Description
This Creamy Parmesan Pasta Soup with Italian Sausage is a hearty and comforting dish combining savory Italian sausage, tender pasta, fresh spinach, and a rich, creamy broth infused with Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a cozy meal, this soup blends classic Italian flavors with a satisfying texture that warms you from the inside out.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Seafood
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
Liquids and Dairy
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Dry Goods
- 8 ounces pasta (such as fusilli or rotini)
Seasonings
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional garnish: chopped fresh parsley
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 apart with a spoon, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the cooked sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Bring Broth to Boil: Pour in the chicken broth and increase the heat to bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
- Cook Pasta: Add the pasta to the boiling broth and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually around 8-12 minutes depending on the pasta used.
- Combine Sausage and Pasta: Once the pasta is cooked, reduce the heat to low and stir in the cooked sausage to heat through.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese continuously until the cheese melts and the soup develops a rich, creamy texture.
- Incorporate Spinach: Add the fresh spinach leaves and stir gently until they wilt into the soup, about 2 minutes.
- Season: Taste the soup and season generously with salt and pepper according to preference.
- Garnish and Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
- Enjoy: Serve the soup hot for a comforting and delicious meal.
Notes
- You can substitute Italian sausage with turkey sausage for a leaner option.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.
- For a thicker soup, reduce the chicken broth by one cup.
- Shredded mozzarella can be used in place of Parmesan for a different cheesy flavor.
- This soup keeps well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheats nicely on the stovetop or microwave.
