Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup Recipe
If you’re hunting for the ultimate comfort food that blends rustic Italian flavors with rich, creamy goodness, you’re about to fall in love with Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup. This bowl is a symphony of savory sausage, tender veggies, soft cannellini beans, and leafy greens, all swimming in a cheesy, velvety broth. Whether it’s a chilly evening or you just need a soul-soothing meal, this soup guarantees to satisfy every craving, filling your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas and your heart with Italian warmth.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Putting together Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup is refreshingly simple, but every single ingredient brings something special to the pot. From the robust sausage to the pop of greens, it’s these essential building blocks that make each spoonful unforgettable.
- Olive oil: A splash of this golden oil starts things off, lending smooth richness and the perfect base for browning sausage.
- Italian sausage: Choose your favorite sweet or spicy variety—removing the casing allows the sausage to break up and infuse incredible flavor throughout the soup.
- Yellow onion: Diced small, it melts into the broth for subtle sweetness and a flavor backbone.
- Garlic: Just two cloves punch up every bite with aromatic, garlicky depth.
- Carrots: Their gentle sweetness and vibrant color balance the richness of the sausage and cream.
- Celery: Essential for that classic Italian soup aroma and a pleasant hint of earthiness.
- Italian seasoning: A pinch brings the taste of Tuscany right to your pot—think oregano, basil, and thyme.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): For those who love a whisper of heat, just a dash brings a spark of excitement.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Forms the soup’s hearty base, allowing you to control the seasoning perfectly.
- Heavy cream: The secret to that luxurious texture and irresistible mouthfeel.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Melts in for signature tang, umami, and savory complexity.
- Kale or spinach: Adds vibrant color and a boost of nutrients; either is equally delicious.
- Cannellini beans: Creamy, tender beans that deliver body and a delightful bite in every bowl.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential finishing touches to round out and balance all the flavors.
How to Make Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Heat a large pot over medium heat and swirl in the olive oil. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with your spoon as it cooks. You’ll want to keep stirring until the sausage is deeply browned and no longer pink, about 6 to 7 minutes. This step is where so much flavor magic happens, so let the sausage crisp just a bit for extra depth.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Toss in the diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery right into the pot with your sausage. Sauté everything together for another 4 to 5 minutes, stirring often. The veggies should begin to soften and the kitchen will start to smell absolutely incredible—the classic scent of Italian home cooking!
Step 3: Season the Base
Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning and, if you’re a spice fan, the red pepper flakes. Stir these seasonings into the sausage and veggies, toasting them just until fragrant. This step really infuses the base with that signature herby warmth and a subtle background heat (if you added the flakes).
Step 4: Simmer with Broth
Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and give everything a good stir, scraping up any flavorful bits from the bottom of the pot. Bring the mixture up to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. This gives all the flavors a chance to mingle while the vegetables become wonderfully tender.
Step 5: Add Creaminess and Cheese
Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan. Let the soup simmer for another 3 to 4 minutes, just until the broth turns creamy and slightly thickened. The Parmesan will melt in, creating that velvety texture and irresistible cheesy flavor that makes Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup so special.
Step 6: Stir in Greens and Beans
Finally, add your chopped kale or spinach and the drained cannellini beans. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the greens are wilted and the soup is piping hot throughout. Taste, then season with salt and black pepper until perfectly balanced. Ladle up and prepare to swoon!
How to Serve Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup
Garnishes
When it comes to toppings, a little extra love goes a long way. Sprinkle each bowl with an extra dusting of freshly grated Parmesan and a crack of black pepper. A swirl of good olive oil or a handful of fresh chopped parsley brightens things up and makes every serving of Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup feel even more inviting.
Side Dishes
Pair this hearty soup with a thick slice of warm, crusty bread—perfect for soaking up every last drop. If you’re craving even more Italian flair, serve alongside a simple arugula salad tossed with lemon, or a plate of roasted vegetables. For a full cozy meal, add a glass of your favorite red wine and settle in for the evening.
Creative Ways to Present
For a memorable gathering, ladle the soup into small cups or mugs for a charming appetizer. If you’re hosting a family-style dinner, serve in a large ceramic tureen with bowls of various garnishes—Parmesan, chopped herbs, and red pepper flakes—so everyone can customize their own experience with Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (which is rare in my house!), let the soup cool to room temperature before transferring to airtight containers. It’ll keep happily in the fridge for up to 4 days, making for the most satisfying lunches all week long.
Freezing
To freeze, simply ladle your cooled Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty resealable bags, leaving a little headspace for expansion. Freeze for up to three months. I recommend thawing the soup in the refrigerator overnight before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Gently warm the soup on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often for even heating. Avoid boiling, as this can cause the cream to separate. If the soup seems a bit thick, just add a splash of broth or water to revive that perfect, creamy consistency.
FAQs
Can I use turkey sausage instead of pork?
Absolutely! Turkey sausage makes a great leaner alternative, and it still delivers plenty of flavor. Just be sure to adjust your seasoning, as turkey sausage is often less salty and less fatty than pork.
Will this soup work with other greens besides kale or spinach?
You bet—Swiss chard or escarole work beautifully in Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup. They bring their own unique flavors and textures, so feel free to use whatever’s freshest or most appealing to you.
What if I don’t have cannellini beans?
No worries! Great Northern beans or navy beans are excellent substitutes. If you’re open to a different texture, chickpeas can also add a lovely twist.
Is this soup gluten-free?
It sure is, as long as you double-check your sausage and broth for any unexpected gluten-containing ingredients. No pasta or flour in sight—just pure, wholesome comfort.
Can I make Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup in advance for a party?
Definitely! In fact, this soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld. Just reheat gently and add a splash of broth if it’s thickened a bit in the fridge.
Final Thoughts
There’s truly nothing like sitting down to a steaming bowl of Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup—especially when you’ve made it yourself. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just treating yourself after a long day, give this recipe a try and watch how quickly it disappears. You’ll be amazed by how much comfort and delight one pot can bring!
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Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and comforting flavors of this Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup. Loaded with Italian sausage, vegetables, beans, and Parmesan cheese, this hearty soup is a perfect meal for chilly days.
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage (casings removed)
- 1 small yellow onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 medium carrots (peeled and diced)
- 2 celery stalks (diced)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups chopped kale or spinach
- 1 (15 oz) can cannellini beans (drained and rinsed)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Soup Base: Heat olive oil in a large pot, cook Italian sausage until browned. Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery, sauté until vegetables soften.
- Add Flavor: Stir in Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes. Pour in chicken broth, simmer until vegetables are tender.
- Finish the Soup: Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, simmer until slightly thickened. Add kale/spinach, beans, cook until greens wilt. Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve: Enjoy warm with crusty bread.
Notes
- For a lower-fat version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and turkey sausage instead of pork.
- You can also use Swiss chard or escarole in place of kale.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 710mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
