Introduction:
Indulge in the rich flavors of Creamy Italian Sausage Soup, where hearty Italian sausage, creamy Parmesan cheese, and vibrant spinach come together in a comforting bowl of goodness. This soup is a perfect balance of savory and creamy textures, making it an ideal choice for chilly days or whenever you crave a hearty, satisfying meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Hearty and Fulfilling: Loaded with Italian sausage and Parmesan cheese, this soup is both filling and satisfying.
- Quick and Easy: Simple ingredients and straightforward cooking steps make this soup perfect for busy weeknights.
- Versatile Dish: Serve it as a starter or pair it with crusty bread for a complete meal. It’s equally great for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casing removed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
Cooking the Soup:
- Brown the Sausage: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Cook until browned and cooked through, removing any excess fat if necessary.
- Cook Onions and Garlic: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot with the sausage. Cook until the onion becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add Broth and Tomatoes: Pour in the chicken broth and add the diced tomatoes (with their juices). Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
- Incorporate Cream and Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese until the cheese is melted and well incorporated into the soup. Add the Italian seasoning, stirring to combine.
- Simmer: Let the soup simmer gently for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to blend the flavors together.
- Add Spinach: Add the baby spinach to the soup and cook for an additional 2 minutes, or until the spinach is wilted.
- Season to Taste: Season the soup with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
Serving:
- Serve Warm: Ladle the Creamy Italian Sausage Soup into bowls and serve hot. Optionally, garnish with additional grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning.
Storage Options:
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: This soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Enjoy the comforting flavors of this Creamy Italian Sausage Soup as a delicious and satisfying meal any time of the year!