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To make creamy Parmesan sausage pasta soup, you need a few key ingredients. Each one adds flavor and texture to this hearty meal. - 1 lb Italian sausage (choose sweet or spicy) - 1 medium onion, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 3 medium carrots, diced - 2 stalks celery, diced - 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained - 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth - 1 cup uncooked small pasta (like ditalini or elbow) - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 2 cups baby spinach - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Each ingredient plays a role in the soup's taste. The Italian sausage gives it a nice kick. The fresh vegetables add crunch and nutrients. The broth creates a warm base, while the cream makes it rich. The cheese adds a savory depth. Finally, the spinach brings color and health benefits. Enjoy playing with these ingredients to find your favorite balance! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by cooking the sausage in a large pot over medium-high heat. Remove the casing from the sausage. Crumble it into the pot. Cook until it turns brown, which takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Use a spoon to break it apart as it cooks. While the sausage cooks, dice your vegetables. Chop one medium onion, three medium carrots, and two stalks of celery. Mince three cloves of garlic. Set these aside for the next steps. Once the sausage is brown, it’s time to add the vegetables. Stir in the diced onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes. You want the veggies to soften, so stir occasionally. Next, add a can of diced tomatoes (14.5 oz) with their juice. Pour in 6 cups of chicken or vegetable broth. Bring this mixture to a boil. When the soup boils, reduce the heat to medium-low. Now, it’s time to add the uncooked pasta. Use 1 cup of small pasta, like ditalini or elbow. Cook according to the package instructions, which is usually about 8 to 10 minutes. You want it to be al dente. Once the pasta is cooked, lower the heat. Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheese melts and the soup becomes creamy. Now, fold in 2 cups of baby spinach and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. The spinach will wilt from the heat of the soup. Season with salt and pepper to taste. After this, let the soup sit for a few minutes before you serve it. Ladle it into bowls and sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top. Garnish with chopped parsley. Enjoy with crusty bread for dipping! To make this soup your own, try swapping the Italian sausage. You can use chicken sausage or even turkey sausage for a lighter option. If you want to go meatless, a plant-based sausage works well too. For seasoning, taste as you cook. If you want a kick, add red pepper flakes. Fresh herbs like basil or thyme can add a bright flavor. Always remember to season with salt and pepper to fit your taste. Cooking pasta in the soup is key. Add the pasta when the soup boils to keep it from getting too soft. Check the pasta package for cooking times. Aim for al dente, which means slightly firm. To enhance the creaminess, stir in the heavy cream slowly. Make sure it blends well with the soup. The Parmesan cheese also adds a rich texture. If you want it creamier, add more cheese. Enjoy a thick, hearty soup! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs will enhance the flavor of your soup significantly. Opt for fresh parsley and spinach for a vibrant taste. Customize the Spice Level: Depending on your preference, you can use spicy Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes for an extra kick. Leftovers Storage: This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth to loosen it up. Make it Gluten-Free: Substitute the small pasta with gluten-free pasta or omit it entirely for a lighter version that still tastes delicious. {{image_2}} When it comes to sausage, you have choices. You can pick sweet or spicy sausage. Sweet sausage gives a nice, mild flavor. Spicy sausage adds a kick that warms you up. If you're not a sausage fan, you can use ground turkey or chicken. These options keep it light yet tasty. If you want a vegetarian version, try plant-based sausage. These can mimic the flavor of meat without using animal products. You can also add more veggies to boost flavor and nutrition. Think mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers. They add great texture and color to your soup. For those who need gluten-free options, choose gluten-free pasta. Rice or quinoa pasta works well. If you're avoiding dairy, use a dairy-free cream. There are many coconut or almond-based creams available. These swaps let everyone enjoy creamy Parmesan sausage pasta soup without worry. To keep your creamy Parmesan sausage pasta soup fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps prevent any odors from other foods in your fridge. It lasts up to four days in the fridge. Always let the soup cool before sealing it. This step helps keep the soup's flavor intact. You can freeze this soup for up to three months. To freeze, let it cool down, then pour it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Remember to leave some space for the soup to expand as it freezes. When you want to eat it, thaw the soup in the fridge overnight. Reheat the soup on the stove over medium heat. Stir it often to avoid sticking. You may need to add a splash of broth or cream to restore its creamy texture. If you use a microwave, heat in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even warming. Enjoy your comforting meal! Yes, you can make this soup ahead of time. Just prepare it as usual and store it in the fridge. It stays good for about three days. When you reheat it, the pasta may soak up some broth. You can add more broth while warming it up to get the right consistency. I recommend using small pasta shapes. Ditalini or elbow macaroni fit well in the soup. These shapes soak up the flavors nicely. You can also try shells or small penne if you like. To make the soup spicier, use hot Italian sausage. You can also add red pepper flakes while cooking. For a milder taste, use sweet Italian sausage. You can skip the pepper flakes and spice up the flavor with herbs. Yes, you can use other cheeses! Mozzarella adds a nice stretch, while cheddar gives a sharp taste. Just remember to grate the cheese for better melting. Try mixing cheeses for extra flavor! This soup goes great with crusty bread. You can also serve it with a fresh salad on the side. Grilled cheese sandwiches make a fun pair too. Enjoy your meal with family and friends! We explored the key ingredients and steps to create a delicious soup. From choosing your sausage to adding fresh veggies and cream, each choice impacts flavor. I shared tips for perfecting texture and adjusting flavors to fit your taste. Remember, you can make this soup your own by changing ingredients and storing it properly. Enjoy making this dish and sharing it with others. It’s easy, satisfying, and sure to please everyone.

Creamy Parmesan Sausage Pasta Soup

A hearty and creamy soup featuring Italian sausage, pasta, and fresh vegetables.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb Italian sausage (sweet or spicy, based on your preference)
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 medium carrots, diced
  • 2 stalks celery, diced
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 cup uncooked small pasta (like ditalini or elbow)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups baby spinach
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • for garnish Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, heat over medium-high heat. Remove the casing from the sausage and crumble it into the pot. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Add the diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened.
  • Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juice) and the broth. Bring the mixture to a boil.
  • Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and add the uncooked pasta. Cook according to the pasta package instructions, typically about 8-10 minutes, or until al dente.
  • Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy.
  • Fold in the baby spinach and Italian seasoning, letting it wilt in the heat of the soup. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Remove from heat and let it sit for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle with additional Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley for garnish. Serve with crusty bread on the side for dipping. Enjoy!
Keyword creamy, Italian, pasta, sausage, soup