Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound Italian sausage (sweet or spicy, casings removed)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 5 ounces fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the Italian sausage to the pot, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until the sausage is browned, about 7-8 minutes, making sure to crumble it as it cooks. Drain off any excess grease.
- Pour in the chicken broth and add the diced tomatoes (undrained), dried basil, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Stir in the chopped spinach and cook until it wilts, about 2-3 minutes. Reduce the heat to low, and stir in the heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Do not boil after adding the cream.
Notes
- Add Pasta: For a heartier soup, stir in cooked pasta such as ditalini or small shells during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Spice It Up: Use hot Italian sausage and add an extra pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicier kick.
- Vegetable Boost: Add other vegetables like carrots, celery, or zucchini for extra nutrients and flavor.
- Make it Lighter: Substitute half-and-half or milk for the heavy cream to reduce the fat content.
- Cheese Please: Stir in some shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese at the end for an extra cheesy creamy Italian sausage soup.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350 Kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg