Description
Hearty Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup delivers robust Mediterranean flavors in one comforting bowl. Rich with savory sausage, herbs, and creamy parmesan, this recipe promises warmth and satisfaction for winter gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 pound (1 lb) Italian sausage (mild or hot), casing removed
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (optional)
Vegetables:
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 stalks celery, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Liquid and Dairy:
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings and Garnish:
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Olive oil for cooking
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium temperature. Crumble Italian sausage and cook until golden brown and fully separated, approximately 6-8 minutes. Remove sausage and set aside on a separate plate.
- In the same pot, sauté diced onions, minced garlic, celery, and red bell peppers until vegetables soften and release aromatic flavors, roughly 5-7 minutes.
- Pour chicken broth into the pot, bringing liquid to a gentle simmer. Return cooked sausage to the pot and incorporate Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Allow mixture to simmer for 3-4 minutes.
- Lower heat to medium-low. Gradually whisk heavy cream into the soup, then fold in grated Parmesan cheese until completely melted and integrated smoothly.
- Optional protein enhancement: Stir shredded chicken into the soup, heating until warm throughout.
- Finish by squeezing fresh lemon juice into the soup. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve hot in individual bowls. Garnish with chopped parsley, sliced green onions, and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for added texture and flavor.
Notes
- Use high-quality Italian sausage with robust flavor for the best taste profile.
- Brown the sausage thoroughly to develop deep caramelized edges and enhance overall soup richness.
- Select fresh vegetables like crisp celery and bright bell peppers for maximum texture and nutrition.
- Consider removing sausage casings before cooking to ensure even crumbling and better meat integration.
- Opt for freshly grated Parmesan instead of pre-packaged cheese for superior melting and authentic flavor.
- Control soup thickness by adjusting cream quantity – less cream creates lighter consistency, more cream produces richer texture.
- Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for lighter version without compromising creaminess.
- Make soup gluten-free by using certified gluten-free chicken broth and checking sausage ingredients.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 465
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg