Name: Satisfying Italian Sausage Soup with Parmesan – Comfort Food Perfection!
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: italian
Ingredients: 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy); 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 small onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 carrots, chopped; 2 celery stalks, chopped; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes; 4 cups chicken broth; 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed; 2 cups spinach or kale, chopped; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional); Salt and black pepper, to taste; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Nothing beats a warm bowl of hearty Italian sausage soup when you’re craving comfort food. This recipe is packed with rich flavors from savory sausage, aromatic herbs, and a perfectly seasoned broth. The addition of Parmesan cheese adds a delightful creaminess, making every spoonful incredibly satisfying. Plus, it’s easy to prepare, perfect for meal prep, and highly customizable to suit your dietary preferences. Whether you need a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy meal on a chilly evening, this soup is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Italian sausage
Onion
Garlic
Carrots
Celery
Diced tomatoes
Chicken broth
Cannellini beans
Spinach or kale
Italian seasoning
Crushed red pepper flakes
Olive oil
Salt
Black pepper
Grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

Prepare the Ingredients: Start by chopping the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery into small pieces for even cooking.
Cook the Sausage: In a large pot, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and break it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned, then remove excess fat if necessary.
Sauté the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté until the vegetables are softened and aromatic.
Add Tomatoes and Seasoning: Stir in the diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Let the mixture cook for a few minutes to develop flavors.
Pour in Broth and Beans: Add the chicken broth and drained cannellini beans. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 20 minutes.
Add Greens: Stir in the spinach or kale and cook until wilted.
Finish with Parmesan: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese into the soup, stirring well to incorporate.
Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with additional Parmesan if desired, and enjoy!

Variations

Spicy Version: Use hot Italian sausage and increase the red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
Vegetarian Option: Substitute the sausage with plant-based sausage or hearty mushrooms and use vegetable broth.
Creamy Twist: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of ricotta cheese for added richness.
Low-Carb Alternative: Skip the beans and add cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a keto-friendly version.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4-6 servings

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before warming.

FAQs

How can I make this soup thicker?

To thicken the soup, mash some of the beans or add a cornstarch slurry.

Can I use a different type of sausage?

Yes! Turkey or chicken sausage work well as leaner alternatives.

What’s the best cheese substitute for Parmesan?

Try Pecorino Romano or Asiago for a similar sharp and salty flavor.

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes! Brown the sausage first, then add all ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

Is this soup gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you check the labels on your broth and sausage.

Can I add pasta to this soup?

Absolutely! Small pasta shapes like ditalini or orzo make a great addition.

How do I make it less spicy?

Use mild Italian sausage and omit the red pepper flakes.

Can I use dried beans instead of canned?

Yes, but they must be pre-cooked before adding to the soup.

What’s the best way to add more vegetables?

Bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms would complement this soup well.

Can I prepare this soup ahead of time?

Yes! It tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.

Conclusion

This Italian sausage soup with Parmesan is the ultimate comfort food—rich, hearty, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you enjoy it as a cozy weeknight meal or meal-prep for the week, it’s a recipe you’ll keep coming back to. Give it a try and savor every comforting spoonful!

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