Description
Hearty Italian sausage soup brings comfort in a bowl with rich, savory flavors. Robust ingredients blend perfectly, creating a satisfying meal for chilly evenings you’ll savor to the last spoonful.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 1 pound (454 grams) Italian sausage
Vegetables:
- 1 medium onion
- 3–4 garlic cloves
- 2 medium carrots
- 2 celery stalks
- 2 cups fresh or frozen spinach
Liquids and Seasonings:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cups (946 milliliters) chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 ounces/411 grams) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
- 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Brown Italian sausage in olive oil over medium heat, breaking into crumbles until fully cooked and golden.
- Incorporate chopped onions, minced garlic, diced carrots, and sliced celery into the pot, sautéing until vegetables turn tender and release aromatic flavors.
- Sprinkle Italian seasoning and optional red pepper flakes, stirring to distribute spices evenly and enhance the soup’s depth.
- Pour chicken broth and diced tomatoes into the mixture, allowing the liquid to reach a gentle simmer for 12-15 minutes to develop rich, complex flavors.
- Gently fold fresh spinach leaves into the bubbling soup, watching them wilt and integrate seamlessly with the creamy base.
- Stream heavy cream into the pot, creating a luxurious texture, then gradually whisk in grated Parmesan cheese until smoothly melted.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, tasting to ensure balanced flavor profile.
- Ladle hot soup into serving bowls, garnishing with fresh chopped parsley or basil, and offer crusty bread alongside for a complete, comforting meal.
Notes
- Swap out traditional pork sausage for turkey or chicken sausage to reduce fat content and create a lighter version of the soup.
- Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a less caloric alternative that still maintains a creamy texture.
- Add extra vegetables like zucchini or kale to boost nutritional value and create more depth in the soup’s flavor profile.
- For a gluten-free option, ensure the sausage is gluten-free and skip any bread accompaniments or use gluten-free bread for serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 363 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 810 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg