their juice), dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if using), and bay leaf. Stir to combine.
4. Bring to a Simmer: Bring the soup to a simmer over medium heat. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for at least 20 minutes, or up to 30 minutes, to allow the flavors to meld together. The longer it simmers, the more flavorful it will be!

Finishing the Soup:

1. Return Sausage to the Pot: Add the browned sausage back to the pot.
2. Stir in Heavy Cream and Parmesan: Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy.
3. Add Spinach: Add the chopped spinach and stir until it wilts, about 1-2 minutes. Don’t overcook the spinach, as it will become mushy.
4. Remove Bay Leaf: Remove the bay leaf from the soup before serving.
5. Season to Taste: Season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste. Remember to taste as you go and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Serving:

1. Serve Hot: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot.
2. Garnish (Optional): Garnish with extra grated Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of olive oil, if desired.
3. Serve with Bread: Serve with crusty bread for dipping. This is the perfect way to soak up all the delicious broth!

Tips and Variations:

• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the spice level. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
• Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the soup, such as zucchini, bell peppers, or kale.
• Pasta: For a heartier soup, add cooked pasta, such as ditalini or small shells, during the last few minutes of cooking.
• Potatoes: Add diced potatoes for a chunkier soup. Add them along with the carrots and celery.
• Cheese: Use a blend of Parmesan and Romano cheese for a more complex flavor.
• Make it Vegetarian: Omit the sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version. You can also add a can of cannellini beans for added protein.
• Slow Cooker Version: Brown the sausage and sauté the vegetables as directed. Then, transfer everything to a slow cooker. Add the remaining ingredients (except for the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and spinach). Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and spinach during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
• Freezing: This soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Storage: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Enjoy your delicious and comforting Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup! I hope you love it as much as I do!

Conclusion:

This Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup is truly a culinary hug in a bowl, and I wholeheartedly believe it deserves a spot in your regular recipe rotation. It’s more than just a soup; it’s a complete meal packed with flavor, comforting textures, and the kind of warmth that chases away even the chilliest of days. The savory sausage, the tender vegetables, the rich broth, and that glorious Parmesan cheese – it all comes together in perfect harmony to create a symphony of deliciousness that will have you reaching for seconds (and maybe even thirds!).

But what truly elevates this soup to “must-try” status is its incredible versatility. Feel free to experiment with different types of Italian sausage – sweet, hot, or even a combination of both – to tailor the spice level to your preference. If you’re looking to add even more depth of flavor, consider browning the sausage with a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of smoked paprika. For a vegetarian option, you can easily substitute the sausage with plant-based crumbles or add more vegetables like spinach, kale, or zucchini.

Serving suggestions are endless! A crusty loaf of Italian bread is the perfect accompaniment for soaking up every last drop of the flavorful broth. You could also top each bowl with a dollop of ricotta cheese, a sprinkle of fresh parsley, or a drizzle of olive oil for an extra touch of elegance. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside a simple green salad or a grilled cheese sandwich. And don’t forget the Parmesan cheese! A generous grating of freshly grated Parmesan right before serving is an absolute must.

Beyond the variations and serving suggestions, the real beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. It’s incredibly easy to make, even for beginner cooks, and it requires minimal effort for maximum flavor payoff. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up leftover vegetables or pantry staples. It’s the kind of recipe that you can whip up on a weeknight without any fuss, and it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

I’ve made this Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup countless times, and it’s always a hit. It’s a family favorite, a go-to for potlucks, and a comforting meal to enjoy on a cozy night in. I’m confident that you’ll love it just as much as I do.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to create a culinary masterpiece. I promise you won’t be disappointed. And when you do, please, please, please share your experience with me! I’d love to hear about your variations, your serving suggestions, and how much you enjoyed this recipe. Leave a comment below, tag me in your photos on social media, or simply send me an email. I can’t wait to see your creations and hear your thoughts. Happy cooking! I hope this soup brings as much joy to your table as it has to mine.

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