Air Fryer Cheese Scones

If you’re craving a bowl of cozy, comforting soup that’s rich, hearty, and bursting with flavor, you’ve found it! This Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup is an absolute crowd-pleaser. With creamy broth, savory sausage, and a perfect balance of seasonings, it’s everything you need for a satisfying meal. Trust me, you’re going to love this one.

Why You’ll Love Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:

• Versatile: Perfect for busy weeknights or as a standout dish at gatherings. Imagine coming home after a long day, knowing you can whip up something delicious and comforting in no time. Or envision serving this at a party, where guests ask for the recipe before the night ends.
• Budget-Friendly: Uses ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. No need for exotic items; this dish proves that simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavors. It’s perfect for when you’re trying to stick to a budget but still want something hearty and satisfying.
• Quick and Easy: Straightforward steps that even beginners can follow. If you’re someone who usually avoids complex recipes, this one is for you. It’s designed to be foolproof, so you can enjoy cooking without stress.
• Customizable: Easy to tweak with different flavors to suit your preferences. For example, if you love bold flavors, add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika. Prefer something milder? You can adjust the seasoning to make it kid-friendly.
• Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.

Ingredients

Here’s the magic of this soup—it’s made with just a few simple ingredients, but the flavors will leave you coming back for more. Let’s break it down:

Italian Sausage: The heart of the soup, with rich, savory flavor that infuses the broth and brings everything together.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds that creamy, cheesy richness that makes this soup irresistible.
Heavy Cream: For that silky texture that takes the soup to the next level.
Chicken Broth: The base for the soup, adding a light yet flavorful depth.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic gives a warm, aromatic kick to the soup.
Onion: Sweet onions balance out the savory ingredients and add a touch of sweetness.
Spinach: Fresh spinach adds a burst of color and nutrition, balancing the richness of the broth.
Spices: Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper for that perfect Italian flavor profile.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:

Preheat Your Equipment: Start by heating your large soup pot over medium heat. This ensures even cooking and gives your dish the right texture.

Cook the Sausage: Add the Italian sausage to the pot and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through. This releases all the savory goodness into the pot.

Sauté Aromatics: Add the garlic and onions to the pot, cooking until the onions are translucent and the garlic is fragrant. This step brings out all the rich flavors of the aromatics.

Add Liquids and Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Let it cook for 5-10 minutes to allow all the flavors to meld together.

Add Cream and Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, allowing them to melt into the soup for a luscious, creamy texture.

Finish with Spinach: Stir in the spinach and let it wilt into the soup. This gives the soup a pop of color and adds some green goodness.

Season to Taste: Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding salt, pepper, or extra Italian seasoning as desired.

Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 350

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup

This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:

• Fresh Salads: Pair it with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast to the dish’s rich flavors.
• Crusty Bread: Serve with warm, crusty bread to soak up any delicious sauces or juices. Garlic bread or a simple baguette works wonderfully.
• Creamy Accompaniments: Add a dollop of sour cream, Greek yogurt, or a creamy dip to complement the dish’s flavor profile.
• Vegetable Sides: Roasted vegetables, like carrots, zucchini, or asparagus, are excellent pairings that add color and nutrients to the meal.
• As a Standalone: Sometimes, this dish is hearty enough to enjoy on its own. Simply garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a finishing touch.

Presentation matters too! Serving the dish in a beautifully arranged platter can elevate the dining experience. Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a drizzle of olive oil for that extra pop.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:

• Prep Ahead: Save time by chopping and measuring ingredients the night before. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge to keep them fresh.
• Spice It Up: Experiment with spices like cumin, turmeric, or chili flakes to give the dish a unique twist.
• Dietary Adjustments: If you’re catering to specific dietary needs, swap ingredients like regular flour for gluten-free alternatives or dairy products for plant-based options.
• Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to preserve the dish’s texture and flavor.
• Double the Batch: This recipe freezes beautifully, so consider making a double batch. Having a homemade meal ready in the freezer can be a lifesaver on busy days.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I substitute Italian sausage with another meat?
A1: Absolutely! You can use ground turkey, chicken sausage, or even vegetarian sausage if you prefer a different option.

Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Yes, it’s a great make-ahead recipe. Prepare it and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat it just before serving.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat in the oven to maintain texture.

Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: Yes! Place it in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven or microwave.

Q5: What’s the best way to reheat this dish?
A5: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes or in the microwave in 30-second intervals until warmed through.

Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Absolutely! Just double the ingredients and make sure your pot is large enough to accommodate everything.

Q7: Can I make this soup spicy?
A7: Yes, if you love heat, feel free to add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to spice it up!

Q8: Can I use frozen spinach?
A8: Yes, frozen spinach works great. Just thaw and drain it before adding it to the soup.

Q9: How do I thicken the soup?
A9: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash some of the sausage or use an immersion blender to blend a portion of the soup.

Q10: Is this soup gluten-free?
A10: Yes, as long as you use gluten-free sausage and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free, this soup can easily be made gluten-free.

Conclusion

And there you have it! A delicious, comforting bowl of Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup that’s bound to become a family favorite. With rich flavors and easy prep, you’ll want to make this dish again and again. Enjoy every bite—happy cooking!

Ingredients

For the Soup

• Italian sausage: Ground Italian sausage provides savory flavor and a bit of spice.
• Onion: Adds a slightly sweet and savory base flavor.
• Garlic: Provides aromatic depth to the soup.
• Carrots: Adds a touch of sweetness and color.
• Celery: Offers a crunchy texture and savory flavor.
• Chicken broth: Forms the base of the soup, providing rich flavor.
• Heavy cream: Creates a creamy and smooth texture.
• Parmesan cheese: Adds a rich, nutty flavor and helps thicken the soup.
• Spinach: A handful of spinach adds color and nutrients.
• Salt and pepper: To taste, for seasoning.
• Olive oil: For sautéing the vegetables and sausage.

Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Once browned, transfer the sausage to a plate and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

1. In the same pot, add the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 3: Add the Broth

1. Add the chicken broth to the pot, stirring to combine with the vegetables. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Step 4: Add the Cream and Sausage

1. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and the cooked sausage. Simmer for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the soup thickens slightly.

Step 5: Add the Spinach

1. Stir in the spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 6: Serve

1. Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. You can garnish with extra Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs for added flavor.

Tips for Success

• Sauteeing the Vegetables: Make sure to sauté the vegetables until they are softened to bring out their sweetness and enhance the overall flavor.
• Use Fresh Spinach: Fresh spinach wilts nicely into the soup and adds a vibrant green color.
• Customize the Sausage: You can use mild or spicy Italian sausage depending on your preference for heat.
• Add Extra Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like potatoes or bell peppers for more texture and flavor.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Servings: 6
Calories: 380
Total Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 50mg
Sodium: 800mg
Carbohydrates: 9g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 4g
Protein: 28g

FAQ

Q1: Can I use ground turkey instead of Italian sausage?
A1: Yes, ground turkey can be used for a leaner option, but you may want to add some extra seasoning to make up for the lack of flavor in the turkey.

Q2: Can I use frozen spinach?
A2: Yes, frozen spinach can be used. Just make sure to thaw and drain it before adding it to the soup.

Q3: Can I make this soup ahead of time?
A3: Yes, this soup can be made ahead of time. Simply store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it on the stove before serving.

Q4: Can I freeze this soup?
A4: Yes, you can freeze the soup for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Q5: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A5: Yes, you can use other cheeses like Romano, Asiago, or Pecorino for a slightly different flavor, though Parmesan provides the best result for the creamy soup base.

Q6: How can I make this soup spicier?
A6: Add red pepper flakes, spicy sausage, or a dash of hot sauce to give it an extra kick.

Q7: Is this soup gluten-free?
A7: Yes, this soup is gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free chicken broth.

Q8: Can I add potatoes to this soup?
A8: Yes, diced potatoes would work well in this soup, adding an extra heartiness. Simply add them in with the broth and cook until tender.

Q9: Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?
A9: Yes, you can use half-and-half for a lighter version, but the soup may not be as rich and creamy as when using heavy cream.

Q10: Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
A10: Yes, you can brown the sausage and sauté the vegetables first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker with the broth, cream, and seasonings. Cook on low for 4-6 hours and add spinach at the end.

This Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup is a deliciously indulgent soup that’s perfect for a cozy meal. Full of flavor, rich in texture, and easy to make, it’s sure to become a family favorite!

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