Description
This hearty, comforting soup features flavorful Italian sausage, tender vegetables, and a rich, creamy Parmesan broth. Perfect for chilly nights, this soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a simple side salad. It’s easy to make and sure to become a family favorite!
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, as preferred)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 1/2 cups chopped fresh spinach or kale
- 1 cup diced potatoes (or use gnocchi for a twist!)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Sausage:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces with a spoon. Remove sausage and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables:
- In the same pot, add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Simmer the Broth:
- Pour in the chicken broth and add the potatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
- Add Cream and Sausage:
- Stir in the cooked sausage, heavy cream, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy.
- Add Greens:
- Stir in the spinach or kale and let it wilt for 2-3 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Serve:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve warm with crusty bread.
Notes
- Swap potatoes for cauliflower to make it low-carb.
- For a thicker soup, mash a few of the potatoes or add a cornstarch slurry.
- Add gnocchi for a richer, heartier dish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 75mg