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I created this soup on a chilly evening when we needed something warm and comforting. The rich cream sauce marries perfectly with spicy Italian sausage while tender spinach adds color and freshness. Its become our favorite cold weather meal warming us up from the inside out.
A Bowl Full of Comfort
This soup has everything I love creamy broth savory sausage and loads of flavor. The spinach adds beautiful color and nutrition making it a complete meal in a bowl. Best of all it comes together quickly perfect for those nights when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients You Need
- Italian Sausage: Choose sweet or spicy sausage, removing casing for easy crumbling. Look for a fresh, bold flavor to enhance the soup's richness.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grated for easy melting, opt for high-quality, aged Parmesan to deepen the broth's taste.
- Heavy Cream: Use full-fat cream for a velvety texture. Gradually temper to avoid curdling.
- Spinach: Fresh, vibrant leaves added at the end for color and nutrients.
- Chicken Broth: Use a rich, flavorful stock as the base.
Lets Make Soup
- Step 1: Prepare Ingredients
- Crumble sausage, mince garlic, dice onions, and roughly chop spinach. Ensure ingredients are ready for seamless cooking.
- Step 2: Cook Sausage
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Brown sausage for 5-7 minutes until golden and aromatic.
- Step 3: Build the Base
- Remove sausage, then sauté onions and garlic in the same pot. Add chicken broth, tomatoes, and seasoning, simmering for 10 minutes.
- Step 4: Finish with Cream
- Lower heat, stir in heavy cream and Parmesan. Gradually temper cream to avoid curdling. Mix until smooth and velvety.
- Step 5: Add Spinach
- Stir in spinach, letting it wilt for 2 minutes. Serve hot with your favorite garnishes.
Make It Extra Special
We love finishing each bowl with fresh Parmesan shavings and a tiny sprinkle of red pepper flakes. Warm crusty bread is perfect for soaking up every last drop of that creamy broth. A simple green salad alongside makes it a complete meal.
Switch It Up
Sometimes I use turkey sausage to keep things lighter. Kale works beautifully instead of spinach and adding pasta makes it even more filling. For my vegetarian friends I swap in plant based sausage and vegetable broth it still tastes amazing.
Saving For Later
This soup keeps well in the fridge for about 4 days. If youre planning to freeze it leave out the cream and cheese then add them fresh when you reheat. Just warm it slowly on low heat to keep that lovely creamy texture.
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Good For You Too
Every bowl gives you plenty of protein and good fats plus all the nutrients from fresh spinach. At around 410 calories its filling without being heavy. The combination of ingredients makes it satisfying and nourishing perfect for those cozy nights in.
My Kitchen Secrets
Add the cream slowly to keep it from separating. A tiny splash of fish sauce gives amazing depth of flavor. I always add the spinach right before serving so it stays bright green and fresh.
Perfect Partners
Fresh focaccia or soft garlic knots are perfect for dunking. Sometimes we enjoy it with a crisp Caesar salad on the side. Pour a glass of Pinot Grigio and youve got a restaurant worthy dinner at home.
Why This Recipe Works
This soup brings together everything you want in a comforting meal. Its simple enough for everyday cooking but special enough for company. The combination of flavors and textures keeps everyone coming back for more.
Storing Your Soup
Let the soup cool before putting it away. It stays good in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. When reheating go low and slow stirring often. Add a splash of broth if it gets too thick. For freezing skip the cream and cheese then add them fresh when you warm it up.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make this soup lighter?
Yes, you can use turkey or chicken sausage instead of regular Italian sausage. You could also use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for fewer calories.
- → Why does cream sometimes curdle in soup?
Cream can curdle when added directly to hot liquid. To prevent this, temper the cream by mixing it with some hot broth before adding it to the soup.
- → How long does this soup keep?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat gently over low heat, adding broth if needed to thin the soup.
- → Can I freeze this soup?
Cream-based soups don't freeze well as they can separate when thawed. It's best to enjoy this soup fresh or within a few days.
- → How spicy is this soup?
The spiciness depends on your sausage choice and if you add red pepper flakes. Use mild Italian sausage and skip the pepper flakes for a milder version.