Ingredients

• 1 pound (450 g) Italian sausage, mild or spicy
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 can (14–15 ounces or 400 g) diced tomatoes
• 5 cups (1.2 liters) chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
• 3 cups fresh baby spinach
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil or parsley, chopped

Optional ingredients:

• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1 cup small pasta or 1½ cups cooked white beans
• Extra Parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it into small crumbles with a wooden spoon. Cook for 6–8 minutes until browned and thoroughly cooked.

If the sausage releases too much grease, carefully drain the excess, leaving approximately one tablespoon in the pot for flavor.

Step 2: Cook the Onion and Garlic

Add the diced onion to the browned sausage and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30–60 seconds until fragrant. Avoid burning the garlic, as it can give the soup a bitter taste.

Step 3: Add the Tomato Paste and Seasonings

Stir in the tomato paste, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring continuously to deepen the tomato flavor.

If using sun-dried tomatoes, add them now and stir well to combine with the sausage and aromatics.

Step 4: Add Tomatoes and Chicken Broth

Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices and the chicken broth. Stir thoroughly, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits.

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Simmer uncovered or partially covered for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors blend together.

Step 5: Add the Heavy Cream

Reduce the heat to low and slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring. Allow the soup to warm gently for 2–3 minutes without bringing it to a vigorous boil.

Gradually add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts completely into the broth. This creates a rich, creamy texture and adds a delicious savory flavor.

Step 6: Add the Spinach

Stir in the fresh baby spinach and cook for 1–2 minutes until the leaves wilt. Taste the soup and adjust the salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning as needed.

If the soup is too thick, add a little extra chicken broth. For a richer flavor, add a small handful of additional Parmesan cheese.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the chopped fresh basil or parsley. Let the soup rest for 2 minutes before serving.

Ladle into bowls and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and freshly cracked black pepper. Serve hot with crusty bread, garlic toast, or a fresh green salad.

Recipe Tips

• Use Italian sausage with garlic and herbs for the best flavor.
• Brown the sausage thoroughly to develop a rich, savory base.
• Add the cream over low heat to help prevent separation.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for a smoother, creamier broth.
• Add spinach near the end to preserve its color and texture.
• For a heartier soup, add cooked pasta or white beans just before serving.

Storage Instructions

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Avoid boiling after adding the cream.

For longer storage, freeze the soup for up to 2–3 months for best quality. For the best texture, freeze the sausage-and-tomato base before adding the cream and Parmesan, then incorporate them when reheating.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this creamy Tuscan sausage and tomato soup with crusty artisan bread, garlic bread, toasted baguette slices, or a simple green salad. The combination of savory sausage, tangy tomatoes, tender spinach, and creamy Parmesan broth makes a comforting and satisfying meal for lunch or dinner.