When the weather cools down or you’re craving something warm and hearty, this Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup is the perfect dish to warm your heart and belly. Combining the richness of Italian sausage with a creamy, cheesy broth, this soup is flavorful, cozy, and easy to make. Each bite is filled with tender pasta, savory sausage, and the comforting flavors of garlic, onions, and Italian seasoning. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week, this soup will quickly become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
For the Soup:
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, depending on preference)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups short pasta (elbow, shell, or ditalini)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: red pepper flakes for a bit of heat
Directions:
- Brown the Sausage
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up into crumbles, until browned and fully cooked. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set it aside. - Sauté the Onion and Garlic
In the same pot, using the sausage drippings, add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until fragrant. - Simmer the Broth and Tomatoes
Pour in the chicken broth and add the diced tomatoes (with their juices). Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Let the soup simmer for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. - Cook the Pasta
While the soup is simmering, cook the pasta in a separate pot according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside. - Add the Cream and Parmesan
After the soup has simmered, reduce the heat to low and slowly stir in the heavy cream. Allow it to warm through for about 2-3 minutes. Then, gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until it melts and blends into the soup, creating a creamy texture. - Combine Pasta and Sausage
Add the cooked pasta and the browned Italian sausage back into the pot. Stir everything together and let the soup gently simmer for another 5 minutes to let the flavors meld. - Taste and Adjust Seasoning
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. If you like a bit of heat, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes at this stage. -
Serve
Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve with extra Parmesan cheese on top for an extra cheesy bite.
Tips for Perfect Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup:
- Spice Level: If you prefer a spicier kick, opt for hot Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes while browning the sausage. If you’re serving children or those who prefer milder dishes, stick with mild sausage.
- Make it Heartier: For a heartier soup, you can add more vegetables like spinach, kale, or zucchini. These will also add some nice color to the soup.
- Consistency: If the soup is too thick for your liking, you can add more chicken broth to thin it out. If it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few more minutes to reduce and thicken.
- Storage and Reheating: This soup stores wonderfully in the fridge for up to 3 days. The pasta may absorb some of the broth, so when reheating, you may want to add a splash of chicken broth or water to bring it back to the desired consistency.
- Gluten-Free: To make this soup gluten-free, simply swap the regular pasta for a gluten-free pasta or even zucchini noodles.
Why You’ll Love This Soup :
- Rich and Creamy: The combination of heavy cream and Parmesan cheese creates a rich, creamy base that is luxurious and comforting.
- Flavor-Packed: The sausage adds a depth of flavor, while the garlic, onions, and Italian seasoning make every bite incredibly tasty.
- Versatile: You can customize this soup by changing up the pasta, adding different veggies, or adjusting the level of spice.
- One-Pot Wonder: With minimal prep and only one pot needed (plus one for pasta), this is a low-effort, high-reward dish.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This soup makes great leftovers and can be easily reheated throughout the week.
Serving Suggestions:
This Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup is hearty enough to serve on its own, but you can pair it with a few sides for a complete meal. Here are some ideas:
- Garlic Bread: Serve with crispy garlic bread for dipping into the creamy soup.
- Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette can balance the richness of the soup.
- Grilled Vegetables: Add some grilled or roasted vegetables like asparagus or zucchini for a well-rounded meal.
Perfect for Cozy Nights:
There’s nothing better than a big bowl of this Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup when you’re looking for comfort food. It’s the kind of dish that wraps you up like a cozy blanket on a chilly evening, making it perfect for fall and winter months. The richness of the creamy broth paired with the savory sausage and pasta creates a comforting meal that will leave you feeling warm and satisfied.
This soup is great for family dinners, potlucks, or even for meal prepping lunches for the week. Whether you make it for a crowd or enjoy it on your own, it’s sure to become one of your go-to recipes.
Conclusion
So, next time you’re in the mood for a comforting, hearty, and incredibly delicious meal, give this Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup a try. It’s an easy recipe that delivers bold flavors and leaves everyone asking for seconds. Plus, with just a handful of ingredients and a simple process, it’s a dish that even busy cooks can pull off with ease. Make it tonight and enjoy the flavors of creamy, cheesy goodness combined with the savory bite of Italian sausage.
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Creamy Parmesan Sausage Soup
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, depending on preference)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups short pasta (elbow, shell, or ditalini)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: red pepper flakes for a bit of heat
Instructions
Directions:
- Brown the Sausage
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up into crumbles, until browned and fully cooked. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set it aside. - Sauté the Onion and Garlic
In the same pot, using the sausage drippings, add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until fragrant. - Simmer the Broth and Tomatoes
Pour in the chicken broth and add the diced tomatoes (with their juices). Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Let the soup simmer for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. - Cook the Pasta
While the soup is simmering, cook the pasta in a separate pot according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside. - Add the Cream and Parmesan
After the soup has simmered, reduce the heat to low and slowly stir in the heavy cream. Allow it to warm through for about 2-3 minutes. Then, gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until it melts and blends into the soup, creating a creamy texture. - Combine Pasta and Sausage
Add the cooked pasta and the browned Italian sausage back into the pot. Stir everything together and let the soup gently simmer for another 5 minutes to let the flavors meld. - Taste and Adjust Seasoning
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. If you like a bit of heat, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes at this stage. - Serve
Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve with extra Parmesan cheese on top for an extra cheesy bite.
Notes
- Spice Level: If you prefer a spicier kick, opt for hot Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes while browning the sausage. If you’re serving children or those who prefer milder dishes, stick with mild sausage.
- Make it Heartier: For a heartier soup, you can add more vegetables like spinach, kale, or zucchini. These will also add some nice color to the soup.
- Consistency: If the soup is too thick for your liking, you can add more chicken broth to thin it out. If it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few more minutes to reduce and thicken.
- Storage and Reheating: This soup stores wonderfully in the fridge for up to 3 days. The pasta may absorb some of the broth, so when reheating, you may want to add a splash of chicken broth or water to bring it back to the desired consistency.
- Gluten-Free: To make this soup gluten-free, simply swap the regular pasta for a gluten-free pasta or even zucchini noodles.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes