Description: This Italian Sausage Soup is a hearty and flavorful soup that combines the savory goodness of Italian sausage with the comforting warmth of chicken broth, cream, and pasta. It’s a quick and easy recipe that’s perfect for a cozy weeknight meal.
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
This soup is a symphony of flavors and textures that will tantalize your taste buds. The sweet Italian sausage provides a robust meaty flavor that pairs perfectly with the aromatic herbs and the creamy richness of the broth. The ditalini pasta adds a delightful chewiness, while the spinach provides a fresh, vibrant element. The grated Parmesan cheese melts into the soup, adding a nutty and savory depth that elevates it to a whole new level. What’s more, this recipe is incredibly versatile and can be easily customized to suit your preferences. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb Sweet Italian sausage
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup ditalini pasta (or other small pasta shapes)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley and extra Parmesan for garnish (optional)
Preparation:
Step 1: Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the olive oil and cook the sweet Italian sausage until browned, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. Ensure the sausage is cooked through, with no pink remaining. Remove the cooked sausage from the pot and set aside. This step is crucial to developing a rich, savory base for the soup. The browning of the sausage adds depth and complexity to the overall flavor profile.
Step 2: In the same pot, sauté the chopped onion in the rendered sausage fat until softened, about 3 minutes. This allows the onion to release its natural sweetness and infuse the base with aromatic flavors. Ensure the onion is translucent and slightly golden, but not browned or burnt, as this can impart a bitter taste to the soup. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can quickly become bitter.
Step 3: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring well to combine. This creates the creamy and comforting base of the soup. Use a high-quality chicken broth for the best flavor. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent the cream from scorching. Simmering allows the flavors to meld together and develop a richer, more complex taste.
Step 4: Add the ditalini pasta to the pot and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Cooking the pasta directly in the soup allows it to absorb the flavors of the broth and sausage. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot. Ensure the pasta is cooked al dente, meaning it is firm to the bite, as it will continue to cook slightly in the hot soup.
Step 5: Stir in the cooked sausage, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. These herbs and spices add depth and complexity to the soup. Adjust the seasoning to your preference, adding more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes as desired.
Step 6: Add the chopped spinach and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the spinach wilts and the cheese melts into the soup. The spinach adds a fresh, vibrant element to the soup, while the Parmesan cheese provides a nutty and savory depth. Stir gently until the spinach is wilted and the cheese is fully melted and incorporated into the soup.
Step 7: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot and enjoy! The fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness to the soup, while the extra Parmesan cheese enhances the savory flavor.
Cooking Rating: 4/5 (Easy to Moderate)
Serving Suggestions:
This Italian Sausage Soup is delicious on its own as a comforting and satisfying meal. It also pairs well with crusty bread or garlic bread for dipping. For a more substantial meal, serve it with a side salad or a grilled cheese sandwich.
Tips:
- For a spicier soup, use hot Italian sausage instead of sweet Italian sausage.
- Add other vegetables such as carrots, celery, or zucchini for added nutrition and flavor.
- Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian option.
- If you don’t have ditalini pasta, you can use other small pasta shapes such as elbow macaroni or orzo.
- For a creamier soup, add an extra splash of heavy cream at the end.
- Make a big batch and freeze the leftovers for a quick and easy meal on a busy weeknight.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 25g
- Sodium: 800mg
Conclusion:
This Luscious Italian Sausage Soup with Parmesan Bliss is a delightful and comforting soup that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s a flavorful and satisfying meal that’s easy to make and customize. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a hearty lunch, this soup is sure to please. So gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to enjoy a bowl of pure Italian comfort!
5 Questions and Answers About This Recipe:
Q1: Can I use different types of sausage in this recipe?
A1: Absolutely! While this recipe calls for sweet Italian sausage, you can easily substitute it with hot Italian sausage for a spicier kick, or even use chicken or turkey sausage for a leaner option. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Q2: What if I don’t have heavy cream? Can I use something else?
A2: Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or even whole milk for a lighter version of the soup. Keep in mind that the soup won’t be as rich and creamy if you use milk, but it will still be delicious. You could also add a tablespoon of cream cheese at the end for added richness.
Q3: Can I add vegetables to this soup?
A3: Definitely! This soup is a great way to sneak in extra vegetables. Carrots, celery, zucchini, bell peppers, and even kale would all be excellent additions. Just add them to the pot along with the onions and garlic.
Q4: Can I make this soup ahead of time?
A4: Yes, this soup is even better the next day as the flavors have had time to meld together. You can make it a day or two in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Q5: Can I freeze this soup?
A5: Yes, this soup freezes well. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave. Keep in mind that the pasta may become a little softer after freezing and thawing, but the soup will still be delicious.
