Warm up with this Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup, a hearty and flavorful dish that’s perfect for cozy nights. Packed with fresh vegetables, tender orzo, and a rich Parmesan-infused broth, it’s a comforting and delicious way to enjoy wholesome ingredients.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
- Italian Sausage: Adds savory flavor and protein, making the soup hearty and satisfying.
- Olive Oil: Used to sauté veggies, enhancing their flavor.
- Onion, Carrots, Celery, Zucchini: These fresh vegetables add depth, texture, and nutrients.
- Garlic: Infuses the soup with a warm, aromatic flavor.
- Chicken Broth: Provides a flavorful base, balancing richness with lightness.
- Diced Tomatoes: Adds acidity and brightness, complementing the creamy base.
- Orzo Pasta: Adds heartiness and a delightful texture, making the soup more filling.
- Heavy Cream: Makes the soup creamy and rich, giving it a luxurious texture.
- Parmesan Cheese: Infuses the broth with a nutty, savory flavor.
- Spinach: Adds a burst of color and nutrients, making the soup more wholesome.
- Dried Oregano & Basil: Enhance the Italian flavor profile, bringing warmth and earthiness.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Optional, for a subtle kick of heat.
Alternative Ingredients
- Ground Turkey or Chicken: A leaner option in place of Italian sausage.
- Leeks or Shallots: Swap for onion to add a milder, slightly sweet flavor.
- Butternut Squash or Sweet Potatoes: Use instead of zucchini for a heartier, slightly sweet twist.
- Bone Broth: A nutrient-rich alternative to chicken broth, adding depth to the flavor.
- Farro or Quinoa: Use instead of orzo for a whole grain, gluten-free option.
- Coconut Milk: A dairy-free alternative to heavy cream, adding a subtle sweetness.
- Kale or Swiss Chard: Use instead of spinach for a heartier, slightly bitter green.
- Thyme or Rosemary: Alternative herbs to oregano and basil, offering earthy and piney notes.
- Smoked Paprika: Add instead of red pepper flakes for a smoky, mild heat.
Detailed Steps
Cook the Sausage: Brown the sausage in a large pot, breaking it up as it cooks. Keeping the rendered fat in the pot adds flavor when you sauté the vegetables.
Sauté the Vegetables: Start with the onions to draw out their sweetness, then add the carrots and celery. Garlic goes in last—just a quick sauté so it doesn’t burn. If the veggies stick, a splash of broth will deglaze the pot.
Add Broth, Tomatoes, and Orzo: Stir in the broth, tomatoes, and orzo. Stir the orzo frequently to avoid sticking. A longer simmer before adding cream enriches the soup’s flavor.
Make It Creamy: Stir in the cream and Parmesan, letting the cheese melt and thicken the soup. Fold in the spinach right before serving for a fresh, vibrant finish.
Expert Tips
Fresh vs. Dried Herbs: While dried herbs are convenient, consider adding a handful of fresh basil or oregano at the end of cooking to brighten the flavor. Fresh herbs release their oils quickly in heat, adding a vibrant finish to the soup.
Parmesan Rind: If you have a Parmesan rind, toss it into the soup as it simmers. It adds a deep, umami-rich flavor that enhances the broth. Remove the rind before serving.
Control the Creaminess: If you prefer a slightly lighter soup, reduce the heavy cream by half and replace it with additional broth or milk for a balanced creaminess without sacrificing texture.
Texture Variation: For a bit of crunch, consider adding toasted pine nuts or a sprinkle of crispy pancetta as a garnish right before serving. It contrasts nicely with the creamy soup.
Pre-Cook the Orzo: If you’re planning to store leftovers, consider cooking the orzo separately and adding it to each bowl before serving. This prevents the orzo from absorbing too much liquid and becoming overly soft in the soup.
Flavor Boost: Add a splash of white wine or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving to brighten up the flavors and cut through the richness.
FAQs
Absolutely! This soup stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you plan to store it, consider cooking the orzo separately and adding it just before serving to prevent it from getting too soft.
You can substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative. Just note that this will slightly change the flavor and consistency.
To make the soup gluten-free, replace the orzo with gluten-free pasta, rice, or even quinoa.
Yes, this soup freezes well, but it’s best to freeze it without the orzo, which can become mushy when thawed. Add fresh-cooked orzo when reheating.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup with crusty bread or garlic bread for dipping. A fresh salad or roasted vegetables complements the soup’s richness, while cheese sticks or an antipasto platter add extra flavor and variety.
Storage Suggestions
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the soup without the orzo for up to 3 months, adding fresh orzo when reheating.
You’ll also enjoy:
- Roasted Cherry Tomato Sauce
- Easy Beetroot and Cucumber Salad
- Pesto Orzo Pasta Salad
- Bucatini Pomodoro
- Fennel Tomato Salad
Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage (preferably turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter option) diced small
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion diced
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 2 medium carrots diced
- 2 celery stalks diced
- 1 zucchini diced
- 5 cups chicken broth low-sodium
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz) salt added
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup orzo pasta uncooked
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese grated
- 2 cups spinach leaves fresh or frozen
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage from the pot and set aside.1 tbsp olive oil, 1 lb Italian sausage
- In the same pot, add the diced onion, carrots, celery, and zucchini. Sauté until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.1 medium onion, 2 medium carrots, 2 celery stalks, 1 zucchini, 3 garlic cloves
- Pour in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and orzo pasta, along with the cooked sausage. Stir in the dried oregano, basil, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is tender.5 cups chicken broth, 1 can diced tomatoes, 3/4 cup orzo pasta, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp dried basil, 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the soup is creamy and well combined.1/2 cup heavy cream, 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
- Add the fresh spinach leaves to the pot and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted.2 cups spinach leaves
- Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil and a sprinkle of additional Parmesan cheese if desired.salt and pepper to taste
Video
@cookinglikekate Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup – Full recipe link in my bio #easyrecipes #fyp #souprecipe #onepotdinner #fallrecipes ♬ MILLION DOLLAR BABY (VHS) – Tommy Richman
Notes
- Brown Sausage Well: Adds depth of flavor.
- Deglaze Pot: Use broth to lift flavorful bits.
- Stir Orzo Often: Prevents sticking.
- Simmer Longer: Enhances flavor before adding cream.
- Add Spinach Last: Keeps it fresh and vibrant.
- Use Fresh Parmesan: For best flavor and creaminess.
- Adjust Thickness: Add more broth if soup is too thick.
- Cook Orzo Separately: If storing leftovers to avoid mushiness.
- Add Lemon Juice: A splash brightens up flavors.
Nutrition
Disclaimer: I am a health and wellness coach with a degree in health science from Arizona State University. However, I am not a doctor or registered dietitian. Any information or advice provided on this website is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider before making any dietary or lifestyle changes, especially if you have a medical condition. The information provided on this website is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be taken as professional medical advice or a substitute for it.
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