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Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup: A Cozy Comfort Food Recipe

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound Italian sausage I use turkey sausage for a leaner option, but feel free to go with your favorite!
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 4 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth for a vegetarian twist
  • 1 cup heavy cream the creaminess factor is a game-changer
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese because who can resist Parmesan?
  • 2 cups kale chopped (or spinach if you prefer)
  • 2 medium potatoes diced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • ½ teaspoon salt to taste
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • Olive oil for sautéing

Instructions
 

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

  • Start by heating up a large pot over medium heat and adding a drizzle of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, crumble the Italian sausage into the pot. I love using turkey sausage here because it’s lean and still so flavorful, but feel free to go with regular sausage if that’s more your style.
  • Cook the sausage, breaking it up as it browns, until it's nice and golden. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. The goal is to get that perfect crispy, caramelized texture that gives the soup its depth of flavor.

Step 2: Add the Veggies

  • Once the sausage is browned, toss in the diced onion and garlic. Stir them around for about 2-3 minutes until they’re softened and fragrant. The combination of the sausage, onions, and garlic is already smelling amazing!
  • Next, add the diced potatoes and stir them in. Let everything cook together for another 5 minutes. The potatoes will start to soften, and the sausage flavor will really begin to infuse the whole dish.

Step 3: Simmer the Soup

  • Pour in the chicken broth and bring the soup to a simmer. Let it cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. If you're using a thicker broth, you can add a little more liquid to get the right consistency. I like mine on the creamier side, so I always have a bit of extra broth on hand.

Step 4: Add the Cream and Parmesan

  • This is where the magic happens! Once the potatoes are tender, pour in the heavy cream and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. The cream makes the soup rich and velvety, while the Parmesan adds a deep, nutty flavor. Stir everything until the cheese melts and the soup turns creamy and smooth.

Step 5: Stir in the Kale

  • Now it’s time to add the kale (or spinach, if that’s more your thing). Stir it into the soup, and let it wilt down for a couple of minutes. If you’re using kale, I recommend tearing it into smaller pieces so it’s easier to enjoy with every spoonful.

Step 6: Season to Taste

  • Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. I usually add a pinch more of each, but feel free to make it your own! The balance of the savory sausage, creamy broth, and fresh greens is what makes this soup irresistible.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

  • Once everything is perfectly mixed, serve up a big bowl of this creamy goodness. You can garnish it with a little extra grated Parmesan if you’re feeling extra cheesy, or add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.