Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Oils
- 1 pound Italian sausage (sweet or spicy)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids and Dairy
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Pasta and Greens
- 1 cup small pasta shapes (ditalini, orzo, or small shells)
- 2 cups baby spinach or kale
Seasonings
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional), to taste
Instructions
- Brown the Italian Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through, releasing flavorful oils that create the savory soup base.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add finely chopped onion and garlic to the pot with the sausage. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant, building the aromatic foundation of the soup.
- Add Broth and Pasta: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to let starch naturally thicken the soup.
- Stir in Cream, Cheese, and Greens: Reduce heat to low. Slowly stir in the heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy. Add baby spinach or kale last, letting it wilt just before serving to preserve its color and slight crunch.
- Season and Serve: Season with salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes to taste. Give everything a final stir, ladle into bowls, and enjoy immediately for optimal flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use fresh Parmesan cheese grated at home for better flavor and creaminess.
- Slightly undercook the pasta since it will soften further in the hot soup.
- Adjust the amount of heavy cream to achieve your desired soup thickness.
- Ensure the sausage is well browned to enhance flavor through caramelization.
- Simmer gently after adding cream to avoid curdling.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free (if using gluten-free pasta)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: parmesan pasta soup, italian sausage soup, creamy pasta soup, one-pot soup, comfort food, easy soup recipe