Description
Comfort meets elegance in this creamy parmesan italian sausage soup, a hearty melody of robust flavors dancing through each spoonful. Simmering with rich sausage, velvety parmesan, and aromatic herbs, you’ll savor a bowl that whispers of Italian countryside warmth.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) sweet Italian sausage
Seasoning and Herbs:
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
Liquid and Dairy Components:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
Pasta:
- 1 1/2 cups ditalini pasta
Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Heat a large pot over medium flame and crumble the Italian sausage, cooking thoroughly until golden brown. Transfer the meat to a paper towel-lined plate, allowing excess fat to drain.
- In the same pot, sauté diced onions in olive oil until translucent and softened. Add minced garlic and cook briefly to release aromatic flavors.
- Pour chicken broth into the pot and bring to a gentle simmer. Incorporate heavy cream, oregano, basil, and optional red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper to enhance the overall taste profile.
- Introduce ditalini pasta to the simmering liquid, stirring periodically to prevent sticking. Cook until pasta reaches a tender al dente consistency, approximately 8 minutes.
- Reintroduce the browned sausage into the pot and fold in fresh spinach leaves. Allow spinach to wilt and integrate with the soup’s liquid, creating a vibrant green contrast.
- Remove the pot from heat and gradually stir in grated Parmesan cheese until completely melted, transforming the soup into a luxuriously creamy concoction.
- Serve the soup hot, garnishing each bowl with an additional sprinkle of Parmesan and fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and elevated flavor complexity.
Notes
- Swap sausage with plant-based alternatives like crumbled tofu or vegetarian sausage for a meatless version that maintains robust flavor profiles.
- Consider using gluten-free pasta to transform this recipe into a celiac-friendly dish without compromising taste or texture.
- Control sodium levels by selecting low-sodium chicken broth and reducing added salt, making this soup heart-healthy and diet-friendly.
- Enhance protein content by adding white beans or lentils, creating a more nutritionally balanced meal that keeps you satisfied longer.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg