Rich and Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup: A Comforting Italian Delight

Indulge in the comforting flavors of Italy with our Rich and Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup recipe! This hearty soup is a symphony of savory Italian sausage, aromatic herbs, creamy Parmesan cheese, and tender ditalini pasta. Perfect for chilly evenings or as a starter for a cozy dinner party, this soup will warm your soul and satisfy your cravings for classic Italian cuisine. Let’s dive into the recipe and discover how to create this mouthwatering masterpiece in your own kitchen.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb sweet Italian sausage
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 1/2 cups ditalini pasta
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 4 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions:

1. Cook the Italian Sausage: In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Remove the cooked sausage from the pot and set aside.
2. Saute the Aromatics: In the same pot, add diced onion and minced garlic. Cook until the onion is translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Prepare the Soup Base: Return the cooked sausage to the pot. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Add Pasta and Simmer: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Add the ditalini pasta and simmer until the pasta is cooked al dente, about 10-12 minutes.
5. Stir in Spinach and Cheese: Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the chopped fresh spinach and grated Parmesan cheese. Continue to simmer for another 2-3 minutes until the spinach is wilted and the cheese is melted.
6. Serve and Garnish: Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Garnish with additional grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley. Serve hot and enjoy the comforting flavors of this Italian-inspired soup!

Cook’s Notes and Variations:

• Vegetarian Option: Replace the Italian sausage with plant-based sausage or omit it altogether for a vegetarian version of this soup. You can also add extra vegetables like diced carrots, celery, or bell peppers for added flavor and nutrition.
• Creamy Texture: For an even creamier soup, you can blend a portion of the soup using an immersion blender or regular blender before adding the spinach and cheese. This will create a thicker, more velvety texture.
• Customize the Heat: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your spice preference. If you prefer a milder soup, simply omit the red pepper flakes altogether.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Q: Can I use other types of sausage for this recipe? A: Absolutely! You can use hot Italian sausage for a spicier version, or substitute with chicken sausage, turkey sausage, or even vegan sausage if you prefer.

Q: Can I make this soup ahead of time? A: Yes, this soup can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat gently on the stovetop before serving, adding extra broth or cream if needed to adjust the consistency.

Q: Is it possible to freeze this soup? A: While you can freeze this soup, keep in mind that the texture of the pasta may change slightly upon thawing and reheating. It’s best to freeze the soup without the pasta and add freshly cooked pasta when reheating for the best results.

Keto and Low Carb Options:

• Keto-Friendly Substitutions: Replace the ditalini pasta with low-carb alternatives such as shirataki noodles or cauliflower rice to make this soup keto-friendly. Use full-fat coconut milk or almond milk instead of heavy cream, and be sure to check the labels of all ingredients for hidden sugars and carbohydrates.
• Low Carb Hack: To lower the carb content even further, omit the pasta entirely and add extra vegetables such as zucchini noodles or chopped broccoli. You can also reduce the amount of onion used in the recipe or replace it with shallots for a lower-carb option.

In conclusion, our Rich and Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup is a delightful blend of flavors and textures that’s sure to please your palate. Whether enjoyed as a comforting meal on a cold day or as a starter for a special occasion, this soup is a true crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone asking for seconds. With simple ingredients, easy preparation, and endless opportunities for customization, it’s a recipe you’ll want to keep on hand for any occasion. So gather your ingredients and get ready to savor the warmth and goodness of this Italian-inspired soup!