Creamy Italian Sausage Soup Ingredients (Serves 4-6):
For the Soup:
1 lb Italian sausage (spicy or mild, based on preference), casing removed
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
1 celery stalk, chopped
4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a lighter version)
1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 cup spinach (fresh or frozen)
Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish
Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
👩🍳 Instructions:
1. Cook the Sausage:
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Cook for 6-8 minutes, until browned and cooked through. Remove the sausage from the pot and set aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same pot, add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables begin to soften.
Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
3. Simmer the Soup:
Add the diced potatoes to the pot, followed by the chicken broth, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well and bring to a simmer.
Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the soup simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
4. Add Cream and Sausage:
Stir in the heavy cream (or half-and-half) and the cooked sausage. Continue to cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the soup to become creamy and heated through.
5. Add the Spinach:
Add the spinach and stir until it wilts into the soup, about 2-3 minutes. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve:
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or basil. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of flavor, if desired.
Serve with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
💡 Tips:
Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or corn to the soup for more variety.
Spice Level: Adjust the level of spiciness by choosing mild or spicy Italian sausage and using or omitting the crushed red pepper flakes.
Make-Ahead: This soup keeps well for a few days in the refrigerator and can be reheated. The flavors often develop even more after a day or two.
Dairy-Free Option: To make it dairy-free, substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream substitute.
Creamy Italian Sausage Soup is the perfect blend of savory sausage, tender vegetables, and creamy goodness. It's a comforting bowl of warmth that's easy to make and sure to satisfy! 🍲✨