Step 1: Cook the Sausage
- Brown the Sausage: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up into crumbles as it cooks. Once cooked, remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the drippings in the pot.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
- Cook Onions and Garlic: Add the diced onion to the pot and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add Carrots, Celery, and Peppers: Stir in the sliced carrots, celery, red bell pepper, and yellow bell pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.
Step 3: Build the Soup Base
- Add Broth and Tomatoes: Pour in the chicken broth and add the can of diced tomatoes with their juice. Stir to combine.
- Season: Add the dried basil, dried oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
Step 4: Add Cream and Cheese
- Stir in Cream: Gradually stir in the heavy cream, allowing the soup to return to a gentle simmer.
- Add Parmesan: Slowly add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly to ensure it melts smoothly into the broth.
Step 5: Final Touches
- Add Spinach and Sausage: Stir in the fresh spinach leaves and cooked sausage. Let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes until the spinach is wilted and the sausage is heated through.
- Season to Taste: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Step 6: Serve
- Garnish and Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot with crusty bread or garlic bread on the side.
Tips for the Perfect Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup
- Cheese Melting: To avoid clumping, add the Parmesan cheese gradually and ensure the soup is at a low simmer when adding it.
- Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil and oregano can be used instead of dried herbs for a brighter flavor. Add them towards the end of cooking to preserve their freshness.
- Sausage Options: Use your favorite type of Italian sausage. Spicy sausage adds a nice kick, while mild sausage keeps the soup family-friendly.
- Make Ahead: This soup can be made ahead of time and reheated. The flavors meld beautifully, making it even more delicious the next day.
Why Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup?
This soup is the epitome of comfort food, combining the hearty, savory flavors of Italian sausage with the creamy richness of Parmesan cheese. It’s a versatile recipe that can be adapted to include your favorite vegetables or adjusted for spice level. Perfect for cozy nights in or as a crowd-pleaser at gatherings, this soup is sure to become a staple in your recipe repertoire.
Variations to Try
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the Italian sausage with a plant-based sausage alternative and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Add Pasta: For an even heartier meal, add cooked pasta such as orzo, small shells, or ditalini to the soup.
- Creamy Tortellini Soup: Substitute the sausage with cheese tortellini for a delightful twist.
Enjoy making and savoring this Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup, a delightful blend of flavors and textures that’s sure to warm your heart and soul!