Okay, listen up! When the weather gets even a *little* bit chilly, or honestly, when I just need a big hug in a bowl, this is the recipe I turn to. There’s just something about a really good soup, isn’t it? It warms you from the inside out, and this one? Oh boy. This isn’t just *any* soup. This is my go-to, incredibly comforting, totally delicious Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup. It’s packed with flavor from that yummy Italian sausage, loads of savory goodness from the veggies, and then it gets this amazing, velvety finish from the cream and Parmesan. Trust me, it’s a game-changer.
I first whipped this up years ago on a whim, trying to use up some Italian sausage I had, and it instantly became a family favorite. My kids ask for it constantly! It’s got that perfect balance – hearty without being heavy, and so incredibly satisfying. It feels fancy enough for guests but is easy enough for a weeknight. If you’re looking for a new cozy recipe that’s simple to make but tastes like you fussed over it all day, you NEED this Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup in your life. Seriously, bookmark this page!
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup
So, why should THIS Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup be the next thing you make? Let me tell you, it’s got a whole lot going for it!
- Seriously Easy: It comes together really quickly, perfect for those busy nights when you still want something homemade and delicious.
- Flavor Bomb: The Italian sausage brings so much savory flavor, and the creamy Parmesan broth just takes it to another level. It’s rich and totally satisfying.
- Comfort in a Bowl: This soup is like a warm hug. It’s hearty, it’s cozy, and just perfect for chilly weather or when you need a little pick-me-up.
- Super Versatile: You can easily tweak it! Throw in some spinach or kale, use hot sausage if you like spice, or even add some pasta.
Honestly, it’s just one of those recipes that delivers big on taste without being complicated. You’re going to LOVE this Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup!
Ingredients for Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup
Okay, let’s talk about what you’ll need to make this amazing Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup! The beauty of this recipe is that it uses pretty simple stuff you probably have or can easily grab at the store. Here’s the lineup:
- 1 pound Italian sausage (use mild or hot, totally up to you!)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups good quality chicken broth
- 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, un-drained (don’t drain off that yummy juice!)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (the real stuff makes a difference!)
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
That’s it! See? Nothing too crazy. Just simple ingredients coming together for something seriously delicious.
Equipment for Making Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup
Good news! You don’t need anything fancy to whip up this Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup. Just a few basics from your kitchen will do the trick. Here’s what you’ll definitely want:
- A really good, big pot or Dutch oven. Something heavy-bottomed is great for even cooking.
- A wooden spoon or spatula for breaking up the sausage and stirring.
- A measuring cup and spoons for your liquids and seasonings.
See? Super simple. You’ve probably got all this stuff already!
How to Make Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup
Alright, let’s get to the good part – actually making this incredible Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup! It’s super straightforward, I promise. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a pot of pure comfort ready to go.
Browning the Italian Sausage
First things first, grab your big pot or Dutch oven and put it on the stove over medium heat. Drizzle in that tablespoon of olive oil. Once it’s warm, toss in your Italian sausage. Now, grab your spoon or spatula and start breaking it up as it cooks. You want it good and browned all over, no pink left! This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Once it’s cooked through, carefully drain off any extra grease. You can use a paper towel-lined plate to set the sausage on for a sec while you drain the pot, or just tilt the pot carefully. Safety first with that hot grease!
Developing Flavor with Aromatics
Okay, now that the sausage is browned and the pot is mostly clear of grease (a little bit left is fine for flavor!), add your chopped onion. Stir it around and let it cook until it starts to soften up and look a little translucent, about 5 minutes. Then, throw in that minced garlic. Oh man, this is where the kitchen starts smelling amazing! Cook the garlic for just about 1 minute more, stirring constantly, until you can really smell it. Don’t let it burn though, burnt garlic is no fun.
Simmering the Base of Your Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup
Now it’s time for the liquids! Pour in your chicken broth and the can of diced tomatoes, juice and all. Give everything a good stir to scrape up any yummy bits stuck to the bottom of the pot – that’s pure flavor right there! Stir in your Italian seasoning. Bring the soup up to a nice simmer over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low, pop a lid on it (or mostly on), and let it gently simmer for about 15 minutes. This time lets all those flavors meld together beautifully, creating the perfect base for your Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup.
Achieving Creaminess in Your Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup
Almost there! Take the lid off and pour in your heavy cream. Give it a good stir. Then, sprinkle in that grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring gently over low heat until the cheese is completely melted and the soup has thickened into that gorgeous, creamy consistency. This should only take a couple of minutes. Taste it! Now’s the time to add salt and pepper. Start with a little, taste, and add more if you need it. Remember, the sausage and cheese already have some salt, so go easy at first. And just like that, your amazing Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup is ready to serve!
Tips for Perfect Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup
Want to make sure your Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup is absolutely perfect every single time? Here are a few little tricks I’ve picked up along the way:
- Don’t Rush the Sausage: Make sure that Italian sausage is nicely browned. Those crispy bits add so much flavor to the soup!
- Taste and Adjust: This is the most important tip for *any* cooking, really. Taste your soup before you add salt and pepper, especially after adding the cheese. You can always add more, but you can’t take it away!
