Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup

1. Cook the Sausage

1. Heat Oil: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Brown Sausage: Add the Italian sausage to the pot. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside. Drain excess fat if necessary.

2. Sauté Vegetables

1. Cook Onion: In the same pot, add the diced onion. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until softened and translucent.
2. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, or until fragrant.

3. Build the Soup Base

1. Add Broth: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
2. Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Stir in the diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, basil, salt, and black pepper.
3. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

4. Add Cream and Sausage

1. Add Cream and Milk: Stir in the heavy cream and whole milk. Return the cooked sausage to the pot.
2. Simmer: Continue to simmer the soup for an additional 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the soup is heated through and slightly thickened.

5. Add Greens and Cheese

1. Add Greens: Stir in the chopped kale or spinach and cook for a few minutes until wilted.
2. Add Parmesan: Gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and incorporated into the soup.

6. Adjust Seasoning

1. Taste and Adjust: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

7. Serve

1. Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with extra grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley if desired.
2. Enjoy: Serve hot with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

Tips for Success

• Sausage Choice: Use high-quality Italian sausage for the best flavor. You can choose mild or spicy based on your preference.
• Cream Consistency: Adjust the amount of cream and milk based on how rich and creamy you want the soup to be.
• Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots or celery for extra texture and flavor.

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes for a spicy version of the soup.
• Herb Variations: Use fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for a different flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute the sausage with a plant-based sausage or omit it entirely and add more vegetables.

Conclusion

This Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup is a comforting and satisfying dish that’s perfect for a cozy meal. With its rich, creamy base and flavorful sausage, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Enjoy this hearty soup with a side of crusty bread for a complete and delicious meal!