Italian Sausage Parmesan Soup
Italian Sausage Parmesan Soup is a rich and comforting dish that combines savory Italian sausage, creamy Parmesan cheese, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs in a hearty soup. Perfect for chilly evenings or anytime you want a flavorful, easy-to-make meal that offers warmth and satisfaction.
- Author: Lilly
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Meat
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casing removed
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- Optional: 1 cup crushed tomatoes
- Optional: fresh herbs such as basil, parsley, and oregano (about 2 tablespoons each, chopped)
Liquids
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or half and half
Dairy & Cheese
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Red pepper flakes, to taste
- Brown the Sausage: Remove the sausage from its casing and crumble it into a large pot over medium heat. Cook until browned and cooked through, developing a deep, savory foundation for the soup.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add chopped onions, garlic, carrots, and celery to the pot with the sausage. Sauté until the vegetables soften and release their natural sweetness, forming a flavorful base layer.
- Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in chicken broth and optional crushed tomatoes. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 15 minutes to blend all flavors.
- Stir in Cream and Parmesan: Slowly whisk in the cream and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese melts completely, creating a creamy consistency that coats every spoonful.
- Season and Add Herbs: Season the soup with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste. Toss in fresh chopped herbs just before serving for brightness and freshness.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for better melting and superior flavor.
- Add cream at the end and simmer gently to prevent curdling or separation.
- Ensure sausage is well browned to enhance depth and complexity.
- Adjust red pepper flakes gradually to customize the spice level without overpowering the dish.
- Allow soup to rest a few minutes after cooking to let flavors fully develop.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1 1/2 cups)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: Italian Sausage Soup, Parmesan Soup, Comfort Food, Hearty Soup, Creamy Soup, Gluten Free Soup