Creamy Parmesan Chicken Sausage Soup With Lemon Ricotta Swirl

There’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting soup on a chilly evening, and this Creamy Parmesan Chicken Sausage Soup with Lemon Ricotta Swirl is guaranteed to hit the spot! This isn’t your average soup; it’s a symphony of flavors – savory Italian sausage, tender potatoes, aromatic herbs, and a luxurious Parmesan cream base. But the real star? A vibrant, zesty Lemon Ricotta Swirl that adds a touch of brightness and elegance to every spoonful. This recipe is surprisingly easy to make, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal. Get ready to experience soup perfection!

You’ll Need These Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) Olive Oil: We’re using olive oil as the base for sautéing our sausage and vegetables. Opt for a good quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor, but any cooking-grade olive oil will work.
• 400g (14 oz) Chicken Italian-Style Sausage, sliced: The heart of our soup! Italian-style chicken sausage brings a wonderful savory flavor. Look for a sausage with fennel and other Italian seasonings. Slicing it allows it to brown nicely and distribute the flavor throughout the soup. Halal-friendly options are readily available.
• 1 medium Onion, diced: Onion forms the aromatic foundation of the soup. Dicing ensures it cooks evenly and melts into the broth. Yellow or white onions work best here.
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced: Garlic adds a pungent, savory depth. Freshly minced garlic is always preferred for its superior flavor.
• 2 Carrots, diced: Carrots contribute a subtle sweetness and vibrant color. Dicing them ensures they cook alongside the other vegetables.
• 2 Celery Stalks, diced: Celery provides a fresh, slightly peppery note. Like the carrots, dicing ensures even cooking.
• 250g (9 oz) Russet Potato, peeled and cubed: Russet potatoes are ideal for soups because they break down slightly during cooking, creating a creamy texture. Cubing them speeds up the cooking process.
• 4 cups (960 ml) Low-Sodium Vegetable Broth: The liquid base of our soup. Using low-sodium broth allows you to control the saltiness of the final dish. You can substitute chicken broth if preferred.
• 1 cup (240 ml) Milk (or Plant-Based Milk): Milk adds richness and creaminess. You can use any type of milk you like – whole milk, 2%, or even a plant-based alternative like almond or oat milk.
• ½ cup (120 ml) Heavy Cream: Heavy cream elevates the soup to a truly luxurious level. It adds a velvety texture and rich flavor.
• ½ cup (50g) Grated Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan cheese provides a salty, umami-rich flavor that complements the sausage and vegetables beautifully. Freshly grated Parmesan is always best.
• 2 teaspoons (10g) Dried Italian Herbs: A blend of dried Italian herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme adds a classic Italian flavor profile.
• Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance all the other flavors.
• ¾ cup (180g) Ricotta Cheese (for Lemon Ricotta Swirl): Ricotta cheese forms the base of our vibrant swirl. Whole milk ricotta is recommended for its creamy texture.
• Zest of 1 Lemon (for Lemon Ricotta Swirl): Lemon zest adds a bright, citrusy aroma and flavor to the ricotta swirl.
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) Olive Oil (for Lemon Ricotta Swirl): A touch of olive oil helps to create a smooth and emulsified ricotta swirl.
• Pinch of Smoked Paprika (for Lemon Ricotta Swirl): Smoked paprika adds a subtle smoky flavor and a beautiful color to the swirl.
• 2 tablespoons (30g) Panko Breadcrumbs (for garnish): Panko breadcrumbs provide a delightful crispy texture.
• 2 tablespoons (20g) Grated Parmesan Cheese (for garnish): More Parmesan for extra flavor and a golden-brown crust.
• 1 tablespoon (5g) Chopped Fresh Basil (for garnish): Fresh basil adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous aroma.
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) Melted Butter (for garnish): Melted butter helps the panko breadcrumbs toast to golden perfection.

Substitutions & Variations

Feel free to customize this soup to your liking! Here are a few ideas:

• Sausage: If you don’t have Italian chicken sausage, you can use sweet or hot Italian pork sausage.
• Vegetables: Add other vegetables like spinach, kale, or zucchini for extra nutrients and flavor.
• Broth: Chicken broth can be substituted for vegetable broth.
• Ricotta: If you don’t have ricotta, you can use mascarpone cheese, but it will be richer.

