If there’s one recipe I could make on repeat during chilly weather, it has to be this Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup Recipe. When I first made it, I was blown away by how simple yet flavorful it turned out. The hearty Italian sausage, creamy broth, and little ditalini pasta create a dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. My family gobbled it up so quickly, and they’ve been requesting it regularly since! It’s a true one-pot wonder that comes together much faster than you’d think. Plus, the fresh parsley and parmesan on top add a lovely finishing touch, making it both comforting and elegant.
This soup strikes the perfect balance of richness and zest, making it ideal for weeknight dinners, cozy weekends, or even special gatherings. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want a pot of this on the stove all season long!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
Here’s why this soup will become your favorite!
Simple Yet Packed with Flavor
This soup is proof that you don’t need complex ingredients to create a dish loaded with flavor. With Italian sausage, garlic, cream, and parmesan at the forefront, every bite is a delight for your taste buds.
A One-Pot Wonder
You’ll love how easy it is to whip this up without dirtying multiple dishes. Everything cooks in one pot, so cleanup is a breeze.
Versatile and Customizable
This recipe is super flexible. Love more vegetables? Toss them in. Need a dairy-free option? There’s an easy workaround. You can even swap out the pasta for potatoes or different grains.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re cozying up on a weeknight or hosting friends for a casual meal, this soup fits the mood perfectly.
Family-Approved
Even picky eaters love this soup. You can customize the spice level to be as mild or zesty as you like, making it kid-friendly for the whole family.
Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
- Italian sausage
- Onion
- Garlic
- Chicken broth
- Diced tomatoes
- Ditalini pasta
- Italian seasoning
- Cream cheese
- Parmesan cheese
- Heavy whipping cream
- Fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper
Variations and Equipment
- Dairy-Free: Swap cream cheese and heavy cream with coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk for a lighter version.
- Pasta-Free: Replace pasta with small diced potatoes or cauliflower for a low-carb option.
- Extra Veggies: Add diced carrots, celery, or fresh spinach for more nutrients and color.
- Spicy Twist: Sprinkle in red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage for added heat.
Equipment Needed
- Large Stockpot: For cooking everything in one place seamlessly.
- Wooden Spoon: To break up the sausage and mix ingredients evenly.
- Knife and Cutting Board: For chopping onions, garlic, and parsley.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For precise ingredient portions.
How to Make Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup?
Making this soup is easier than you think. Whether you’re an experienced cook or a beginner, you’ll find the steps straightforward and enjoyable. Here’s how to bring this rich and hearty soup to life:
Cook the Sausage and Onions 🍳
Start by heating a large stockpot over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and break it apart as it browns. Toss in the chopped onions and cook everything until the sausage is fully cooked and the onions are soft. Drain any excess grease for a cleaner, lighter soup base.
Add Garlic and Broth 🧄
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about a minute, just until it’s fragrant. Then, pour in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, ditalini pasta, and Italian seasoning. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a boil.
Cook the Pasta 🍝
Simmer the soup for about 6–8 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente. The flavors begin to meld beautifully at this stage.
Stir in the Creamy Elements 🧀
Lower the heat and gently mix in the slightly warmed cream cheese, grated parmesan cheese, and heavy whipping cream. Stir until everything melts into a velvety, creamy broth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Garnish and Serve 🌿
Ladle the soup into bowls, then top each serving with fresh parsley and extra parmesan. A side of crusty bread or a simple salad pairs perfectly. Enjoy every comforting bite!
Tips for Making the Recipe
- For smooth blending, slightly warm the cream cheese before adding it to the soup. This prevents clumping and ensures a silky texture.
- If you prefer a thinner broth, add an extra cup of chicken stock toward the end.
- The pasta absorbs more liquid over time. If making ahead, consider cooking the pasta separately and adding it just before serving.
How to Serve Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup?
This soup is a show-stopper on its own, but a few thoughtful additions can elevate the experience further. Serve it in wide, shallow bowls for a beautiful presentation. Garnish generously with more grated parmesan and a sprinkle of parsley.
For sides, offer warm garlic bread, a sourdough roll, or a refreshing salad like spinach with apples and walnuts. A drizzle of olive oil on top or a pinch of red pepper flakes adds an artistic flair.
Nutritional Information
This soup is hearty and satisfying, and it packs a good nutritional punch too! Here are the approximate values per serving (based on six servings):
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 17g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fat: 21g
Make Ahead and Storage
One of the many perks of this recipe is how well it keeps, making it a great option for meal prep or leftovers. After the soup cools, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. Keep in mind that the pasta may soak up some of the broth, so you might need to add extra stock or water when reheating.
If you’d like to freeze it, omit the pasta before storing. Cook the pasta fresh when you’re ready to enjoy the soup again. It freezes well for up to 2 months, but cream-based soups tend to change texture slightly after thawing. Reheat slowly on low heat, stirring frequently for the best results.
This Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup is everything you want in a cozy meal. Quick to prepare, customizable, and utterly delicious, it’s bound to become a staple in your recipe rotation!
For a visual guide, watch the full recipe video here:
Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage casings removed if needed
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 2 tsp minced garlic
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can 14.5 oz petite diced tomatoes
- 8 oz ditalini or other small pasta uncooked
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 4 oz cream cheese softened
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 Tbsp fresh parsley chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a stockpot, cook the Italian sausage and chopped onion over medium heat until the sausage is no longer pink, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then, add the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, uncooked pasta, and Italian seasoning. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 6-8 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente.
- Lower the heat and stir in the softened cream cheese, grated Parmesan, and heavy whipping cream. Continue stirring until everything is fully melted and blended. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Finish by garnishing with fresh chopped parsley. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Swap the ditalini pasta for Russet potatoes. Dice them and boil until fork-tender.
- Add extra veggies like diced celery and carrots while boiling the pasta for more texture and flavor.
- Stir in a handful or two of fresh spinach at the end and cook until wilted.
- For a spicy kick, mix in ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes.
