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### **Instructions:**
1. **Cook the Sausage:**
– Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Brown the sausage for about 5-7 minutes, or until it’s fully cooked and no longer pink. Once done, remove any excess fat from the pot.
2. **Sauté the Vegetables:**
– Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot with the sausage. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until the onions are softened and fragrant. Add the sliced carrot and diced zucchini, and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
3. **Simmer the Soup:**
– Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, and let the soup cook for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the vegetables to soften.
4. **Add the Cream and Parmesan:**
– Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Allow the soup to simmer for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cheese is fully melted and the soup becomes creamy and rich. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if desired.
5. **Add the Spinach:**
– Stir in the chopped spinach and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the spinach is wilted and incorporated into the soup.
6. **Serve and Garnish:**
– Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. For an extra cheesy touch, sprinkle a little more Parmesan on top.
### **Serving Suggestions:**
– **With a Side of Crusty Bread:** This soup pairs perfectly with a loaf of crusty bread, perfect for dipping in the creamy broth.
– **Top with Croutons:** For added texture and flavor, sprinkle some homemade or store-bought croutons on top.
– **Serve with a Salad:** A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette makes a great side dish to balance out the richness of the soup.
### **Tips for Perfect Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup:**
– **Adjust the Creaminess:** If you want a lighter version of this soup, you can reduce the amount of heavy cream and replace some of it with more chicken broth. Alternatively, for an even richer soup, add more Parmesan cheese.
– **Use Fresh Herbs:** If you have them on hand, fresh basil or oregano can add even more depth of flavor to this soup. Just stir them in at the end for a fresh burst of flavor.
– **Make it Spicy:** For a kick of spice, use hot Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes to the soup to heat things up.
– **Vegetable Options:** Feel free to swap in other vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or kale if you prefer. This soup is very versatile.
### **Why This Soup is a Winner:**
**Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup** is the ultimate comfort food that brings together all the best ingredients in one bowl. The savory Italian sausage, creamy broth, and rich Parmesan cheese make this soup a crowd-pleaser that will satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make and perfect for both busy weeknights and special occasions.
Whether you’re looking for a cozy dinner for yourself or a dish to share with friends and family, this creamy, flavorful soup is sure to become a favorite. Enjoy!
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