Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup Recipe

Cozy Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup Recipe for Fall

Warm, hearty creamy parmesan italian sausage soup brings comfort to chilly evenings with its rich, satisfying flavors.

Fragrant herbs and tender meat blend seamlessly in this delightful culinary creation.

Kitchens come alive when such robust ingredients mingle together.

Silky textures and deep umami notes promise a memorable dining experience.

Professional chefs and home cooks alike adore this simple yet sophisticated dish.

Each spoonful delivers a perfect balance of savory elements that dance across your palate.

Pro Tips to Nail Sausage Soup

  • Use high-quality turkey sausage and freshly grated Parmesan for maximum taste intensity and authentic Italian profile.
  • Keep meatballs uniformly small (1 inch) to ensure even cooking and perfect texture throughout the soup.
  • Add heavy cream slowly and stir continuously to maintain smooth consistency and prevent curdling.
  • Let soup simmer gently after adding cream to develop rich, complex flavors and allow ingredients to harmonize.
  • Replace spinach with kale for added nutrients or use Swiss chard for a different leafy green variation.

Flavor Variations for Sausage Soup

  • Spicy Chorizo Kick: Replace turkey sausage with spicy chorizo for a bold, zesty flavor profile that adds heat and depth to the soup.
  • Mediterranean Lamb Fusion: Swap turkey sausage for ground lamb, incorporate mint leaves, and add a touch of cumin for a Middle Eastern-inspired variation.
  • Vegetarian Protein Boost: Substitute meatballs with plant-based sausage crumbles or roasted chickpeas, maintaining the creamy texture and Italian seasonings.
  • Seafood Coastal Version: Use shrimp or white fish chunks instead of meatballs, adding a light, oceanic touch to the creamy soup base.

Pairings That Go with Sausage Soup

  • Sip and Savor Wine Companion: Pair this hearty Italian sausage soup with a medium-bodied Chianti or Sangiovese wine, enhancing the rich tomato and meat flavors with its complementary acidity and subtle tannins.
  • Bread Basket Delight: Select a rustic sourdough or ciabatta bread with a crispy crust and soft interior, perfect for soaking up the creamy broth and adding textural contrast to each spoonful.
  • Herbaceous Side Salad: Create a light arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette, featuring shaved Parmesan and toasted pine nuts to balance the soup's richness and provide a fresh, zesty counterpoint.

Storage Tips for Sausage Soup

  • Transfer cooled soup to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent absorbing other food odors and maintain freshness.
  • Pack soup in freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing spinach, as it can become mushy when thawed.
  • Pour soup into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Stop when soup reaches steaming temperature.

FAQs

  • Are the meatballs pre-cooked before adding to the soup?

The meatballs are browned in olive oil before being added to the soup, which helps develop flavor and ensures they are partially cooked before simmering in the broth.

  • Can I use a different type of meat for the meatballs?

You can substitute turkey sausage with ground chicken, pork, or beef sausage while maintaining similar seasoning proportions for the best flavor profile.

  • Is this soup considered a low-carb option?

Yes, this soup is relatively low-carb, especially if you skip bread and focus on the protein-rich meatballs, vegetables, and creamy base without adding starchy ingredients.

Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup Magic

  • Craft Quick Comfort Meal: Perfect for busy home cooks seeking a delicious, hearty soup that comes together with minimal kitchen effort and maximum flavor impact.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like sausage type, add different vegetables, or adjust spice levels to match personal taste preferences and dietary needs.
  • One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup with everything cooked in a single pot, reducing kitchen mess and saving precious time after meal preparation.
  • Family-Friendly Flavor Explosion: Packed with protein-rich meatballs, creamy texture, and kid-approved ingredients that appeal to both adults and children, making mealtime a crowd-pleasing experience.

Ingredients to Create Sausage Soup

For the Meatballs:
  • Turkey Sausage: A lean protein that provides a rich, savory flavor to the soup.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, salty taste and helps bind the meatballs together.
  • Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that enhances the overall Mediterranean profile of the dish.
  • Garlic: Provides a robust, aromatic base for the meatballs.
  • Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out the natural flavors of the ingredients.
For the Base:
  • Olive Oil: A heart-healthy oil used for sautéing and adding depth to the dish.
  • Onion: Provides a sweet, foundational flavor to the soup.
  • Chicken Broth: Creates a flavorful liquid base for the soup.
  • Cherry Tomatoes: Adds a burst of freshness and slight acidity to the soup.
  • Heavy Cream: Gives the soup a rich, luxurious texture and creamy consistency.
  • Spinach: Introduces a nutritious green element and vibrant color to the dish.
For the Finishing Touches:
  • Additional Parmesan Cheese, Italian Seasoning, Fresh Cracked Black Pepper: Provide final layers of flavor and seasoning to the soup.

Step-by-Step Sausage Soup Instructions

Step 1: Blend Meatball Mixture

Combine turkey sausage with a blend of zesty seasonings in a mixing bowl. Sprinkle in:
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Italian seasoning
  • Minced garlic
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Gently mix ingredients and roll into bite-sized spheres about the width of a quarter.

