A rich and flavorful soup brimming with savory Italian sausage, tender vegetables, and a velvety Parmesan cream base. This comforting dish is perfect for a cozy dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer!

Ingredients:

For the Soup Base:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil – for sautéing the vegetables and sausage
• 1 pound Italian sausage (mild, spicy, or a mix) – choose according to your heat preference
• 1 medium onion, diced – adds sweetness and depth to the base
• 3 cloves garlic, minced – enhances the aromatic flavors
• 1 cup carrots, sliced or diced – for color, texture, and subtle sweetness
• 1 cup celery, diced – adds a nice crunch and mild flavor
• 4 cups chicken broth – the liquid base of the soup, providing richness
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, with juices – for acidity and added depth
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – a blend of herbs to give it that Italian flavor
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional) – for a bit of heat (or skip if you prefer a milder soup)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste – to season the soup

For the Creaminess:

• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream – for a rich and creamy texture
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for garnish) – adds a savory, tangy flavor and creaminess

Optional Add-Ins:

• 1 cup baby spinach (or kale) – for extra nutrients and a pop of green
• 1 cup small pasta (like ditalini or orzo) – makes the soup more filling and adds texture

Instructions:

Step 1: Brown the Italian Sausage

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the Italian sausage (remove the casing if using sausage links) to the pot. Cook, breaking the sausage apart with a spoon, until it’s browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Season lightly with salt and black pepper as it cooks. Once done, transfer the cooked sausage to a plate and set it aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

1. In the same pot, add diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes, or until the onion is softened and the garlic is fragrant.
2. Stir in the sliced carrots and diced celery. Continue to sauté for another 4-5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften but still retain some crunch.

Step 3: Build the Soup Base

1. Pour in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes (with juices), and Italian seasoning. Stir to combine.
2. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, allowing the vegetables to soften and the flavors to meld, about 15-20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Add the Sausage and Cream

1. Once the soup has simmered and the vegetables are tender, return the cooked Italian sausage to the pot.
2. Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well until the cheese melts and the soup becomes creamy.
3. Continue to simmer for another 5-7 minutes on low heat, ensuring the soup is hot and well-combined.

Step 5: Optional Add-Ins

1. If you’re adding spinach or kale, stir it in now and cook for an additional 2 minutes, or until the greens are wilted and tender.
2. If you’d like to add small pasta, cook it separately according to the package instructions, then stir it into the soup just before serving to avoid overcooking.

Step 6: Taste and Adjust

1. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning as needed with salt and black pepper.
2. If you prefer more heat, add crushed red pepper flakes to taste.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

1. Ladle the soup into bowls.
2. Garnish with extra grated Parmesan cheese for an extra burst of flavor.
3. Serve with a side of crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Tips for Success:

• Creaminess Variations: For a lighter version, substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, though the soup won’t be as rich and velvety.
• More Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms to customize the soup to your liking.
• Flavor Boost: Enhance the flavor by adding a squeeze of lemon juice or a splash of white wine during the simmering stage.
• Meal Prep Friendly: This soup can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for 3-4 days. The flavors improve as they meld together.
• Freezing Instructions: Let the soup cool completely before storing it in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop when ready to serve.

Yield: Serves 6-8

This Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup is the perfect combination of savory, creamy, and comforting. It’s an excellent choice for a quick weeknight dinner or a special meal to share with friends and family. Enjoy! 😊

4o mini