Description
Hearty Italian sausage soup combines robust flavors from Mediterranean ingredients with comforting winter warmth. Simmering vegetables and sausage create a nourishing meal that welcomes you to savor each spoonful of rustic comfort.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (454 g) Italian sausage
- 1 cup (240 ml) chicken broth
- ½ white onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (6 oz / 170 g) tomato paste
- 1 can (14.5 oz / 411 g) petite diced tomatoes
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp (5 g) Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp (2.5 g) kosher salt
- ¼ tsp (1.25 g) fresh cracked black pepper
- ½ cup (113 g) cream cheese
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- ¼ cup (25 g) Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Flavor Foundation: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, sautéing onions until they become translucent and softened, releasing their subtle sweetness.
- Aromatic Enhancement: Add minced garlic and quickly sauté, allowing its pungent essence to permeate the cooking environment without burning.
- Protein Transformation: Introduce Italian sausage, breaking it down with a wooden spatula, browning thoroughly until the meat develops a rich, caramelized exterior and loses its raw appearance.
- Liquid Symphony: Combine tomato paste, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, cream cheese, and chicken broth, whisking the ingredients into a harmonious, robust liquid base.
- Creamy Elevation: Carefully incorporate heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, stirring consistently to create a luxurious, smooth texture that binds all flavors together.
- Final Refinement: Reduce heat and let the soup simmer gently, partially covered, for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even heat distribution, allowing flavors to meld and intensify.
- Presentation: Remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley and an additional Parmesan cheese sprinkle, serving immediately while hot and aromatic.
Notes
- Sauté Secrets: Caramelize onions and garlic slowly to unlock deep, rich flavor profiles without burning.
- Meat Mastery: Break sausage into small, uniform crumbles for even cooking and consistent texture throughout the soup.
- Cream Control: Add heavy cream and Parmesan gradually while stirring to prevent separation and achieve a silky, smooth consistency.
- Seasoning Strategy: Balance Italian herbs and spices carefully to enhance the sausage’s natural robust taste without overwhelming the dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 422
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 756 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 19 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 113 mg