The Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup is a warm, hearty, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for cozy evenings or a comforting lunch. Made with rich Italian sausage, creamy Parmesan, fresh baby spinach, and a hint of Italian seasoning, this soup delivers a delightful combination of savory flavors with a touch of indulgence. It’s easy to make in just one pot, making it a perfect go-to meal for busy days. Serve it with crusty bread or garlic bread, and you’ll have a complete, satisfying meal that everyone will love.

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Ingredients Overview

1. Italian Sausage (1 pound, casing removed):

Italian sausage adds a rich, savory, and slightly spicy flavor to the soup. Removing the casing allows the sausage to crumble as it cooks, giving the soup a hearty texture. You can use mild or spicy sausage depending on your preference for heat.

2. Olive Oil (1 tablespoon):

A small amount of olive oil is used to sauté the sausage and vegetables, adding a subtle richness to the base of the soup. It also helps prevent the sausage from sticking to the pot during the cooking process.

3. Onion (1 small, chopped):

Onions provide a sweet and savory depth to the soup. As they cook, onions release their natural sugars, which enhance the overall flavor of the dish. The small pieces ensure they blend well into the broth without overpowering the other ingredients.

4. Garlic (2 cloves, minced):

Garlic adds an aromatic and slightly spicy flavor to the soup. Its pungent taste mellows as it cooks, infusing the broth with warmth and richness. Garlic pairs perfectly with Italian sausage, making it an essential ingredient in this dish.

5. Chicken Broth (4 cups):

Chicken broth forms the base of the soup, providing a savory and flavorful liquid. Using a quality broth enhances the overall taste and complements the rich cream and Parmesan cheese that are added later. You can use low-sodium broth if you prefer more control over the salt content.

6. Diced Tomatoes (1 can, 14.5 oz):

Canned diced tomatoes add a touch of acidity and sweetness to the soup, balancing the richness of the cream and sausage. The tomatoes also provide a bit of texture, making each spoonful more interesting and flavorful.

7. Heavy Cream (1 cup):

Heavy cream gives the soup its signature creamy texture and indulgent richness. It blends beautifully with the Parmesan cheese, creating a smooth and luxurious broth. If you want to lighten the dish, you can substitute half-and-half, but the soup will be less creamy.

8. Parmesan Cheese (1 cup, grated):

Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty flavor to the soup and thickens the broth. It melts into the soup as it simmers, giving it a creamy and velvety texture. Grating the cheese yourself ensures the best flavor and consistency.

9. Baby Spinach (2 cups):

Fresh baby spinach adds a pop of color and nutrition to the soup. Its mild flavor complements the richness of the broth, and it wilts quickly when stirred into the hot soup, making it an easy addition.

10. Italian Seasoning (1 teaspoon):

Italian seasoning brings together a blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme, adding depth and warmth to the soup. It enhances the flavor of the sausage and creates a comforting, classic Italian flavor profile.

11. Salt and Pepper (to taste):

Seasoning the soup with salt and pepper allows you to enhance the natural flavors of the ingredients. Adjust the seasoning at the end to ensure a perfectly balanced flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Italian Sausage

Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the Italian sausage (with the casing removed). Cook the sausage until it is browned and crumbled, breaking it up into smaller pieces with a spoon as it cooks. This process takes about 5-7 minutes.

Once the sausage is fully cooked, you may need to remove some of the excess fat from the pot. Use a spoon or carefully tilt the pot to remove any excess oil, leaving just enough to sauté the onions and garlic.

Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic

Add the chopped onion to the pot with the sausage and cook until the onion becomes translucent and soft, about 3-4 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent burning. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, just until fragrant.

Step 3: Add the Broth and Tomatoes

Pour in the 4 cups of chicken broth and the can of diced tomatoes (with their juice). Stir the mixture to combine all the ingredients. Bring the soup to a simmer over medium-high heat. Once it reaches a simmer, reduce the heat to low, allowing the soup to gently simmer for about 5 minutes.

Step 4: Stir in the Cream and Parmesan

Next, stir in the heavy cream and the grated Parmesan cheese. The cream will give the soup a rich, velvety texture, while the Parmesan will add a salty, nutty flavor that enhances the broth. Continue to simmer the soup for another 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure the cheese melts evenly into the broth.

If you want a thicker soup, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Stir this into the soup during this step, and let it simmer until the soup thickens to your desired consistency.

Step 5: Add the Spinach and Season

Once the soup has simmered and thickened, stir in the 2 cups of baby spinach. Cook for about 2 minutes, or until the spinach has wilted and is fully incorporated into the soup.

Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Taste the broth before adding salt, as the sausage and Parmesan cheese may already provide enough saltiness.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once the spinach has wilted and the soup is fully seasoned, it’s ready to serve! Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve with crusty bread or garlic bread on the side for a complete and comforting meal.

Tips for the Perfect Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup

Use High-Quality Parmesan: For the best flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese rather than pre-shredded. Fresh Parmesan melts more smoothly and adds a richer, nuttier flavor to the soup.
Choose Your Sausage: Depending on your preference for heat, you can use either mild or spicy Italian sausage. If you like a little kick, opt for the spicy version. If you prefer a more subtle flavor, stick to mild sausage.
Adjust the Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter version of the soup, you can replace the heavy cream with half-and-half or even whole milk. Keep in mind that the soup will be less creamy, but it will still have a delicious flavor.
Thickening the Soup: If you want a thicker soup, adding the cornstarch slurry is a great option. Make sure to stir constantly after adding the slurry to avoid lumps.
Add Extra Vegetables: You can easily add more vegetables to this soup if you want to boost its nutritional value. Consider adding mushrooms, carrots, or zucchini for extra texture and flavor.
Make It Spicy: If you want to turn up the heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the broth. This will give the soup a spicy kick that pairs well with the creamy broth.
Leftovers and Storage: This soup stores beautifully. Keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It also freezes well, but be aware that the cream may separate slightly when reheating. To prevent this, reheat the soup slowly over low heat, stirring frequently.