- Low and Slow for Cream: When you add the heavy cream and Parmesan, make sure your heat is low. Don’t let it boil vigorously after adding the dairy, or you risk it separating or looking a little grainy. Gentle stirring on low heat is the way to go for that smooth, creamy texture you want in your Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup.
- Grate Your Own Parmesan: While pre-grated is convenient, freshly grated Parmesan melts so much better and has a more intense flavor. It really makes a difference in the final creaminess of your Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup.
Follow these simple tips, and you’ll be dishing up bowls of perfect Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup like a pro!
Variations and Serving Suggestions for Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup
One of the things I love about this Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup is how easy it is to make it your own! Want to switch things up? Go for it! Here are a few ideas:
- Veggie Boost: Stir in a couple of handfuls of fresh spinach or chopped kale during the last few minutes of simmering. They’ll wilt down beautifully and add extra nutrients and color.
- Different Sausage: Feel free to use hot Italian sausage if you like a little kick! Or, if you prefer, sweet Italian sausage works just as well for a milder flavor.
- Add Some Pasta: Want to make it even heartier? Cook some small pasta (like ditalini or elbow macaroni) separately and stir it into the soup just before serving.
- Spice It Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes added with the garlic gives a lovely warmth.
As for serving, this Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup is amazing all on its own, but it’s even better with something to dunk! My absolute favorite is some crusty bread or garlic bread for soaking up that creamy broth. A simple side salad is also perfect to round out the meal. Enjoy your delicious Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup however you like it best!
Storage and Reheating Your Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup
Okay, so you’ve probably devoured a big bowl (or two!) of this amazing Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup, but what about leftovers? Good news – it stores really well! Let the soup cool down completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep happily in the fridge for 3-4 days.
When you’re ready for more, the best way to reheat your Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup is gently on the stovetop over low heat. Give it a good stir as it warms up. You might find it thickens a bit in the fridge, so you can add a splash of extra broth or even a little milk or cream if needed to get back to your desired consistency. Avoid boiling it vigorously when reheating to keep that lovely creamy texture.
Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup
Got questions about making this Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup? Totally understandable! Here are some common ones I hear:
Q: Can I use ground beef or turkey instead of Italian sausage?
A: You totally can! The flavor will be a little different since Italian sausage has those specific spices, but ground beef or turkey will still make a delicious, hearty soup. Just cook and drain it the same way you would the sausage.
Q: How can I make this soup less spicy if I used hot Italian sausage?
A: If you find your Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup a little too spicy, you can add a touch more heavy cream or even a little milk to help mellow out the heat. Serving it with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese on top can also help!
Q: Can I freeze Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup?
A: Freezing creamy soups can be tricky because the dairy can sometimes separate when thawed. While you *can* freeze it, the texture might change a bit. If you plan to freeze, I recommend freezing it *before* adding the heavy cream and Parmesan. Then, thaw the base and stir in the cream and cheese when you reheat it for the best creamy Parmesan soup experience.
Q: What vegetables can I add to this soup?
A: Oh, lots! Besides spinach or kale, chopped carrots, celery, bell peppers, or even some small zucchini would be delicious additions to your Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup. Add harder veggies with the onion and garlic so they have time to soften.
Estimated Nutritional Information
Okay, so I’m not a registered dietitian or anything, but I know some of you like to keep track of this stuff! Based on the ingredients in this Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup, here’s a general idea of the nutritional breakdown per serving. Just remember, these are estimates! Things like the specific brand of sausage you use, how much grease you drain, and the exact amount of cheese can totally change these numbers. But this gives you a ballpark idea of what you’re getting in a cozy bowl of this soup.
- Serving Size: About 1 bowl
- Calories: Roughly 450
- Sugar: Around 5g
- Sodium: About 800mg (This can vary a LOT based on your broth and sausage!)
- Total Fat: Approximately 35g
- Saturated Fat: Around 15g
- Carbohydrates: Roughly 15g
- Fiber: About 3g
- Protein: Approximately 20g
Again, take these numbers with a grain of salt (ha!). The most important thing is that you’re making delicious, comforting food that you enjoy!
Share Your Experience
Well, there you have it! My go-to recipe for the most comforting, delicious Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup. I really hope you give it a try! If you do, please come back and tell me all about it in the comments below. Did you add any extra veggies? What kind of sausage did you use? I love hearing how you make it your own! And hey, if you loved this Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup, please consider leaving a rating too. Happy cooking!
Print
Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup Wins All!
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A rich and comforting soup featuring Italian sausage, vegetables, and a creamy Parmesan broth.
Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add Italian sausage and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned. Drain excess grease.
- Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and diced tomatoes. Stir in Italian seasoning.
- Bring the soup to a simmer, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 15 minutes.
- Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Cook, stirring, until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- For a spicier soup, use hot Italian sausage.
- Add other vegetables like spinach or kale during the last few minutes of simmering.
- Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese or fresh parsley.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: Italian sausage soup, creamy soup, Parmesan soup, sausage soup, tomato soup