Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup

Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup is a delightful dish that brings warmth and comfort to any occasion. This soup combines rich flavors from the creamy broth, savory Italian sausage, and tangy Parmesan cheese. It’s perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or a cozy night in. The balance of ingredients ensures a satisfying meal that’s both hearty and delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can have a tasty soup ready in under 30 minutes.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of cream cheese and Parmesan creates a luxurious taste that stands out.
• Versatile Ingredients: Easily adaptable with different types of pasta or vegetables based on your preference.
• Feeding a Crowd: This recipe serves six, making it an excellent choice for family meals or entertaining guests.
• Comforting Warmth: Ideal for chilly days, this soup provides a cozy feeling with every spoonful.

Tools and Preparation

Preparing Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup is simple with the right tools. These essential items will help you make this dish effortlessly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large dutch oven or pot
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Stirring spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Large dutch oven or pot: Essential for cooking the soup evenly and holding all the ingredients without spilling.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface to chop ingredients, ensuring your kitchen stays tidy during preparation.

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Ingredients

To create this comforting Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup, gather the following ingredients:

Meat and Dairy

• 1 lb Italian sausage
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Vegetables and Seasonings

• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 2 cloves minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

Liquids and Pasta

• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 (14.5 ounces) petite diced tomatoes
• 8 ounces ditalini pasta

Garnish

• 1/4 cup fresh basil

How to Make Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Place the sausage in a large dutch oven or pot. Brown and crumble the sausage until cooked through. Drain off any excess grease.

Step 2: Sauté Onions and Seasonings

Stir in the onion, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the onions are tender.

Step 3: Add Garlic

Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Add Tomatoes, Broth, and Pasta

Pour in the petite diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and ditalini pasta. Make sure the pasta is covered by the broth. Bring to a boil and cook for 8 minutes or until pasta is al dente.

Step 5: Incorporate Cream Cheese and Parmesan

Turn down the heat to medium. Stir in cream cheese and grated Parmesan cheese. Cook another 5 minutes or until the cream cheese melts into a creamy consistency.

Step 6: Serve with Fresh Basil

When serving, top each bowl with fresh basil for added flavor.

Enjoy your deliciously creamy bowl of Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup!

How to Serve Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup

Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup is a delightful dish that offers warmth and comfort. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.

With Crusty Bread

• Sourdough Bread: Serve with slices of crusty sourdough bread for a tangy complement.
• Garlic Bread: Toasted garlic bread adds a rich flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy soup.

Topped with Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Basil: Fresh basil adds a burst of color and freshness.
• Parsley Sprinkles: A sprinkle of parsley enhances the soup’s visual appeal and taste.

In a Bread Bowl

• Edible Bowls: Serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls for a fun and interactive meal.

Accompanied by Salad

• Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad provides crisp, refreshing contrast to the creamy soup.
• Mixed Green Salad: Lightly dressed mixed greens balance the richness of the soup.

How to Perfect Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup

To elevate your Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh vegetables and herbs to enhance flavor.
• Adjust Thickness: If you prefer a thicker soup, add more cream cheese or reduce the broth slightly.
• Experiment with Spices: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat or try different herbs for unique flavors.
• Cook Pasta Separately: For firmer pasta, cook it separately and add it just before serving.
• Allow Flavors to Marry: Let the soup sit for 10 minutes after cooking for deeper flavors.

Best Side Dishes for Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup

Pairing side dishes with your Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some tasty options.

1. Garlic Knots: Soft, buttery knots infused with garlic are great for dipping into the soup.
2. Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze offer brightness.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add color and nutritional value alongside your soup.
4. Pasta Salad: A light pasta salad complements the soup’s richness without being too heavy.
5. Stuffed Mushrooms: Savory stuffed mushrooms filled with herbs and cheese make an elegant addition.
6. Cheesy Quesadillas: Crispy quesadillas filled with melted cheese provide a satisfying crunch.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup, it’s easy to fall into some common traps. Here are a few mistakes to steer clear of:

• Skipping the browning step: Not browning the sausage properly can lead to less flavor. Be sure to brown and crumble it well for a rich taste.

• Overcooking the pasta: Cooking the ditalini pasta too long can make it mushy. Aim for al dente to ensure the right texture in your soup.

• Neglecting seasoning adjustments: Each broth varies in saltiness. Always taste and adjust seasoning as needed before serving.

• Rushing cream cheese incorporation: Adding cream cheese too quickly might create lumps. Stir it in gradually over medium heat for a smooth finish.

• Not using fresh basil: Fresh herbs enhance flavor significantly. Always top your soup with freshly chopped basil for a burst of freshness.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Allow the soup to cool before placing it in the fridge.

Freezing Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup

• Freeze in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months.
• Leave some space at the top of containers, as liquid expands when frozen.

Reheating Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place soup in an oven-safe dish and cover. Heat for about 20-25 minutes or until hot.

• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl and cover loosely. Heat in 1-minute bursts, stirring in between until heated through.

• Stovetop: Pour into a saucepan and heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through, about 5-10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup:

Can I use turkey instead of Italian sausage?

Yes! Ground turkey is a great alternative that will still provide delicious flavor without compromising texture.

How can I make this soup vegetarian?

For a vegetarian version of Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup, use plant-based sausage alternatives and vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

What can I substitute for ditalini pasta?

If you can’t find ditalini pasta, you may use small shells or elbow macaroni as substitutes without changing the overall flavor profile.

How do I store leftovers from Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup?

Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Final Thoughts

Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup is not only comforting but also versatile, making it perfect for any dinner occasion. Feel free to customize it by adding different vegetables or adjusting seasonings to suit your taste. Enjoy making this hearty meal!