Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup Recipe
There’s something so comforting about a big, steamy bowl of Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup. This hearty classic brings together juicy Italian sausage, fresh vegetables, a touch of pasta, and a cloud of parmesan in a rich, velvety broth. It’s the kind of soul-warming meal that feels like a cozy Italian kitchen—perfect for busy weeknights or curling up on weekends. If you’re craving that perfect marriage of savory sausage, melty Parmesan, and luscious creaminess, this soup will win you over on the very first spoonful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup is how a handful of everyday ingredients come together to create something spectacular. Each component offers a unique flavor, texture, or pop of color, making every bite just a little bit special.
- Italian sausage: Choose mild or spicy—removing the casing makes it easy to crumble and brown for meaty, classic flavor.
- Olive oil: Just a drizzle gives your sausage and veggies that signature golden color and depth of flavor.
- Yellow onion: Diced and sautéed, it forms the aromatic base of the soup, mellowing out as it cooks.
- Garlic: Minced cloves release irresistible fragrance and a little punch to deepen the broth.
- Carrots: Sliced for sweetness and brilliant color, they balance the savory sausage beautifully.
- Celery: Adds a subtle crunch and classic warmth to every spoonful.
- Dried Italian seasoning: A pinch of herbs delivers that unmistakable Italian aroma—think oregano and basil in harmony.
- Crushed red pepper flakes: Optional, but perfect if you enjoy just a hint of heat.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: The flavorful foundation! Using low-sodium lets you control the seasoning.
- Heavy cream: Swirled in for that dreamy, silken finish you expect in a creamy soup.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Melts right in, transforming the broth into something extra luscious.
- Fresh spinach: Stirred in at the end, it wilts gently for color and a tender green note.
- Small pasta: Shapes like ditalini or elbow soak up the broth and make each bite extra satisfying.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, so you can hit that perfect balance every time.
- Chopped fresh parsley: Optional but gorgeous for a bright, herbaceous finish when serving.
How to Make Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by heating your olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, crumble in the Italian sausage—make sure you’ve removed the casing for easy browning. Stir the sausage and break it up as it cooks, letting it get beautifully golden and completely cooked through. If there’s extra grease, scoop it out so your Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup isn’t too heavy.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics and Vegetables
Add the diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery right into the pot with the sausage. The sound and smell will instantly make your kitchen feel like a little trattoria! Sauté for about five to six minutes, just until the onions are translucent and the carrots and celery start to soften. These veggies build layers of classic Italian flavor.
Step 3: Season and Add Broth
Sprinkle in the dried Italian seasoning for that signature herby goodness, and don’t forget the crushed red pepper flakes if you’re craving a touch of heat. Pour in your chicken broth, stirring well to deglaze any delicious bits stuck to the bottom. Bring everything up to a gentle boil—it’s starting to look and smell incredible already.
Step 4: Add Pasta and Simmer
Once your soup is bubbling, stir in the small pasta of your choice. Let it cook until just al dente, following package instructions so it stays satisfyingly toothsome. The pasta will soak up all the flavors and make the soup subtly creamy and filling.
Step 5: Stir in Cream and Parmesan
Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and pour in the heavy cream, then sprinkle in that magical grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and the soup becomes rich and luxurious—the creamy base is what makes Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup so swoon-worthy! Simmer for another three to four minutes to let everything mingle.
Step 6: Finish with Spinach and Seasoning
Finally, add in the chopped fresh spinach. It’ll wilt in just a couple of minutes, turning the soup a beautiful green and rounding out the flavors with fresh earthiness. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper, then you’re ready to serve piping hot!
How to Serve Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup
Garnishes
Just before serving, shower the bowls with freshly chopped parsley or an extra grating of Parmesan for an irresistible, restaurant-quality touch. For a little zing, a crack of black pepper or some lemon zest can also lift the flavors—presentation and taste, all in one go!
Side Dishes
A good slice of crusty Italian bread or warm garlic knots turns Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup into a full meal, perfect for dunking and soaking up every last drop. A side green salad tossed in a bright vinaigrette will balance the richness and round out your table beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Ladle the soup into hearty mugs for a cozy appetizer at parties, or serve in rustic bowls topped with a Parmesan crisp for a fun twist. For an extra-special touch, hollow out small bread boules and use them as edible soup bowls—instant wow-factor for dinner guests!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup keeps well in the refrigerator for up to three days. Store it in an airtight container—just know the soup gets even thicker as it sits (thanks, pasta and cheese!), so you might need to stir in a splash of broth when you reheat it.
Freezing
For longer storage, this soup can be frozen for up to two months. Let it cool completely, then pour into freezer-safe containers. Consider leaving the pasta out and adding it fresh when you reheat, since noodles can soften after thawing.
Reheating
Warm the soup gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, adding extra chicken broth as needed to loosen the consistency. Stir well to make sure the creamy base doesn’t separate, and taste for seasoning before serving. The microwave works, too—just cover loosely and heat in short bursts.
FAQs
Can I make Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! This soup actually develops even deeper flavors after sitting for a day. Just be prepared to add more broth when reheating, as the pasta and cheese will thicken the soup overnight.
Is it possible to make this soup gluten-free?
Yes—you can swap out the pasta for your favorite gluten-free variety or even stir in cooked rice for a delicious alternative. Be mindful of your sausage brand, as some do contain fillers.
What kind of sausage works best?
Both mild and spicy Italian sausage taste delicious here. Spicy adds a little kick that pairs so well with the creamy broth, but mild is perfect for anyone who prefers less heat. Pork, chicken, or turkey sausage all work!
Can I use a different green instead of spinach?
Definitely! Kale is a wonderful swap and holds its texture well. You could also try Swiss chard, or even a handful of arugula for a peppery note. Just add heartier greens a few minutes earlier so they can soften.
How can I make this soup lighter?
If you’d like a lighter version of Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream and use leaner sausage or turkey sausage. The soup will still taste wonderfully creamy—just a little gentler!
Final Thoughts
If you’re hunting for a recipe that delivers pure comfort and restaurant-level taste with minimal fuss, make Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup your next kitchen adventure. It’s a surefire crowd-pleaser that transforms simple ingredients into a bowlful of cozy, cheesy joy. Grab your spoon and get ready for second helpings—you’ll be glad you did!
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Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and comforting flavors of this Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup. Loaded with Italian sausage, veggies, pasta, and a creamy Parmesan broth, this soup is a satisfying one-pot meal perfect for chilly nights.
Ingredients
Italian Sausage Soup:
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casing removed)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups chopped fresh spinach
- 1 cup small pasta (like ditalini or elbow)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage: In a large pot, cook Italian sausage in olive oil until browned.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery; sauté until softened.
- Add Seasonings and Broth: Stir in Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and chicken broth; bring to a boil.
- Cook Pasta: Add pasta and cook until al dente.
- Finish the Soup: Lower heat, add cream and Parmesan; simmer until thickened. Stir in spinach until wilted.
- Season and Serve: Season with salt and pepper, garnish with parsley, and serve hot.
Notes
- You can substitute kale for spinach or use half-and-half for a lighter version.
- Soup thickens upon standing; add extra broth when reheating.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
