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If you’re craving a bowl of comforting, flavorful soup that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, this Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. Packed with savory sweet Italian sausage, tender pasta, vibrant spinach, and a luscious Parmesan cream base, it transforms simple everyday ingredients into a rich, satisfying meal that’s perfect for sharing or savoring solo. This soul-soothing soup is an absolute favorite in my kitchen and once you try it, I’m confident it’ll become a staple on your menu too.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses straightforward, accessible ingredients that each bring their magic: from the spicy, savory punch of Italian sausage to the creamy smoothness of Parmesan and heavy cream, every component balances beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need to make this soup sing.
- Sweet Italian sausage: Delivers that unmistakable bold and savory flavor that forms the heart of the soup.
- Olive oil: Helps sauté the aromatics and adds a touch of fruity richness.
- Large onion, diced: Adds a sweet, mellow base layer of flavor that complements the sausage perfectly.
- Garlic cloves, minced: Brings a fragrant warmth that livens up the soup.
- Dried oregano: Infuses an earthy, classic Italian herb note that ties the flavors together.
- Chicken broth: The flavorful liquid foundation that makes the soup both savory and comforting.
- Heavy cream: Adds luscious creaminess and smooth texture to the broth.
- Ditalini pasta: Small, tube-shaped pasta that cooks perfectly, adding fun and heartiness.
- Fresh spinach, roughly chopped: Offers vibrant color and a healthy dose of greens that wilt just right.
- Dried basil: Complements oregano with a sweet, slightly minty flavor.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a subtle kick of heat to brighten the soup if you like things a bit spicy.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the natural flavors.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Provides a nutty, salty depth and melts into a silky finish.
- Fresh parsley, chopped: For a fresh, herbal garnish that also brightens the dish visually.
How to Make Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by heating a large pot over medium heat and cooking the sweet Italian sausage. Break it up into small pieces as it browns to ensure every bite has that delicious, savory meatiness. Once it’s cooked through and beautifully browned, scoop it out with a slotted spoon and set it aside. This step builds the core flavor and texture for the soup.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same pot, add olive oil to capture all those flavorful sausage bits left behind. Toss in the diced onion and cook until it becomes translucent and sweet, about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook just one more minute until fragrant, careful not to let it burn. This step layers in essential depth.
Step 3: Build the Broth
Pour the chicken broth into the pot and bring it to a rolling boil before reducing the heat to a simmer. Stir in the heavy cream along with dried oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes if you want a little heat. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. This creamy, herb-scented broth base is what makes this Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup Recipe truly special.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
Add the ditalini pasta to the simmering soup and cook until al dente, which usually takes about 8 minutes. The pasta adds a tender bite and soaks up all the rich flavors from the broth, making every spoonful incredibly satisfying.
Step 5: Add Sausage and Spinach
Return the browned sausage to the pot, stirring it back into the mix. Toss in the chopped spinach and cook until it wilts, about 2 minutes. The spinach adds a lovely pop of color and a fresh, slightly earthy contrast to the richness of the soup.
Step 6: Stir in the Parmesan
Remove the pot from the heat and gently fold in the grated Parmesan cheese. It melts smoothly into the creamy broth, thickening the soup and giving it that signature cheesy, silky finish that defines this recipe.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Ladle the soup into warm bowls and sprinkle with extra Parmesan and freshly chopped parsley for an inviting, fresh touch. Serve immediately so you can enjoy all the layers of warmth and comfort this soup delivers.
How to Serve Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley is simple yet elevates the look and taste of this soup. For an added flourish, a tiny drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a few red pepper flakes on top can bring extra brightness or heat. Garnishes truly make this dish feel special, turning every bowl into a cozy celebration.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty Italian bread or garlic bread for dipping. A crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette complements the creamy texture beautifully and adds a fresh crunch. If you want to keep things hearty, serve alongside a light caprese salad for a full Italian-inspired meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming presentation, serve the soup in mini bread bowls for that fun, rustic touch. You can also layer the soup in clear glass mugs for a pretty visual effect, showcasing all the colorful ingredients. A sprinkle of edible flowers or microgreens on top can add an elegant twist if you’re serving guests or celebrating something special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This soup keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so leftovers taste even better the next day. Just give it a good stir before reheating.
Freezing
You can freeze Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup Recipe for up to 2 months, but be mindful the pasta might soften a bit after thawing. For best results, consider freezing the soup without the pasta and adding freshly cooked pasta when reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent the cream from separating. Adding a splash of broth or cream can refresh the texture. Avoid microwaving at full power to keep the soup silky and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use spicy Italian sausage instead of sweet?
Absolutely! Spicy Italian sausage will add a nice kick to the soup, giving it extra heat. Just adjust or skip the red pepper flakes depending on how spicy you like your soup.
Is there a way to make this soup dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative, and use a dairy-free Parmesan-style cheese. The flavor will be slightly different but still rich and comforting.
Can I add other vegetables to this soup?
Definitely! Vegetables like zucchini, carrots, or mushrooms make great additions. Just sauté them with the onions or add them with the broth to cook along with the pasta for added nutrition and texture.
What pasta can I use instead of ditalini?
Any small pasta shape like elbow macaroni, small shells, or orzo will work well. The key is to use pasta that cooks quickly and holds up nicely in soup.
How thick is this soup supposed to be?
This Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup Recipe has a rich, creamy broth that’s not too thick, with tender pasta and wilted spinach adding heartiness. It’s more of a bowl of comforting soup rather than a stew.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’ll give this Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup Recipe a try soon—it’s one of those recipes that feels like an instant classic once you taste it. Whether you’re cooking for your family, friends, or just indulging yourself, it’s the kind of soup that brings warmth, joy, and a little Italian flair to any day. Happy cooking!
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Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 to 8 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A rich and comforting Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup combining savory sweet Italian sausage, tender ditalini pasta, fresh spinach, and a creamy Parmesan-infused broth. Perfect for a hearty meal, this flavorful soup cooks quickly on the stovetop and is garnished with fresh parsley for a delightful finish.
Ingredients
Sausage and Base
- 1 lb sweet Italian sausage
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Soup Liquids and Seasonings
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Pasta and Vegetables
- 1 1/2 cups ditalini pasta
- 4 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
Cheese and Garnish
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage: In a large pot over medium heat, brown the sweet Italian sausage, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. Once fully browned and cooked through, remove the sausage using a slotted spoon and set aside.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: In the same pot, add olive oil and sauté the diced onion until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add Liquids and Seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to a simmer. Stir in the heavy cream, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes if using. Season the broth with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste.
- Cook the Pasta: Add the ditalini pasta to the simmering broth and cook until al dente, approximately 8 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Combine Sausage and Spinach: Return the cooked sausage to the pot and add the chopped fresh spinach. Cook until the spinach wilts, about 2 minutes, stirring gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Add Parmesan Cheese: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts completely and the soup becomes creamy and slightly thickened.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with additional grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot for a comforting meal.
Notes
- For added heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the saltiness of the soup.
- Substitute ditalini pasta with other small pasta shapes like elbow macaroni or orzo.
- To make the soup ahead, prepare the soup without adding the parmesan cheese, then stir it in just before serving to maintain its creamy texture.
- Garnish with crushed red pepper or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for extra flavor.
