Step-by-Step Instructions for Parmesan Sausage Soup

• In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it browns, which takes about 5-7 minutes. Once fully cooked and no longer pink, remove the sausage from the pot and set it aside, leaving behind any flavorful drippings.
• In the same pot, add the chopped onion, minced garlic, diced carrots, and diced celery. Sauté the mixture over medium heat until the vegetables are tender and fragrant, approximately 5-7 minutes.
• Next, stir in the dried basil, dried oregano, ground black pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired. Cook for an additional minute.
• Pour in 6 cups of chicken broth along with the can of diced tomatoes, including their juices. Turn the heat up and bring this mixture to a rolling boil.
• Once boiling, add 1 cup of uncooked small pasta to the pot. Cook according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until al dente.
• Once the pasta is cooked, return the browned sausage to the pot along with 4 cups of fresh spinach leaves. Stir gently until the spinach wilts.
• Finally, add ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese to the soup, stirring until it melts and creaminess envelops the ingredients. Adjust the seasoning with salt as needed.
• Ladle the steaming Parmesan Sausage Soup into bowls and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot.