Warm, hearty, and utterly delicious, this creamy parmesan Italian sausage soup is the perfect comfort food for chilly evenings. Packed with flavor from Italian sausage, fresh vegetables, and a luscious parmesan cream base, each spoonful is a delightful experience. Ideal for family dinners or meal prep, this soup is sure to please everyone at the table. Get your ingredients ready and dive into this simple yet satisfying recipe!
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage (sweet or spicy)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe serves 4-6 people. Preparation time is approximately 10 minutes, and cooking time is around 30 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1 cup) contains approximately 400 calories, 25g fat, 30g protein, 10g carbohydrates, and 2g fiber. These values are based on a single serving for one person.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
- In a large pot, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned.
- Remove the sausage and set aside, leaving the drippings in the pot.
- Add diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
- Add the cooked sausage back into the pot along with dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Stir in the heavy cream and bring the soup back to a gentle simmer.
- Remove from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Alternative Ingredients
If you’re looking for alternatives, you can use turkey sausage for a leaner option or substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version. Additionally, replace vegetables with your favorites to customize the flavor.
Serving and Pairings
This creamy parmesan Italian sausage soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, a fresh garden salad, or even some garlic bread for a delightful meal experience.
Storage and Reheating
Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of broth if needed. This soup can be frozen for up to 3 months; however, the cream may change texture upon reheating.
Cooking Mistakes
- Don’t overcook the sausage; it should be browned but not dry.
- Be careful not to boil the soup after adding cream to prevent curdling.
- Adjust seasoning at the end of cooking to avoid over-salting.
- Chop vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor.
Helpful Tips
- Use a mix of sweet and spicy sausage for added flavor.
- Let the soup sit for a few minutes before serving to enhance the flavors.
- Top with additional Parmesan and fresh herbs for presentation.
- For a thicker soup, blend a portion of the soup and return it to the pot.
FAQs
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, this soup can be made ahead of time. Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat before serving. The flavors may improve after a day in the fridge.
What can I serve with creamy parmesan Italian sausage soup?
This soup pairs well with a side of garlic bread, a simple green salad, or even a warm baguette for dipping.
Is it possible to make this soup dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a non-dairy cream alternative and omit the Parmesan cheese.
How can I adjust the spice level?
To adjust the spice level, use mild Italian sausage or reduce the amount of red pepper flakes. You can also add sweet bell peppers for a milder flavor.
Can I add more vegetables to this soup?
Absolutely! Feel free to add more vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers for additional nutrition and flavor.
Conclusion
This creamy parmesan Italian sausage soup is a delightful dish that brings warmth and flavor to your table. With simple ingredients and an easy cooking process, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep. Enjoy the rich, comforting flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage sweet or spicy
- 1 medium onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 carrots diced
- 2 stalks celery diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart, and cook until browned.
- Remove the sausage and set aside, leaving the drippings in the pot.
- Add diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté until softened.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
- Add the cooked sausage back into the pot with oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Stir in the heavy cream and bring back to a gentle simmer.
- Remove from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
