Sausage Parmesan Soup: A Delicious and Easy Recipe

Sausage Parmesan Soup: Prepare to be transported to a cozy Italian trattoria with every spoonful of this incredibly flavorful and comforting soup! Forget everything you thought you knew about weeknight dinners, because this recipe is about to become your new go-to. Imagine a rich, savory broth brimming with tender Italian sausage, perfectly cooked vegetables, and the unmistakable salty tang of Parmesan cheese. It’s a symphony of flavors that will warm you from the inside out.

While the exact origins of Sausage Parmesan Soup are difficult to pinpoint, it undoubtedly draws inspiration from classic Italian peasant cuisine. These hearty soups were traditionally made with whatever ingredients were readily available, transforming simple staples into nourishing and delicious meals. Parmesan cheese, a prized ingredient in Italian cooking, adds a depth of umami that elevates the entire dish.

What makes this soup so irresistible? It’s the perfect combination of textures – the slight chew of the sausage, the tenderness of the vegetables, and the creamy, melt-in-your-mouth Parmesan. But beyond that, it’s incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal effort for maximum flavor payoff. Whether you’re looking for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal or a comforting dish to share with loved ones, this Sausage Parmesan Soup is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. So, grab your soup pot and let’s get cooking!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound Italian sausage, removed from casings
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
• 1 pound small pasta (such as ditalini or elbow macaroni)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Browning the Sausage and Vegetables

Okay, let’s get started! First, we need to brown our sausage and soften up those veggies. This is where the flavor foundation of our soup really begins to build. Trust me, don’t rush this step!

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Make sure the pot is nice and hot before adding the sausage; this will help it brown properly.
2. Add the Italian sausage to the pot. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. We want it to be nicely browned and cooked through. This usually takes about 7-10 minutes. Keep stirring occasionally to ensure even browning and prevent sticking.
3. Once the sausage is browned, remove it from the pot with a slotted spoon and set it aside. We’ll add it back in later. Don’t drain the grease! That’s where a lot of the flavor is. If there’s an excessive amount of grease, you can drain off a little, but leave a couple of tablespoons in the pot.
4. Now, add the chopped onion and red bell pepper to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. The goal here is to soften them up and release their natural sweetness.
5. Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for another minute, stirring constantly. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter. We just want to cook it until it’s fragrant.

Building the Soup Base

Now that our sausage and veggies are ready, it’s time to build the heart of our soup – the tomatoey, flavorful base that will make this soup so comforting.

1. Add the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce to the pot. Stir well to combine with the cooked vegetables and any remaining sausage drippings.
2. Pour in the chicken broth. Stir again to ensure everything is well mixed.
3. Add the dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). These herbs will add a wonderful depth of flavor to the soup.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remember, you can always add more seasoning later, so start with a little and adjust as needed.
5. Bring the soup to a simmer. Once it’s simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for at least 20 minutes. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together. I usually let it simmer for about 30-40 minutes for maximum flavor.

Cooking the Pasta and Finishing the Soup

Almost there! Now we need to cook the pasta and add the final touches that will make this soup truly special. This is where the Parmesan and cream come in – get ready for some deliciousness!

1. While the soup is simmering, cook the pasta according to the package directions. Be sure to cook it al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly in the soup.
2. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it well.
3. After the soup has simmered for at least 20 minutes, add the cooked sausage back to the pot.
4. Stir in the cooked pasta.
5. Reduce the heat to low. Gently stir in the heavy cream. Be careful not to boil the soup after adding the cream, as it can curdle.
6. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. The cheese will melt into the soup, adding a rich, cheesy flavor.
7. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may need to add more salt, pepper, or Parmesan cheese to taste.
8. Remove the soup from the heat.

Serving and Garnishing

Finally, the moment we’ve all been waiting for – serving up this delicious Sausage Parmesan Soup! A few simple garnishes will really elevate the presentation and add even more flavor.

1. Ladle the soup into bowls.
2. Garnish each bowl with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley.
3. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips and Variations

Here are a few tips and variations to make this soup your own:

• Spice it up: If you like a little more heat, add an extra pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the soup.
• Add more vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the soup, such as carrots, celery, zucchini, or spinach.
• Use different types of sausage: You can use sweet Italian sausage, spicy Italian sausage, or even chicken sausage in this recipe.
• Make it vegetarian: Omit the sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version. You can also add some white beans or chickpeas for extra protein.
• Add a swirl of pesto: A swirl of pesto on top of each bowl of soup adds a burst of fresh, herby flavor.
• Serve with crusty bread: This soup is delicious served with a side of crusty bread for dipping.

Storage Instructions

Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. The pasta may absorb some of the liquid as it sits, so you may need to add a little extra broth or water when reheating.

Freezing Instructions

This soup can also be frozen for longer storage. However, the pasta may become a bit mushy after freezing and thawing. To minimize this, you can cook the pasta separately and add it to the soup after thawing and reheating. To freeze the soup, let it cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Conclusion:

This Sausage Parmesan Soup isn’t just another soup recipe; it’s a warm hug in a bowl, a flavor explosion that will leave you craving more, and a surprisingly simple dish to whip up on even the busiest weeknights. I truly believe this recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves Italian flavors, comforting food, and easy cleanup. The combination of savory sausage, rich tomato broth, and the salty, nutty goodness of Parmesan cheese creates a symphony of tastes that will tantalize your taste buds. It’s the kind of soup that makes you want to curl up on the couch with a good book and forget about the world outside.

But the best part? It’s incredibly versatile! While I’ve shared my go-to version, feel free to experiment and make it your own. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or use hot Italian sausage. If you’re a veggie lover, toss in some chopped spinach, kale, or zucchini during the last few minutes of cooking. Want to make it even heartier? Add a can of cannellini beans or some cooked pasta like ditalini or small shells.

Speaking of serving suggestions, this Sausage Parmesan Soup is fantastic on its own, but it’s even better when paired with a few simple accompaniments. A crusty loaf of bread for dipping is an absolute must – trust me, you’ll want to soak up every last drop of that delicious broth. A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette will also complement the richness of the soup perfectly. And for an extra touch of elegance, garnish each bowl with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil and an extra shaving of Parmesan cheese.

For those watching their carb intake, consider swapping out the traditional bread for cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. The soup is already packed with protein and healthy fats, so this simple substitution can make it a guilt-free indulgence. You can also use turkey sausage instead of pork sausage to reduce the fat content without sacrificing flavor.

I’ve made this Sausage Parmesan Soup countless times, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser. It’s perfect for a cozy family dinner, a potluck with friends, or even a make-ahead meal for busy weeknights. The flavors only get better as it sits, so don’t hesitate to make a big batch and enjoy it for several days.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to experience the magic of this incredible soup. I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as I do. And when you do, please, please, please come back and share your experience! I’d love to hear about your variations, your serving suggestions, and any tips or tricks you discover along the way. Let me know what you think of this Sausage Parmesan Soup! Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps me create even better recipes for you in the future. Happy cooking!

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