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- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy) - 1 medium onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 3 medium carrots, diced - 2 stalks celery, diced - 4 cups chicken broth - 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juice - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving In this soup, I like to use Italian sausage. You can choose mild if you prefer less heat or spicy for a kick. Onions and garlic give a lovely base flavor. Carrots and celery add sweetness and crunch. The chicken broth makes the soup rich, while the cream adds a smooth finish. The diced tomatoes bring a nice tang and color. Finally, the Parmesan cheese ties everything together with its salty, nutty taste. - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried basil - Salt and pepper to taste Seasonings are key to making this soup shine. I use oregano and basil for that classic Italian flavor. Salt and pepper help balance the dish. You can always adjust these to match your taste. - 2 cups kale or spinach, chopped - 2 tablespoons olive oil Adding greens like kale or spinach boosts nutrition and adds color. I often sauté the onions in olive oil for extra flavor. Both ingredients are optional but highly recommended for a well-rounded soup. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Start by heating two tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. 2. Add the diced onion to the pot. Sauté it until it turns soft and clear, about 3 to 4 minutes. 3. Next, toss in the minced garlic. Cook it for one more minute until you smell its sweet aroma. 4. Now, add 1 pound of Italian sausage to the pot. Use a spoon to break it into small pieces. Cook until it’s brown and no longer pink, which takes about 6 to 8 minutes. 1. With the sausage browned, stir in 3 diced carrots and 2 diced celery stalks. Cook them for around 5 to 6 minutes, until they start to soften. 2. Pour in 4 cups of chicken broth and 1 can of diced tomatoes, including their juice. Bring this mix to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for 15 minutes. 3. After 15 minutes, stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Add 1 teaspoon of dried oregano and 1 teaspoon of dried basil. Season with salt and pepper to your liking. Let this simmer for an extra 5 minutes, stirring often until the cheese melts. 4. Finally, add 2 cups of chopped kale or spinach to the pot. Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until the greens wilt. - Serve the soup in warm bowls for the best experience. - Top each bowl with more grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of black pepper. - A slice of crusty bread pairs perfectly with this rich soup, making each bite a delight. To boost the taste of your Parmesan sausage soup, I suggest using some simple spices. Dried oregano and basil are my top picks. They add warmth and depth. You can also try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. This gives the soup a nice kick without being too spicy. Balancing flavors is key. If your soup tastes too salty, add a splash of cream or a little sugar. This can help even things out. Taste as you go, and adjust the herbs or spices to your liking. Always remember, cooking is about what you love! For sautéing, use medium heat. This helps the onions and garlic release their flavors without burning. After adding the sausage, break it into small pieces. This helps it cook evenly. Make sure it turns a golden brown; this adds richness to the soup. When it comes to simmering, bring your soup to a boil first. Then, reduce the heat and let it gently bubble. This cooks the veggies just right. It also allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Simmer for about 15 minutes before adding the cream and cheese. If you want to switch up the sausage, turkey or chicken sausage works well too. These options are leaner and still tasty. For the broth, vegetable broth can replace chicken broth. It keeps the dish flavorful and makes it vegetarian-friendly. For a dairy-free option, swap heavy cream with coconut milk. It adds a hint of sweetness. You can also skip the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative. With these swaps, you can still enjoy a hearty soup! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh vegetables and high-quality sausage will enhance the flavor of the soup significantly. Adjust the Creaminess: For a lighter soup, reduce the amount of heavy cream or substitute with half-and-half or milk. Experiment with Greens: If you don't have kale or spinach, try Swiss chard or collard greens for a different taste and texture. Make It Ahead: This soup keeps well in the fridge for a couple of days and flavors improve as it sits, making it perfect for meal prep. {{image_2}} You can switch the Italian sausage for other meats. Chicken or turkey sausage works well. These options are leaner but still tasty. If you want a veggie-only version, skip the sausage altogether. Add more vegetables for a filling dish. Think about mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers. They add great flavor and texture. Seasonal veggies can change your soup. In spring, add peas and asparagus. In fall, use butternut squash or sweet potatoes. For cream, use alternatives like coconut milk or regular milk. They give a different taste and texture. These swaps can make the soup lighter or richer based on what you like. To spice things up, add red pepper flakes or hot sauce. Start with a little, then taste and add more if needed. If you prefer a milder soup, use sweet Italian sausage. You can also reduce or skip the black pepper. This keeps the flavors without making it too hot. Savory Parmesan Sausage Soup lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. To keep the soup fresh, cool it to room temperature first. Then, transfer it to an airtight container. This way, it will stay tasty and safe to eat. You can freeze the soup for later use. Pour the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers. Leave some space at the top, as it will expand when frozen. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight. Reheat the soup on the stove over low heat. Stir until it's warm throughout. For meal prep, chop your veggies and cook the sausage in advance. You can store them separately in the fridge. When ready to eat, combine everything and heat it up. This soup serves six, perfect for a family meal or leftovers for lunch. Can I use different types of cheese? Yes, you can swap Parmesan for other cheeses. Try using Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste. Cheddar also works well, adding a creamy texture. Just remember, each cheese brings its own flavor. How can I thicken the soup? To thicken the soup, you can add a little cornstarch mixed with water. Another option is to blend some of the soup and stir it back in. You can also add more cheese for a richer texture. How long does it take to cook the sausage? Cooking the sausage takes about 6 to 8 minutes. Make sure it is browned and cooked through. This step is key for flavor and safety. Can I skip the cream for a lighter soup? Yes, you can skip the cream. Use milk or a plant-based milk for a lighter version. Just know that it may change the soup's richness and flavor. Caloric content and nutritional value One serving of this soup has about 350 calories. It includes protein from sausage and cheese. You also get vitamins from the veggies, making this soup hearty and nutritious. Dietary considerations (gluten-free, dairy-free options) This soup can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free sausage. For dairy-free, skip the cream and cheese. Use a non-dairy milk or broth instead. Always check labels to ensure all ingredients fit your dietary needs. This blog post covered how to make a tasty Italian sausage soup. We explored the key ingredients, from sausage and fresh vegetables to flavorful seasonings. The step-by-step guide showed how to prepare and cook the soup perfectly. Plus, I shared tips for enhancing flavor and variations for different diets. Remember to store leftovers properly and consider meal prep for busy days. With these tips, you’ll create a soup everyone loves. Dive in and enjoy this warming dish any time of the year.

Savory Parmesan Sausage Soup

A hearty and creamy soup featuring Italian sausage, vegetables, and Parmesan cheese.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, depending on preference)
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 medium carrots, diced
  • 2 stalks celery, diced
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juice
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 2 cups kale or spinach, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onions and sauté until translucent (about 3-4 minutes).
  • Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  • Add the Italian sausage to the pot, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked through (about 6-8 minutes).
  • Stir in the diced carrots and celery. Cook for an additional 5-6 minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender.
  • Pour in the chicken broth and canned tomatoes with their juice. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15 minutes.
  • Stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, oregano, basil, and season with salt and pepper. Allow to simmer for an additional 5 minutes, stirring until cheese is melted and incorporated.
  • Add the chopped kale or spinach, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until wilted.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary before serving.

Notes

Serve the soup in warm bowls, topped with extra Parmesan cheese and freshly cracked black pepper. A slice of crusty bread on the side would complement the dish beautifully!
Keyword creamy, hearty, parmesan, sausage, soup