This Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup is the perfect blend of rich flavors and comforting textures. Packed with savory Italian sausage, a creamy Parmesan-infused broth, and fresh spinach, this soup is an absolute crowd-pleaser, perfect for your Sunday dinner ideas.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup
- Rich and Creamy – The combination of Parmesan cheese and heavy cream creates a luxurious, velvety texture.
- One-Pot Wonder – Minimal cleanup and maximum flavor make this recipe a weeknight favorite.
- Customizable Ingredients – Add your favorite vegetables, adjust the spice level, or swap the sausage for a healthier option.
- Perfect for Meal Prep – This soup tastes even better the next day, making it great for leftovers!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, based on preference)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Add-ins:
- ½ cup diced tomatoes (for added acidity and sweetness)
- 1 cup diced potatoes (for extra heartiness)
- Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Large Pot or Dutch Oven – For cooking the soup.
- Wooden Spoon – To break up the sausage and stir ingredients.
- Ladle – For serving the soup.
- Sharp Knife and Cutting Board – For chopping vegetables and garlic.
- Cheese Grater – For grating fresh Parmesan.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare Ingredients
Chop the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Grate the Parmesan cheese and set aside.
2. Brown the Sausage
In a large pot, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it into small pieces. Cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside, leaving about 1 tbsp of fat in the pot.
3. Sauté Vegetables
In the same pot, add the diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until fragrant and softened.
4. Add Broth and Simmer
Pour in 4 cups of chicken broth, stirring well. Add diced tomatoes and potatoes if using. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 10-15 minutes until vegetables are tender.
5. Stir in Cream and Parmesan
Reduce heat to low. Slowly stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until smooth and creamy.
6. Add Sausage and Spinach
Return the cooked sausage to the pot. Stir in 2 cups of fresh spinach and let it wilt for about 5 minutes.
7. Adjust seasonings and garnishes for Italian Sausage Soup
Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and extra Parmesan cheese before serving.
Serving Suggestions For Italian Sausage Soup
Pair this soup with:
- Garlic Flatbread for dipping
- A fresh green salad
- Toasted baguette slices topped with melted mozzarella
Some sausage recipe ideas you will love: Sausage and Egg Casserole, Cajun Sausage and Rice
Storage and Reheating Tips For Italian Sausage Soup
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in portions for up to 3 months (note: the creaminess may slightly change upon thawing).
- Reheating: Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth if the soup has thickened too much.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking vegetables – Keep them tender but not mushy.
- Curdling the cream – Add it on low heat and stir constantly.
- Not seasoning properly – Always taste and adjust as needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Can I substitute Italian sausage for something else?
Yes! Turkey, chicken, or plant-based sausage are great alternatives.
❓ Can I make this Italian Sausage Soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! The flavors deepen overnight, making it even more delicious.
❓ What can I use instead of heavy cream?
Try half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version, though it may be less creamy.
Conclusion
This Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for Sunday dinner ideas or any cozy night in. With its rich, creamy broth, savory sausage, and fresh spinach, this recipe is sure to be a family favorite. If you want more ideas for a fun Sunday evening, check out Allrecipes.
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Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup Sunday Dinner Ideas
Equipment
- 1 Large Pot or Dutch Oven For cooking the soup
- 1 Wooden Spoon To break up the sausage and stir ingredients.
- 1 Ladle For serving the soup.
- 1 Sharp Knife and Cutting Board For chopping vegetables and garlic.
- 1 Cheese Grater For grating fresh Parmesan.
Ingredients
- Italian beef Sausage Mild or spicy, based on preference
- Olive Oil (1 tbsp) Used to sauté the sausage and vegetables, adding a subtle richness to the soup.
- Onion (1 medium, diced) Adds sweetness and depth to the soup’s flavor base.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced) Infuses the soup with a warm, aromatic flavor that complements the sausage.
- Carrots (2, diced) Provide a natural sweetness and a bit of texture to the soup.
- Chicken Broth (4 cups) Forms the base of the soup, bringing a savory depth to the dish.
- Heavy Cream (1 cup) Creates a rich, creamy texture that makes the soup wonderfully indulgent.
- Parmesan Cheese (1 cup, grated) Melts into the soup, adding a salty, nutty flavor.
- Fresh Spinach (2 cups, chopped) Adds color, freshness, and a boost of nutrients.
- Salt and Pepper (to taste) Enhances the flavors of the ingredients.
Optional Add-ins:
- Diced Tomatoes (½ cup) For added acidity and sweetness.
- Red Pepper Flakes (½ tsp) For a bit of heat.
- Diced Potatoes (1 cup) Adds heartiness and texture.
- Fresh Basil or Parsley For garnish and a touch of freshness.
Instructions
- Prepare the IngredientsStart by chopping the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery into small, uniform pieces. Grate the Parmesan cheese and set it aside. This step ensures everything is ready to go once you start cooking.Onion (1 medium, diced), Garlic (3 cloves, minced), Carrots (2, diced), Parmesan Cheese (1 cup, grated)
- Brown the SausageIn a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian beef sausage, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, remove the sausage from the pot and drain any excess fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pot for sautéing the vegetables.Olive Oil (1 tbsp), Italian beef Sausage
- Sauté the AromaticsIn the same pot, add the diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant. This step builds the flavor base for your soup.
- Add the Broth and Optional VegetablesPour in the chicken broth, stirring to combine it with the sautéed vegetables. If you’re using diced tomatoes or potatoes, add them now. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) to taste. Bring the soup to a simmer, allowing the flavors to meld together.Diced Tomatoes (½ cup), Red Pepper Flakes (½ tsp), Diced Potatoes (1 cup), Chicken Broth (4 cups)
- Incorporate the Cream and ParmesanReduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, mixing until it’s fully incorporated. Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until it’s melted and the soup becomes creamy and rich.Heavy Cream (1 cup)
- Add the Sausage and SpinachReturn the cooked sausage to the pot, along with the chopped spinach. Stir everything together and let the soup simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the spinach is wilted and all the flavors have come together.Fresh Spinach (2 cups, chopped)
- Final Seasoning and ServeTaste the soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Serve immediately, enjoying the comforting warmth of this hearty dish.Fresh Basil or Parsley, Salt and Pepper (to taste)
Notes
- Overcooking the Vegetables: To maintain a good texture, avoid overcooking the carrots and celery. They should be tender but not mushy.
- Curdling the Cream: When adding the cream, reduce the heat to low to prevent curdling. Stirring constantly while adding the Parmesan cheese will help it melt smoothly into the soup.
- Undercooking the Sausage: Make sure the sausage is fully browned and cooked through before removing it from the pot. This ensures it’s safe to eat and adds a depth of flavor to the soup.