Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup

Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup is a rich, comforting dish that’s perfect for cold days or whenever you crave a flavorful, creamy meal. This soup combines savory Italian sausage, a luscious Parmesan cheese base, and fresh spinach to create a delightful blend of Italian flavors. Easy to make and versatile, this soup is perfect for a cozy dinner or as a satisfying option for entertaining guests.

This soup is both comforting and filling, with robust flavors from Italian sausage and a creamy, Parmesan-infused broth. It’s easy to customize—add vegetables like carrots or potatoes for extra heartiness, or adjust the heat with red pepper flakes. Serve with crusty bread for a complete meal the whole family will love.

• 1 lb sweet Italian sausage
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1-1/2 cups ditalini pasta (or pasta of choice)
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for garnish)
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

1. In a large pot over medium heat, brown the Italian sausage, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Once browned, remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

1. In the same pot, add olive oil and heat over medium. Sauté the diced onion until translucent (about 5 minutes), then add garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Prepare the Soup Base

1. Pour in the chicken broth, bringing it to a boil. Reduce to a simmer, then add heavy cream, oregano, basil, and optional red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

1. Add ditalini pasta to the simmering broth and cook until al dente (about 8 minutes).

Step 5: Add Sausage and Spinach

1. Return the cooked sausage to the pot. Stir in the chopped spinach and cook until wilted (about 2 minutes).

Step 6: Add Parmesan and Serve

1. Remove from heat, then stir in Parmesan cheese until fully melted. Ladle into bowls, garnish with additional Parmesan and fresh parsley, and serve hot.

• Texture: Add potatoes or carrots for extra heartiness.
• Spiciness: Adjust the heat by adding or omitting red pepper flakes.
• Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove to maintain creaminess.

1. Can I make this soup with spicy Italian sausage?
Absolutely! Spicy Italian sausage adds a delicious kick that complements the creaminess of the soup. You may want to omit the red pepper flakes if you prefer a milder flavor.

2. Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes! Feel free to use other small pasta shapes like elbow, small shells, or even orzo. Adjust cooking time based on pasta choice.

3. Can I freeze this soup?
Cream-based soups generally don’t freeze well due to texture changes, but you can freeze it before adding the cream. When reheating, add fresh cream for the best consistency.

4. How do I make this soup thicker?
For a thicker consistency, reduce the broth by about 1/2 cup or simmer the soup a bit longer before adding the Parmesan. You can also blend a portion of the soup for added creaminess.

5. What sides go well with this soup?
Serve with crusty bread, garlic bread, or a light side salad to balance the richness of the soup.

This Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup brings the comforting flavors of Italian cooking to your table in a delicious, easy-to-make meal. Enjoy the warmth and richness with each spoonful!

Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup

Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup is a warm, comforting dish perfect for chilly days. This rich and savory soup combines Italian sausage, hearty vegetables, and pasta in a creamy Parmesan broth that’s bursting with flavor. With garlic, spinach, and a blend of Italian herbs, each spoonful is deeply satisfying and reminiscent of classic Italian flavors. This one-pot soup is easy to make, filling, and ideal for family dinners or meal prepping. Serve it with crusty bread for a complete meal that everyone will love!

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course Main Course, Soup

Cuisine American, Italian

Servings 6

Calories 400 kcal

Equipment

• Large soup pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Ladle

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb Italian sausage mild or spicy, based on preference
• 1 tbsp olive oil if needed, for sautéing
• 1 small onion diced
• 2 carrots diced
• 2 celery stalks diced
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 4 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
• 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half for a lighter option
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1½ cups baby spinach roughly chopped
• 1 cup small pasta such as ditalini or elbow
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: crushed red pepper flakes for a hint of heat
• Fresh parsley or basil for garnish

Instructions

 

• Cook the Sausage
• In a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until browned, breaking it into crumbles with a spoon. Drain any excess grease if necessary.
• Sauté the Vegetables
• Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté for 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring constantly.
• Add Broth and Seasoning
• Pour in the chicken broth, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
• Cook the Pasta
• Add the pasta to the pot and cook for about 8–10 minutes, or until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
• Add Cream and Cheese
• Lower the heat to medium-low. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the soup is creamy.
• Add Spinach
• Stir in the chopped spinach and cook for an additional 2–3 minutes, until wilted. Adjust seasoning to taste, adding more salt, pepper, or crushed red pepper flakes if desired.
• Serve
• Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or basil. Serve hot with crusty bread or garlic bread on the side.

Video

Notes

• For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half instead of heavy cream, or use milk for an even lower calorie option.
• You can use kale in place of spinach for a heartier texture.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to maintain the creamy consistency.
• Add a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving to brighten the flavors.

Keyword Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup