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Directions
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
- Cook the sausage: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon or spatula as it cooks. Brown the sausage for about 5-7 minutes until it’s fully cooked through and no longer pink. If there’s excess grease, drain it off. Set the cooked sausage aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
- Cook the onion, garlic, and vegetables: In the same pot, add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften and the onion becomes translucent. Add the garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Add the Broth and Potatoes
- Add potatoes and broth: Add the diced potatoes to the pot, followed by the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. The potatoes will help thicken the soup, adding creaminess and body to the broth.
Step 4: Add the Cream and Parmesan
- Stir in the cream: Once the potatoes are cooked through, add the heavy cream (or half-and-half) to the pot and stir to combine. Let the soup come back to a gentle simmer.
- Add the Parmesan: Gradually add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese to the soup, stirring continuously to ensure it melts smoothly into the broth. This will create a rich, creamy base and infuse the soup with that delicious, nutty Parmesan flavor.
Step 5: Combine the Sausage and Season
- Add the sausage back in: Return the cooked Italian sausage to the pot, and stir to combine. Let the soup simmer for another 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Season to taste: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). The sausage should provide a nice amount of flavor, but feel free to adjust the seasoning based on your preference.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
- Serve the soup: Ladle the creamy soup into bowls, making sure to get a good mix of sausage, vegetables, and creamy broth in each serving.
- Garnish: Top each bowl with freshly chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor and color.
Tips for Making the Best Creamy Soup with Parmesan Cheese and Italian Sausage
1. Use Fresh Parmesan
While pre-grated Parmesan cheese is convenient, fresh Parmesan is the key to achieving the richest, most flavorful soup. Freshly grated Parmesan will melt into the soup more smoothly and provide a deeper, more complex taste.
2. Control the Spice Level
Italian sausage comes in both mild and spicy varieties. If you prefer a soup with a bit of heat, go for the spicy sausage. If you want a more subdued flavor, stick with mild sausage. You can also adjust the heat level by adding more or less crushed red pepper flakes.
3. Add More Vegetables
Feel free to add more vegetables for extra texture and nutrition. Spinach, kale, or even zucchini would be wonderful additions. Just add them in with the potatoes and broth so they have time to cook and absorb the flavors of the soup.
4. Make it Lighter
For a lighter version of this soup, you can swap the heavy cream for half-and-half, or even whole milk. If you want to cut calories but still want a creamy texture, you can also substitute the cream with a bit of coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk (though this will change the flavor slightly).
5. Make It Ahead
This soup stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days, and like most soups, the flavors deepen and improve over time. It’s perfect for meal prep, as it’s even better the next day. To reheat, just warm it gently on the stove and add a splash of cream or broth to restore its creamy texture.
6. Freeze Leftovers
If you want to make this soup in advance, you can freeze it for later. Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer bag. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, let it thaw overnight in the fridge and warm it up on the stove. You may need to add a little extra liquid to bring back the creamy consistency.
Why You’ll Love Creamy Soup with Parmesan Cheese and Italian Sausage
1. Rich and Flavorful
The combination of creamy broth, savory sausage, and Parmesan cheese makes this soup irresistibly rich and full of flavor. Each bite is packed with comforting textures, from the creamy broth to the tender vegetables and sausage.
2. Hearty and Filling
This soup is hearty enough to be a full meal on its own. With the potatoes, sausage, and cream, it’s a satisfying dish that will fill you up without leaving you feeling weighed down. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner, especially on a chilly day.
3. Versatile
While the recipe is delicious as written, it’s also highly adaptable. You can swap out ingredients or adjust seasonings to fit your preferences. Whether you want to add extra veggies, make it spicier, or lighten it up, this soup can be tailored to suit any taste.
4. Comforting and Warm
Creamy Soup with Parmesan Cheese and Italian Sausage is the definition of comfort food. It’s warm, hearty, and full of all the flavors that make you feel right at home. It’s the kind of soup you want to curl up with after a long day or serve when entertaining friends and family.
Conclusion
Creamy Soup with Parmesan Cheese and Italian Sausage is a soul-satisfying dish that delivers both comfort and flavor in every spoonful. The rich, creamy broth, savory sausage, and perfectly balanced seasonings come together to create a soup that’s both indulgent and satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or preparing a special meal for guests, this soup is sure to impress.
With its easy preparation, customizable ingredients, and comforting nature, it’s a perfect recipe to have in your culinary repertoire. Serve it with a side of crusty bread or a light salad, and you’ve got a meal that will leave everyone asking for seconds. So grab your ingredients, get your soup pot ready, and enjoy this delicious bowl of comfort today!
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