Name: Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed; 1 tbsp olive oil (if needed); 1 small yellow onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 medium carrots, diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 4 cups chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 2 cups baby spinach or kale; Optional: crushed red pepper flakes for heat

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Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup is a cozy, flavor-packed meal that combines the savory taste of Italian sausage with a rich, cheesy broth. Infused with herbs, garlic, and tender pasta, this dish is perfect for a comforting dinner and comes together in under an hour.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Rich and Comforting: The creamy base, enriched with Parmesan cheese and cream, makes each bite incredibly satisfying.

Full of Flavor: Italian sausage, garlic, and herbs create a bold, savory taste that balances perfectly with the creaminess.

Quick and Simple: Ready in about 30–40 minutes, this soup is ideal for busy weeknights without sacrificing quality.

Customizable: Easily add vegetables, swap proteins, or adjust the spice level to suit your taste.

Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Italian sausage

Yellow onion

Garlic cloves

Chicken broth

Petite diced tomatoes

Ditalini pasta (or other small pasta)

Italian seasoning

Cream cheese

Parmesan cheese

Heavy whipping cream

Fresh parsley

Salt and black pepper

Directions
Cook the Sausage: In a large pot over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess grease.

Add Aromatics: Stir in chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Build the Base: Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes. Stir in the uncooked pasta and Italian seasoning. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 8–10 minutes, or until pasta is tender.

Add Dairy: Lower the heat. Stir in cubed cream cheese until fully melted. Add the grated Parmesan and heavy cream. Stir until smooth and creamy.

Finish and Serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot.

Servings and Timing
Servings: Approximately 6

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations
Add Greens: Stir in baby spinach or kale at the end of cooking for added nutrition.

Vegetarian Option: Use plant-based sausage and vegetable broth.

Spicy Version: Use hot Italian sausage or add crushed red pepper flakes.

Different Pasta: Try elbow macaroni, small shells, or orzo in place of ditalini.

Storage/Reheating
Refrigerator: Store cooled soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer: For best texture, freeze before adding cream and cheese. Thaw and reheat, then add the dairy ingredients before serving.

Reheating: Warm on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or cream if it has thickened too much.

FAQs
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, this soup holds up well when made in advance. Reheat gently to maintain the creamy texture.

What kind of sausage works best?
Mild or spicy Italian sausage both work well. Choose according to your preferred spice level.

Can I use milk instead of cream?
Yes, though it will be less rich. Whole milk is the best alternative for a similar texture.

How do I keep the cream from curdling?
Add cream over low heat and avoid boiling after dairy is added to prevent curdling.

What vegetables can I add?
Spinach, kale, mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers are great additions.

Is this soup gluten-free?
It can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta and checking that all other ingredients are labeled gluten-free.

Can I substitute cream cheese?
You can leave it out or use a splash of sour cream or Greek yogurt for a tangy twist.

Will the pasta get soggy if stored?
Yes, pasta may soften over time. To avoid this, cook it separately and add to individual portions when reheating.

Can I freeze this soup with pasta?
It’s best to freeze the soup without pasta and dairy. Add fresh pasta and cream when reheating.

What should I serve with this soup?
Crusty bread, garlic toast, or a light salad pair wonderfully with this hearty soup.

Conclusion
Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup is a rich, flavorful dish that combines simple ingredients into a truly comforting meal. Whether you’re feeding a family or preparing a cozy meal for two, this soup is sure to become a favorite. With flexible variations and easy prep, it’s a go-to recipe for any season.

Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup

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Author: Sarra
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Soup, Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-American

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Description

This Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup is a hearty and comforting dish packed with savory Italian sausage, tender vegetables, and rich Parmesan cheese in a velvety cream-based broth. Perfect for chilly days or cozy dinners, this one-pot meal is bursting with bold flavors and rustic Italian charm.

Instructions

In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the sausage over medium heat until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
In the same pot, add olive oil if needed, then sauté onion, carrots, and celery until softened (about 5-6 minutes).
Stir in garlic and Italian seasoning, cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
Return sausage to the pot, add chicken broth, and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook for 10–15 minutes.
Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Simmer until slightly thickened (5 minutes).
Add spinach or kale and stir until wilted. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
Serve hot with crusty bread or a sprinkle of extra Parmesan.