Hey y’all! If you’re craving comfort in a bowl, this creamy parmesan Italian sausage soup is about to become your new favorite. Loaded with savory sausage, tender veggies, and a luxuriously cheesy broth, it’s perfect for chilly nights, casual gatherings, or cozy family dinners. Ready in under an hour, this soup delivers serious flavor with minimal fuss. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup
- Rich & Creamy: The parmesan cheese and cream blend into an ultra-silky, decadent broth.
- Hearty & Satisfying: Italian sausage and potatoes make this soup a filling, one-pot meal.
- Quick & Easy: Simple ingredients and under an hour of cook time make this a weeknight winner.
- Family-Friendly: Mildly spiced and loaded with veggies, it’s a hit with kids and adults alike.
- Great for Leftovers: Tastes even better the next day!
Ingredients for Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, diced (about 3 cups)
- 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 cups baby spinach, roughly chopped
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
How to Make Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat. Add Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through (about 6-8 minutes). Transfer sausage to a plate and set aside, leaving drippings in the pot.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Add diced onion and carrot to the pot. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Simmer the Soup
Return sausage to the pot. Add potatoes, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), and chicken broth. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 15-18 minutes, or until potatoes are tender.
Step 4: Add Cream & Cheese
Lower heat to medium-low. Stir in heavy cream and parmesan cheese until cheese melts and the broth turns creamy. Add spinach and cook 2-3 minutes until wilted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
Ladle creamy parmesan Italian sausage soup into bowls. Top with extra parmesan and a sprinkle of black pepper. Serve hot with crusty bread!
Notes & Cooking Tips for Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup
- For best results, use freshly grated parmesan for superior melt and flavor. Pre-shredded cheese may not dissolve as smoothly (read more on cheese melting tips).
- Control the spice level by choosing mild or spicy sausage and adjusting the red pepper flakes.
- Want a thicker soup? Mash a few potatoes in the pot before adding the cream.
Variations on Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup
- Low-Carb: Swap potatoes for cauliflower florets for a lower-carb option.
- Dairy-Free: Use coconut milk and a vegan parmesan alternative.
- Vegetable-Loaded: Stir in bell peppers, zucchini, or kale for extra nutrition.
Required Equipment
- Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed soup pot
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Cutting board and sharp knife
- Ladle for serving
Storage Instructions for Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup
Allow soup to cool completely. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Soup can also be frozen for up to 2 months (just note the texture may change slightly due to the cream).
Serving & Pairings for Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup
- Serve with crusty Italian bread or no-knead bread.
- Add a crisp green salad with balsamic vinaigrette.
- Pair with a glass of Pinot Grigio or sparkling water with lemon.
Pro Tips for the Best Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup
- Brown the sausage thoroughly for deep, savory flavor and golden bits that enrich the broth (learn more about browning meat).
- Stir in the cream and cheese off the heat to prevent curdling.
- Taste and adjust seasoning at the end, as parmesan and sausage both add salt.
FAQ: Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup
- Can I use turkey or chicken sausage?
- Absolutely! Turkey or chicken Italian sausage work great and keep the soup a bit lighter.
- How do I prevent the cream from curdling?
- Lower the heat before adding cream and cheese, and stir continuously for a smooth, creamy texture.
- Can I make this soup ahead of time?
- Yes! This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Just reheat gently before serving.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 3 cups baby spinach
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
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1Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes.
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2Add diced onion, garlic, and carrots to the pot. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
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3Pour in chicken broth and stir in dried Italian herbs. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
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4Stir in heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Simmer for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the soup is creamy and well combined.
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5Add baby spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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