Description
This Creamy Parmesan Pasta Soup with Italian Sausage is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for chilly days. Combining savory Italian sausage, tender pasta, fresh vegetables, and a rich, creamy parmesan base, it offers a warm and satisfying meal that is easy to prepare and versatile for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat
- 1 pound Italian sausage (casings removed)
Dairy
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
Pasta
- 3/4 cup small pasta (ditalini, elbow macaroni, or small shells)
Liquids
- 6 cups chicken broth
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, chopped
- 2 cups fresh spinach
Herbs & Seasonings
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish and mixing)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Brown the Italian Sausage: Remove the casing from the Italian sausage and crumble it into a large pot over medium heat. Cook until the sausage is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. This step develops the rich, meaty base of the soup.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add finely chopped onions and minced garlic to the browned sausage in the pot. Cook while stirring until fragrant and the onions become translucent, approximately 2-3 minutes. This enhances the savory depth of the soup.
- Add Vegetables and Broth: Stir in the chopped carrots and fresh spinach, then pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the vegetables to soften.
- Cook the Pasta: Add your choice of small pasta to the simmering soup. Cook according to the pasta package instructions, usually 7-10 minutes, until al dente, ensuring the pasta absorbs the broth and flavor.
- Stir in Cream and Parmesan: Reduce the heat to low. Slowly whisk in the heavy cream followed gradually by the freshly grated parmesan cheese. Stir continuously to prevent curdling and achieve a smooth, creamy, and cheesy soup base.
- Season and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs like parsley. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with additional parmesan and herbs as desired. Enjoy warm.
Notes
- Use freshly grated parmesan for best melting and rich flavor.
- Do not overcook the pasta; it should be just tender to maintain texture when reheated.
- Brown the sausage thoroughly to develop deep caramelized flavors.
- Add cream slowly by tempering it with a small amount of hot soup first to prevent curdling.
- Season gradually and check salt levels after adding parmesan since it is naturally salty.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 750 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
Keywords: creamy pasta soup, parmesan soup, Italian sausage soup, comforting soup, easy soup recipe, Italian pasta soup, hearty soup