Description
This creamy, comforting soup is packed with savory flavors from Italian sausage, Parmesan cheese, and a touch of cream. It’s a perfect dish to warm you up on a chilly evening. The richness of the sausage combined with the smooth creaminess of the broth makes every bite a comforting experience.
Ingredients
Scale
1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, based on your preference)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 cups chicken broth
2 cups heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for added heat)
1 cup baby spinach (optional for a burst of freshness)
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up into crumbles with a spoon. Cook for about 5-7 minutes or until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion to the pot and sauté until it becomes soft and translucent, about 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add Broth and Cream: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Once it starts simmering, stir in the heavy cream and continue to simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine.
- Incorporate Parmesan and Seasonings: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes, thickening slightly as it cooks.
- Finish the Soup: Add the spinach and stir it into the soup until wilted. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, and serve hot, optionally garnished with extra Parmesan.
Notes
- For a lighter version, swap out the heavy cream for half-and-half or milk, though the soup may be slightly less creamy.
- If you’d like a heartier dish, consider adding diced potatoes or small pasta shapes to the soup.
- This soup can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and freezes well for up to 3 months. Just reheat on the stove when ready to serve.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 920mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 50mg