Step 2: Sizzle Golden Meatballs

Warm olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Carefully place meatballs into the sizzling pan.

Rotate occasionally to ensure even browning for 5-7 minutes until golden and crispy. Transfer meatballs to a side plate.

Step 3: Awaken Vegetable Flavors

In the same pot with remaining oil and browned bits, toss chopped onions and garlic. Stir and cook until onions become translucent and fragrant, releasing their sweet aroma.

Step 4: Build Soup Foundation

Pour chicken broth into the pot. Slide meatballs and cherry tomatoes back into the liquid.

Allow mixture to simmer gently, encouraging tomatoes to soften and burst with flavor.

Step 5: Create Luxurious Creamy Texture

Swirl in heavy cream and sprinkle Parmesan cheese.

Let soup simmer, allowing ingredients to dance and meld together. Season with additional Italian seasoning and fresh cracked pepper.

Step 6: Finish with Fresh Greens

Fold fresh spinach into the hot soup, watching it wilt and turn vibrant green. Taste and adjust seasonings.

Ladle into bowls and serve alongside crusty, warm bread for dipping.

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Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup Recipe

Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup Recipe


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4.7 from 18 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Hearty Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup brings Italian comfort to your kitchen with rich, bold flavors. Spicy sausage and smooth parmesan create a luxurious blend you’ll crave on chilly evenings.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) turkey Italian sausage
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters/8 fluid ounces) heavy cream
  • 1 cup (100 grams) freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Vegetables and Aromatics:

  • 1 small onion (finely chopped)
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 cup (150 grams) cherry tomatoes (whole)
  • 2 cups (60 grams) fresh baby spinach

Seasonings and Liquids:

  • 4 cups (960 milliliters/32 fluid ounces) chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh cracked black pepper to taste
  • Crusty bread for serving

Instructions

  1. Craft compact meatballs by blending turkey sausage with Parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic, salt, and pepper. Roll into uniform one-inch spheres.
  2. Warm olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Gently brown meatballs, rotating every couple minutes until golden and cooked through, approximately 5-7 minutes. Transfer to a separate plate.
  3. In the identical pot, sauté diced onions and minced garlic until softened and translucent, releasing aromatic flavors.
  4. Stream chicken broth into the pot, bringing liquid to a gentle simmer. Reintroduce meatballs and fold in cherry tomatoes. Allow mixture to simmer 4-5 minutes, encouraging tomatoes to soften and slightly burst.
  5. Incorporate heavy cream and grated Parmesan, stirring consistently. Maintain low simmer for 8-10 minutes, encouraging broth to thicken and ingredients to harmonize. Season with additional Italian herbs and fresh cracked pepper.
  6. Cascade fresh spinach across soup’s surface, allowing leaves to wilt from residual heat. Taste and refine seasonings as desired.
  7. Ladle steaming soup into bowls, accompanying with crusty, rustic bread for an indulgent dining experience.

Notes

  • Swap turkey sausage with plant-based sausage or lentils for a vegetarian version that maintains rich, hearty flavors.
  • Create smaller, more delicate meatballs by chilling the mixture for 15 minutes before shaping, which helps them hold together perfectly during cooking.
  • Reduce dairy content by using half-and-half or coconut cream instead of heavy cream, maintaining the soup’s creamy texture while lowering fat content.
  • Enhance nutrition by adding additional vegetables like zucchini or kale, boosting the soup’s vitamin and mineral profile without compromising its delicious Italian essence.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 415 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 820 mg
  • Fat: 33 g
  • Saturated Fat: 13 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 9 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 22 g
  • Cholesterol: 95 mg
Michael Thompson

Michael Thompson

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Creating single-serving recipes tailored for individuals, small households, or meal preppers
  • Culinary arts with a focus on clean plating and natural styling for food photography
  • Working with fermented ingredients and dairy-based cooking techniques
  • Designing seasonal menus that use fresh, locally sourced produce

Education

Cascade Culinary Institute – Bend, OR

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Gained hands-on experience in professional kitchens, learning advanced recipe development, seasonal ingredient sourcing, and simple, beautiful food presentation.

ServSafe Food Handler Certification – Portland, OR

  • Program: Food Safety Certification
    Focus: Certified in core food safety and hygiene principles for both home and professional kitchens, with emphasis on ingredient handling, kitchen cleanliness, and safe preparation methods.

Mike’s kitchen journey began with a single goal: to make everyday meals feel like something worth celebrating.
After earning his Certificate in Culinary Arts from Cascade Culinary Institute, he spent years working with local farmers and small kitchens across Oregon, learning the beauty of seasonal, small-batch cooking.
Mike’s approach is simple, cook with what’s fresh, keep it approachable, and always leave room for a little creativity. When he’s not testing yogurt marinades or designing single-serving meals, you’ll find him hiking trails or hunting down the best berries at local markets.

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