Looking for a warm, comforting, and incredibly flavorful soup to serve for dinner? This Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup will hit the spot every time! Packed with Italian sausage, hearty pasta, and an indulgently creamy broth infused with parmesan cheese, this soup is perfect for chilly evenings or when you just want a hearty meal in one bowl. Stick around to discover how to make this soul-satisfying dish with ease, and read through to get tips on substitutions, variations, and perfect serving suggestions!
What is Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup?
Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup is a rich, comforting dish that combines bold Italian sausage, tender pasta, and a luxuriously creamy broth. The flavors of Italian seasoning, garlic, and parmesan cheese blend seamlessly together to create a bowl of pure comfort. It’s a one-pot meal that's incredibly filling, making it an ideal option for lunch or dinner. If you love creamy, savory soups, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your home.
Ingredients List for Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup
To make this savory soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound Italian sausage (casings removed): This will provide the main flavor base for the soup. You can use spicy or mild sausage depending on your preference.
- 1 onion (diced): Adds sweetness and depth to the flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic (chopped): Gives the soup a beautiful aromatic quality.
- ½ teaspoon ground fennel (optional): Adds an extra layer of anise-like flavor, reminiscent of traditional Italian sausage.
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Provides a bit of heat to balance the creamy richness.
- 4 cups chicken broth: Forms the base of the soup, adding depth and savoriness.
- 1 14.5-ounce can petite diced tomatoes: Adds acidity and sweetness, complementing the rich sausage and creamy ingredients.
- 8 ounces pasta (such as ditalini): Ditalini is a great option, but any small pasta shape will work. Use gluten-free pasta if you have dietary restrictions.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs like oregano, thyme, and basil that enhances the flavor profile.
- ½ cup Parmigiano Reggiano (parmesan, grated): Adds a savory, salty finish to the soup.
- 4 ounces cream cheese (warmed): Makes the soup extra creamy and luxurious.
- ½ cup heavy/whipping cream: Adds richness and a silky texture to the broth.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Seasoning to balance out all the flavors.
- 1 tablespoon parsley (chopped, optional): For garnish and added freshness at the end.
Substitutions and Variations
- Meat substitutions: If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute the Italian sausage with ground turkey or chicken sausage.
- Vegetarian option: Skip the sausage altogether and add hearty vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, and zucchini. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Gluten-free pasta: If you are gluten-intolerant, make sure to swap regular pasta with gluten-free options like chickpea pasta or rice-based pasta.
- Spice control: If you're not a fan of spicy food, leave out the red pepper flakes and use mild Italian sausage.
- Cream cheese alternatives: If you don’t have cream cheese on hand, mascarpone cheese or even a little sour cream can be used as a substitute.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s walk through the process of cooking this delicious Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup.

- Prepare the sausage: In a large pot, cook the Italian sausage over medium heat. Use a spatula to break the sausage into small crumbles. Continue cooking until the sausage is browned and fully cooked, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage from the pot and set aside.
- Sauté the onion and garlic: In the same pot, add the diced onion and cook over medium heat until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the chopped garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. If you are using ground fennel or red pepper flakes, add them now and stir to combine.
- Add the broth and tomatoes: Pour in the chicken broth and the can of diced tomatoes, stirring to combine with the onion mixture. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Cook the pasta: Once the broth mixture is boiling, add the pasta and Italian seasoning. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer until the pasta is al dente, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes.
- Mix in the dairy: Once the pasta is cooked, lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Add the cream cheese and heavy cream, stirring constantly to ensure the cream cheese melts smoothly into the soup.
- Incorporate the sausage and parmesan: Return the cooked sausage to the pot, along with the grated parmesan. Stir everything together until well-combined and the soup becomes creamy and thick.
- Season and garnish: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. If using, garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
How to Cook Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Brown the sausage in a large pot.
- Sauté onions and garlic in the same pot.
- Add broth and tomatoes, then bring to a boil.
- Cook the pasta in the broth.
- Stir in cream cheese, heavy cream, sausage, and parmesan.
- Season to taste, and garnish with parsley.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not browning the sausage: Make sure to fully brown the sausage to enhance its flavor. Under-cooked sausage can make the soup greasy and less flavorful.
- Overcooking the pasta: Be careful not to overcook the pasta, as it will continue to absorb the liquid and become mushy if left too long in the soup.
- Adding cream too soon: Wait until the end to add the cream and cream cheese to prevent them from curdling.
- Skipping the parmesan: Parmesan adds essential depth to the soup’s flavor. If you skip it, the soup will be missing that rich umami flavor.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Once your Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup is ready, it’s time to think about how to serve it in a way that looks as delicious as it tastes.
How to Serve Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup
This soup is perfect served in a deep bowl with a generous sprinkle of grated parmesan and chopped parsley on top. You can pair it with crusty bread or garlic bread for dipping, making it even more satisfying.
Presentation Ideas for Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup
- Rustic serving: Serve the soup in earthenware bowls for a rustic, cozy presentation that adds to the comforting nature of the dish.
- Garnish with fresh herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil can brighten the color and enhance the visual appeal.
- Add a drizzle of olive oil: For an extra touch of sophistication, drizzle a bit of high-quality olive oil on top before serving.
Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup Recipe Tips
- Make it ahead: This soup actually tastes even better the next day! If you’re planning to serve it later, just be aware that the pasta may absorb more liquid. You can add a splash of extra broth when reheating.
- Double the batch: This recipe is perfect for freezing. Make a double batch and freeze half for a quick, easy meal later.
- Control the thickness: If you prefer a thinner soup, add an extra cup of chicken broth. For a thicker consistency, use less broth or let the soup simmer longer to reduce.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, you can freeze Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup. However, the pasta may become a bit mushy after freezing, so it's best to cook the pasta separately and add it fresh when reheating the soup. - Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Yes, to make this soup dairy-free, substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative, like coconut cream, and use a vegan parmesan substitute. The taste will be slightly different, but still delicious. - How long will this soup last in the refrigerator?
This soup will last for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container.
Conclusion
Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup is a flavorful, comforting meal that is perfect for cozy dinners or feeding a crowd. The rich combination of sausage, pasta, and creamy broth makes it irresistibly satisfying. Whether you make it as-is or customize it to suit your preferences, this soup will surely become a staple in your kitchen. Now that you know how to make it, grab your ingredients and start cooking – you won’t be disappointed!
PrintCreamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup Recipe
This Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup is a rich, flavorful dish featuring Italian sausage, cream, and Parmesan. Perfect for a cozy dinner, it's loaded with hearty ingredients and comforting flavors. Make this one-pot meal your go-to soup recipe for busy nights!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage (casings removed)
- 1 onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (chopped)
- ½ teaspoon ground fennel (optional)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can petite diced tomatoes
- 8 ounces pasta (such as ditalini, gluten-free for gluten-free option)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ cup parmigiano reggiano (grated)
- 4 ounces cream cheese (warmed)
- ½ cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon parsley (chopped, optional)
Instructions
- Brown the Italian sausage in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add diced onions and cook until softened.
- Stir in garlic, ground fennel, and red pepper flakes (if using), and cook for another minute.
- Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes, and bring to a simmer.
- Add pasta and Italian seasoning, cooking until pasta is tender.
- Stir in Parmesan, cream cheese, and heavy cream. Continue cooking until the cheese melts and the soup is creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and serve.
Notes
- For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta.
- Adjust creaminess by adding more or less heavy cream.
- Can be made spicier with extra red pepper flakes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 950mg
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