Step 1: Cook the Sausage
- Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove the sausage from the pot with a slotted spoon and set it aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
- Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
Step 3: Simmer the Soup
- Return the sausage to the pot. Add the chicken broth, diced tomatoes (with their juices), dried basil, dried oregano, and dried thyme. Stir to combine.
- Bring the soup to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together.
Step 4: Add the Cream and Cheese
- Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Continue to simmer for another 5-10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Finish with Spinach
- Add the chopped spinach to the soup and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the spinach is wilted.
Step 6: Serve
- Ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with extra grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley, if desired.
- Serve hot, accompanied by crusty bread or a side salad.
Tips for the Best Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup
- Sausage Variety: You can use either mild or spicy Italian sausage, depending on your heat preference. For a different flavor, try using turkey or chicken sausage.
- Fresh Herbs: If you have fresh basil, oregano, and thyme, feel free to use them instead of dried herbs. Just remember to increase the quantity as fresh herbs are less concentrated.
- Cheese: Grate your own Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and creaminess. Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the texture of the soup.
Why This Recipe Works
The combination of Italian sausage and Parmesan cheese adds depth and richness to the soup, while the vegetables provide texture and nutrition. The addition of cream makes the soup luxuriously creamy without being overly heavy. The final touch of fresh spinach adds color and freshness, making this soup both comforting and satisfying.
Variations to Try
- Keto-Friendly Version: Use a low-carb vegetable like cauliflower instead of carrots and celery. Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream for a dairy-free option.
- Vegetarian Version: Substitute the sausage with a plant-based sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Add Pasta: For a heartier soup, add a cup of cooked pasta (such as small shells or ditalini) to the soup before serving.
Serving Suggestions
- With Bread: Serve with a side of crusty garlic bread or a warm baguette to soak up the delicious broth.
- As a Starter: This soup makes a wonderful starter for an Italian-themed dinner. Follow it with a pasta dish and a light dessert.
- For Leftovers: This soup keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to thin it out.
Enjoy making and savoring this Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup, a dish that’s sure to warm your heart and soul with its rich flavors and comforting texture!