Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup Recipe

When I first tasted this Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup Recipe during a trip through northern Italy, I instantly fell in love. 

The dish reminded me of the rustic kitchens of Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna, where creamy soups and rich cheeses are a beloved part of the region’s culinary heritage. 

The aroma of simmering sausage, garlic, and Parmesan filled the air pure Italian comfort in a bowl. 

Now, whenever I make it, I’m transported back to those charming countryside trattorias, surrounded by warmth and flavor.

Ingredients

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating this hearty and delicious soup. Here’s what you’ll need and why each component matters.

• 1 lb Italian sausage – You can use mild or spicy, depending on your preference. If it comes in a casing, be sure to remove it before cooking.
• ½ cup diced onion – A yellow onion works perfectly here, adding a sweet and savory foundation to the soup’s flavor.
• 2 cloves minced garlic – Freshly minced garlic provides the best aromatic and pungent flavor. Avoid the pre-minced jarred kind if you can.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – This blend of dried herbs is a convenient way to add classic Italian flavor.
• ½ teaspoon salt – To enhance all the other flavors in the soup.
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper – For a touch of mild spice.
• 4 cups chicken broth – This forms the liquid base of your soup. You can substitute with vegetable broth if you prefer.
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) petite diced tomatoes – Use the undrained can, as the juices add significant flavor to the broth. Petite diced tomatoes distribute more evenly throughout the soup.
• 8 ounces ditalini pasta – This small, tube-shaped pasta is ideal for soup because it holds the broth well.
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened – Full-fat cream cheese will yield the creamiest, richest result. Softening it first helps it melt smoothly into the soup.
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese – For the best melt and flavor, always grate your own Parmesan cheese from a block. Pre-shredded cheese often has anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting well.
• ¼ cup fresh basil – To be used as a fresh, aromatic garnish that brightens up the finished dish.

Note: These ingredient quantities will yield approximately 6 servings.

Variations

One of the best things about this soup is how easy it is to adapt. Here are a few ideas to make it your own:

• Add Some Heat: If you enjoy a spicier soup, use hot Italian sausage and a can of Rotel diced tomatoes with green chiles instead of plain diced tomatoes. A pinch of red pepper flakes will also do the trick.
• Sneak in Veggies: This soup is a great canvas for adding more vegetables. Sauté some chopped carrots and celery with the onion, or stir in a few handfuls of fresh baby spinach at the very end until it wilts.
• Switch Up the Protein: While Italian sausage is classic, you could also make this with ground turkey, ground chicken, or even ground beef. Just be sure to season it well.
• Try Different Pastas: If you don’t have ditalini, any small pasta shape will work well. Consider small shells, elbow macaroni, or rotini.

Much like a cozy German Potato Soup Recipe, this dish lets you experiment with ingredients while still keeping its soul-warming Italian essence.

Cooking Time

This comforting soup comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight meal.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

Equipment You Need

You won’t need any special tools for this recipe, just some standard kitchen equipment.

• Large Dutch Oven or Pot: This is essential for a one-pot meal, allowing you to brown the sausage and cook the soup all in the same vessel.
• Wooden Spoon: Ideal for breaking up the sausage and stirring the ingredients without scratching your pot.
• Ladle: For serving up generous portions of the hot, creamy soup.

How to Make Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup?

This recipe is incredibly straightforward and perfect for cooks of all skill levels. The process involves building layers of flavor in one pot, which results in a deeply satisfying soup with minimal cleanup. From browning the sausage to stirring in the final cheesy goodness, each step is simple.

Step 1: Brown the Sausage and Sauté Aromatics

Place a large Dutch oven or pot over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it is browned and cooked through. Drain off any excess grease from the pot. Stir in the diced onion, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the onion begins to soften. Finally, add the minced garlic and cook for one more minute until it becomes fragrant.

Step 2: Build the Soup Base

Pour the entire can of petite diced tomatoes (undrained) and the chicken broth into the pot. Add the ditalini pasta and stir everything together, making sure the pasta is fully submerged in the broth. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce the heat slightly and cook for about 8 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente (firm to the bite).

Step 3: Make it Creamy

Turn the heat down to medium. Add the softened cream cheese (cubing it first helps it melt faster) and the freshly grated Parmesan cheese to the pot. Continue to stir gently for about 5 minutes, allowing the cheeses to melt completely and incorporate into the broth, creating a rich and creamy texture. The soup will thicken as the cheese melts.

🇮🇹 A Taste of Northern Italy: Where Comfort Meets Culinary Tradition

This Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup is inspired by the heartwarming flavors of Northern Italy, especially the regions of Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna, known for their love of cheese, hearty meats, and rustic one-pot meals.

These areas are celebrated for crafting dishes that bring families together around the table. The combination of creamy cheese, savory sausage, and rich broth feels both luxurious and homey like the Italian cousin of the Pioneer Woman Chicken Enchilada Soup Recipe, offering hearty comfort and depth in every spoonful.

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

Through making this soup many times, I’ve discovered a few small things that make a big difference.

• I always make sure my cream cheese is very soft before adding it. I usually take it out of the fridge when I start prepping my other ingredients. This helps it melt seamlessly without any lumps.
• Don’t overcook the pasta! I cook it until it’s just al dente because it will continue to soften as it sits in the hot soup. This prevents it from becoming mushy, especially in leftovers.
• For me, a final squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving really brightens up all the rich flavors and cuts through the creaminess in a delightful way.
• If the soup gets too thick for my liking (the pasta really soaks up the broth), I just stir in a splash of heavy cream or a little more chicken broth until it reaches the consistency I want.

How to Serve Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup?

This comforting soup is best served hot, garnished with fresh basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan, and paired with a slice of crusty Italian bread or garlic focaccia.

In Italy, especially in Tuscany and northern regions, soups like this symbolize home, family, and togetherness, often enjoyed during cool evenings or festive gatherings.

It captures the essence of Italian comfort food simple ingredients turned into something truly soul-satisfying. 🇮🇹

Just like the Delicious Chile Relleno Soup Recipe, this dish is all about comfort and heart a simple meal that feels like a warm hug, perfect for family dinners or cozy evenings. 🇮🇹

Nutritional Information

Here is an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving for this creamy soup.

• Calories: 587 kcal
• Protein: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fat: 40g

Make Ahead and Storage

This soup is great for meal prep and leftovers are just as delicious. Here’s how to store it properly.

Storing

Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The pasta will continue to absorb liquid, so the soup will thicken as it sits.

Freezing

You can freeze this soup in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. For the best results, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. The texture of the pasta may be slightly softer after freezing and reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a saucepan on the stove over medium-low heat until warmed through. You will likely need to add a splash of chicken broth or heavy cream to thin the soup back to its original consistency as you stir.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

This soup is sure to become a family favorite for so many reasons.

• Ultimate Comfort Food: With its rich, creamy broth and hearty ingredients, this soup is the perfect cozy meal for a cool day. It’s satisfying and comforting in every spoonful.
• One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks in a single pot, which means you get maximum flavor with minimal cleanup. It’s an ideal recipe for a hassle-free dinner.
• Quick and Simple: This entire meal comes together in just 25 minutes, making it a fantastic option for busy weeknights when you need something delicious on the table fast.
• Family-Friendly Flavor: The combination of sausage, pasta, and a cheesy tomato broth is a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. Even picky eaters love this soup.