There is something incredibly comforting and satisfying about a warm bowl of soup that brings together hearty ingredients and vibrant flavors, which is exactly what this Parmesan Sausage Soup Recipe delivers. Bursting with Italian sausage, fresh vegetables, tender pasta, and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, this soup feels like a cozy hug in a bowl. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or looking for a soul-soothing weeknight meal, this recipe is a fantastic go-to that balances richness with freshness beautifully.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Parmesan Sausage Soup Recipe lies in its perfectly balanced ingredients, each playing a vital role in creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. From the savory sausage to the bright spinach, every component adds depth and character to the soup.
- Italian sausage: Adds a rich, savory base with a hint of spice and a satisfying meaty texture.
- Olive oil: Perfect for sautéing to bring out the flavors of the sausage and veggies without overpowering them.
- Onion: Provides a sweet and aromatic foundation that complements the garlic and herbs.
- Garlic: Adds a punch of savory, slightly spicy flavor that enhances the soup’s complexity.
- Carrots: Bring natural sweetness and a bit of crunch to balance the dish.
- Celery: Offers a subtle, refreshing earthiness and texture contrast.
- Dried basil and oregano: Classic Italian herbs that infuse the broth with an irresistible aroma.
- Black pepper and red pepper flakes: Provide warmth and a touch of heat to wake up the taste buds.
- Chicken broth: The flavorful liquid base that ties all the ingredients together with a savory depth.
- Diced tomatoes: Add acidity and a vibrant color that brighten the soup.
- Uncooked small pasta: Gives the soup heartiness and a chewy texture that’s wonderfully satisfying.
- Fresh spinach leaves: Loaded with vitamins and freshness, they add color and a slight bitterness that balances the richness.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: The star finishing touch that melts into the soup, lending a creamy, nutty flavor.
- Salt: Enhances and rounds out all the flavors perfectly, adjusted to your taste.
How to Make Parmesan Sausage Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage after removing it from its casings and cook it until it’s beautifully browned. Break it up into bite-sized pieces as it cooks to ensure even browning and maximum flavor release. Once done, set the sausage aside but keep all those flavorful bits clinging to the pot’s bottom—they’ll enrich the soup later.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pot, toss in the chopped onion, minced garlic, diced carrots, and celery. Sauté these until they soften and turn slightly golden, releasing an irresistible aroma. This step is where your kitchen starts to feel truly welcoming, as the base flavors build depth and warmth.
Step 3: Add the Herbs and Spices
Sprinkle in the dried basil, dried oregano, ground black pepper, and if you like a touch of heat, red pepper flakes. Stir everything together and cook for about a minute—this technique wakes up the herbs, allowing their fragrance to bloom and infuse the veggies.
Step 4: Build the Broth
Pour in the chicken broth and the whole can of diced tomatoes, juices included. Bring the mixture to a boil so all these flavors meld beautifully. This step is where the soup starts to come to life, transforming from sautéed ingredients into a vibrant, hearty broth.
Step 5: Cook the Pasta
Add your uncooked small pasta directly into the simmering broth. Cook it until it reaches a perfect al dente texture, following the package directions—usually around 8 to 10 minutes. The pasta soaks up the broth’s flavor, making every bite comforting and satisfying.
Step 6: Reintroduce the Sausage and Spinach
Return the browned sausage to the pot and stir in the fresh spinach leaves. Watch as the spinach quickly wilts, adding beautiful color and a fresh balance to the hearty sausage and pasta combination. It’s that fresh green touch that makes this soup feel vibrant and complete.
Step 7: Finish with Parmesan
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese right before serving, letting it melt smoothly into the soup. This step transforms your creation into a creamy, flavorful dish with every spoonful delivering that classic nutty and salty kick that Parmesan is famous for. Adjust salt to taste now to bring all the ingredients into perfect harmony.
Step 8: Serve Hot
Ladle the soup into bowls while it’s still piping hot. This soup is best enjoyed fresh, with the cheese just melted and the sausage tender. Optionally, sprinkle a little extra Parmesan on top for a beautiful presentation and added punch.
How to Serve Parmesan Sausage Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped parsley or basil leaves add a pop of color and subtle freshness that contrast beautifully with the warm, cheesy broth. A sprinkle of extra grated Parmesan cheese right on top adds a touch of elegance and amplifies the savory notes. For a little heat, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes can also be a delightful finishing touch.
Side Dishes
Serve this soup alongside crusty garlic bread or warm Italian breadsticks to soak up every last bit of the flavorful broth. A crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette can lighten up the meal and add a refreshing crunch. Roasted vegetables or a simple antipasto platter can turn this soup into a full Italian-inspired feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the soup in a hollowed-out bread bowl for an impressive and rustic feel. Layering individual servings in clear glasses or jars can showcase the vibrant colors of the ingredients, perfect for dinner parties. You can also top each bowl with a drizzle of good quality olive oil or a few drops of balsamic glaze for added flair and richness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. Stored in the refrigerator, the soup will keep well for up to 3 days. The flavors often meld together even more after sitting, so leftovers can be just as delightful if not better!
Freezing
This Parmesan Sausage Soup Recipe freezes wonderfully, making it an excellent meal prep option. Freeze in individual portions or family-sized containers for up to 2 months. Just remember to leave out or add the pasta after reheating if you prefer to keep it from getting too soft.
Reheating
Warm leftovers over medium heat on the stove, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If needed, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the consistency, especially if the pasta has absorbed too much liquid. Reheat until the soup is hot all the way through, and stir in a little fresh Parmesan before serving if you want to refresh the cheesy richness.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of Italian sausage?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be a leaner option and will still provide great flavor, though you might want to add a bit more seasoning since they are milder meats compared to Italian sausage.
What type of pasta works best in this soup?
Small pasta shapes like ditalini, small shells, or orzo work best because they cook quickly and blend seamlessly with the other ingredients without overpowering the soup.
Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, you can replace the sausage with hearty vegetables or plant-based sausage alternatives, and substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth to keep it vegetarian-friendly without losing flavor.
How spicy is this soup?
The heat depends on whether you include red pepper flakes. If you like a little kick, add them in step 3; otherwise, omit them for a milder, family-friendly soup.
Can I prepare this soup in a slow cooker?
Definitely! Brown the sausage and sauté the veggies first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, then add pasta and spinach near the end of cooking time to avoid overcooking.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to cozy up with a dish that feels homemade but requires minimal fuss, this Parmesan Sausage Soup Recipe is a total winner. It brings together simple, delicious ingredients that transform into something downright unforgettable. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite soup to share with friends and family on those crisp evenings!
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Parmesan Sausage Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 30m
- Total Time: 0h 45m
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A hearty and flavorful Parmesan Sausage Soup featuring browned Italian sausage, fresh vegetables, tender pasta, and spinach in a savory broth, finished with grated Parmesan cheese for a comforting meal perfect for any season.
Ingredients
Meat
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 4 cups fresh spinach leaves
Herbs & Spices
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt to taste
Liquids & Other
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup uncooked small pasta (such as ditalini or small shells)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Remove the sausage from the pot and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add the chopped onion, minced garlic, diced carrots, and diced celery. Sauté the vegetables until they are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Herbs and Spices: Stir in the dried basil, dried oregano, ground black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook for an additional minute until the spices are fragrant.
- Add Broth and Tomatoes: Pour in the chicken broth and the can of diced tomatoes with their juices. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Cook the Pasta: Add the uncooked pasta to the pot and cook until al dente, following the pasta package instructions, typically about 8-10 minutes.
- Return Sausage and Add Spinach: Once the pasta is cooked, return the browned sausage to the pot and add the fresh spinach leaves. Stir until the spinach wilts.
- Add Parmesan Cheese: Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the soup, stirring until it is melted and evenly incorporated. Taste and season with salt if needed.
- Serve: Serve the soup hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- You can use spicy Italian sausage for a heat variation.
- Substitute chicken sausage for a leaner option.
- Use gluten-free pasta if needed to make the soup gluten-free.
- Additional vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers can be added for extra nutrition.
- Leftover soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