Let’s Make It: Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sauté the Sausage: Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot (Dutch ovens work wonderfully!) over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken Italian sausage and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s lightly browned. Don’t overcrowd the pot; work in batches if necessary to ensure proper browning. Remove the sausage from the pot and set aside. Browning the sausage adds a depth of flavor that’s crucial to the soup’s overall taste.
2. Build the Aromatic Base: Add the diced onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic to the same pot. Sauté for 6-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are softened and the onion becomes translucent. This step is all about building layers of flavor. The softened vegetables create a sweet and savory foundation for the soup.
3. Infuse with Herbs and Potatoes: Add the cubed russet potatoes and the dried Italian herbs to the pot. Stir for about a minute to ensure the potatoes and vegetables are well coated with the herbs. This allows the herbs to bloom and release their fragrant oils.
4. Simmer to Tender Perfection: Pour in the low-sodium vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 12-15 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. A gentle simmer is key – you want the flavors to meld without the soup boiling vigorously.
5. Create the Creamy Dream: Stir in the milk, heavy cream, and grated Parmesan cheese. Continue to simmer gently for another 3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the soup thickens slightly and the cheese is fully melted. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Remember to taste as you go and adjust the seasoning accordingly.
6. Prepare the Lemon Ricotta Swirl: While the soup simmers, prepare the lemon ricotta swirl. In a small bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, lemon zest, olive oil, and a pinch of smoked paprika. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is smooth and creamy. The smoked paprika adds a subtle smoky note that complements the lemon beautifully.
7. Craft the Crispy Topping: In a small skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the panko breadcrumbs and 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese. Toast, stirring constantly, for about 2 minutes, or until the breadcrumbs are golden brown and fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside. This adds a delightful textural contrast to the creamy soup.
8. Assemble and Serve: Ladle the hot soup into shallow bowls. Drop a generous teaspoon of the lemon ricotta mixture into the center of each bowl. Using the back of a spoon, gently swirl the ricotta into the soup, creating a beautiful ribbon of creamy yellow. Sprinkle the toasted breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture over the surface of the soup, and garnish with chopped fresh basil. For an extra touch, drizzle a thin line of the remaining ricotta mixture around the rim of the bowl.

Why This Soup Works: The Science of Creaminess

The secret to this soup’s incredible creaminess isn’t just the heavy cream; it’s a combination of techniques. The potatoes, when cooked until fork-tender, release starches that naturally thicken the broth. The Parmesan cheese adds another layer of thickening and umami flavor. Finally, the gentle simmering allows the flavors to meld and the soup to achieve a velvety texture. The lemon ricotta swirl isn’t just for aesthetics; the acidity of the lemon cuts through the richness of the cream, balancing the flavors perfectly.

Choosing the Right Sausage

Selecting a high-quality Italian chicken sausage is paramount. Look for sausages that are made with natural casings and contain a good balance of herbs and spices. A sausage with fennel seeds will add a lovely anise note that complements the other flavors in the soup. Halal-friendly options are readily available, ensuring inclusivity for all dietary preferences. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different levels of spice – a spicy Italian sausage will add a delightful kick!

The Importance of Fresh Herbs

While dried Italian herbs are convenient, using fresh basil as a garnish elevates the soup to another level. The bright, peppery flavor of fresh basil adds a vibrant freshness that complements the creamy richness of the soup. If you don’t have fresh basil, a sprinkle of dried basil will do in a pinch, but fresh is always best.

Lemon Ricotta: A Flavor Revelation

The lemon ricotta swirl is the star of the show. The combination of creamy ricotta, bright lemon zest, and smoky paprika creates a flavor explosion that will tantalize your taste buds. Don’t skip the smoked paprika – it adds a subtle depth of flavor that you won’t get otherwise. The swirl also adds a beautiful visual element to the soup, making it even more appealing.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

This Creamy Parmesan Chicken Sausage Soup is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a side of crusty bread for dipping. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette also makes a lovely accompaniment. For a wine pairing, consider a crisp Pinot Grigio or a dry Rosé.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use a different type of sausage?

Yes, you can! Italian pork sausage or even a spicy chorizo would work well in this soup. Adjust the seasoning accordingly.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, the soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. However, it’s best to add the lemon ricotta swirl and toasted breadcrumbs just before serving.

Is this soup gluten-free?

This recipe is not inherently gluten-free due to the panko breadcrumbs. You can substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs to make it gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Parmesan Chicken Sausage Soup with Lemon Ricotta Swirl is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a cozy night in. The combination of creamy textures, bright flavors, and aromatic herbs will leave you wanting more. Don’t forget to save this recipe to Pinterest for later! [Pinterest Save Button/Link]

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