Hearty and Creamy Sausage Soup Recipe

When I first tried this Hearty and Creamy Sausage Soup Recipe during my travels through northern Italy, I immediately understood why it’s such a beloved comfort dish there. 

The Italians have truly mastered the art of turning simple ingredients into something soul-warming. 

This soup captures that essence perfectly, the richness of Italian sausage, the creamy Parmesan base, and the aromatic herbs remind me of cozy trattorias tucked along cobblestone streets. 

It’s the kind of meal that makes you slow down, savor, and smile just like the Italian countryside itself. 

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here are the key ingredients that bring this delicious soup to life.

• 1 lb Italian sausage – You can use mild or spicy, depending on your preference. If it comes in casings, be sure to remove them before cooking.
• 1/2 cup diced onion – A yellow or white onion works best, providing a foundational sweet and savory flavor.
• 2 cloves minced garlic – Freshly minced garlic offers the best aroma and taste, but jarred minced garlic works in a pinch.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – A pre-mixed blend is convenient and adds a perfect medley of herbs.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt – Adjust to your taste, especially since sausage and broth can be salty.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper – Freshly ground pepper adds a subtle kick.
• 4 cups chicken broth – This forms the soup’s base. You can use vegetable broth as a substitute if needed.
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can petite diced tomatoes – Don’t drain them! The juice adds depth and a slight acidity that balances the creaminess.
• 8 ounces ditalini pasta – This small, tube-shaped pasta is perfect for soup, but any small pasta like elbow macaroni or small shells will work.
• 8 ounces cream cheese – Use full-fat cream cheese for the creamiest texture and richest flavor. Let it soften at room temperature for easier melting.
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese – Always grate your own from a block. Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly.
• 1/4 cup fresh basil – This is for garnish and adds a final touch of fresh, peppery flavor.

Note: This recipe makes about 6 servings.

Variations

This soup is incredibly versatile. Here are a few ways to customize it to your liking.

• Spice it Up: For a bit of heat, use spicy Italian sausage. You can also add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes along with the Italian seasoning or swap the petite diced tomatoes for a can of Rotel.
• Add More Veggies: Feel free to stir in some diced celery with the onion for more flavor and texture. Fresh baby spinach is another great addition; just stir it in at the very end until it wilts.
• Change the Pasta: While ditalini is a great choice, you can substitute it with other small pasta shapes like small shells, elbow macaroni, or even rotini.
• Make it Lighter: You can use turkey sausage and low-fat cream cheese (neufchâtel) for a lighter version, though the texture may be slightly less rich.

Cooking Time

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

Equipment You Need

• Large Dutch oven or pot: This is for browning the sausage and cooking the entire soup in one vessel, making cleanup a breeze.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Use this for breaking up the sausage and stirring the ingredients together without scratching your pot.
• Measuring cups and spoons: For accurately measuring your broth, pasta, and seasonings.
• Knife and cutting board: For dicing the onion and mincing the garlic.

How to Make Hearty and Creamy Sausage Soup?

This soup is surprisingly easy to make and comes together quickly in just one pot. Follow these simple steps for a perfect bowl of comfort.

Brown the Sausage and Aromatics

First, place your Italian sausage in a large Dutch oven or pot over medium-high heat. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart and cook until it’s browned and crumbled. Once cooked through, carefully drain off any excess grease, leaving about a tablespoon in the pot for flavor.

Sauté the Onion and Seasonings

Add the diced onion to the pot with the cooked sausage. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the onion begins to soften. Next, stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for another minute until the garlic is fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.

Build the Soup Base

Pour the chicken broth and the entire can of undrained petite diced tomatoes 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 boil, then reduce the heat to maintain a steady simmer. Cook for about 8 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente (still has a slight bite).

Make it Creamy

Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the softened cream cheese (cubing it helps it melt faster) and the grated Parmesan cheese to the pot. Stir continuously for about 5 minutes, until both cheeses have completely melted into the broth, creating a smooth and creamy soup. Serve warm, garnished with fresh basil.

🇮🇹 Italy: The Heart of Comforting Flavors

In Italy, soups like this Hearty and Creamy Sausage Soup reflect the country’s deep-rooted love for rustic, homemade comfort food. Especially in the Emilia-Romagna region, known for its rich dairy products and flavorful sausages, this dish captures the warmth of Italian kitchens. 

The blend of Parmesan cheese, Italian sausage, and fresh herbs highlights the region’s agricultural abundance and culinary tradition. It’s a true taste of Italian countryside hospitality hearty, simple, and full of love. 🇮🇹

Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better

From my experience making this soup, here are a few extra pointers to ensure it turns out perfectly every time.

• I find that letting the cream cheese sit out on the counter while I prep the other ingredients is enough to soften it. Cutting it into small cubes really does help it melt evenly without clumping.
• Don’t overcook the pasta! It will continue to absorb liquid and cook in the hot soup even after you take it off the heat. Cooking it just to al dente prevents it from becoming mushy.
• If the soup seems too thick for my liking, especially the next day, I add a small splash of chicken broth or a little heavy cream when reheating to thin it out to the perfect consistency.
• I always taste the soup right before serving. Sometimes, depending on the saltiness of the sausage and broth I used, it might need a final pinch of salt or an extra sprinkle of Parmesan to make the flavors pop.

How to Serve Hearty and Creamy Sausage Soup?

To enjoy this soup the Italian way, serve it steaming hot in rustic ceramic bowls, paired with a slice of crusty Tuscan bread or garlic focaccia to soak up the creamy broth. 

Add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh basil for that authentic touch. 

In Italy, this hearty dish is often enjoyed in the Emilia-Romagna region, where sausage and Parmesan reign supreme, a perfect way to bring a taste of Italy right to your table. 🇮🇹

Nutritional Information

Here is an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving for this recipe.

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

Make Ahead and Storage

This soup is great for meal prep and stores beautifully. Follow these guidelines to enjoy it later.

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

Freezing: This soup freezes well. Let it cool completely, then pour it into a freezer-safe container or freezer bags. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating: Reheat leftover soup gently in a saucepan on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. You may need to add a splash of chicken broth or heavy cream to thin it out and restore its creamy consistency. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

Here are just a few reasons why this creamy sausage soup will become a new favorite in your home.

• Ultimate Comfort Food: The combination of savory sausage, a rich creamy broth, and tender pasta makes this soup incredibly cozy and satisfying—perfect for a chilly day.
• Quick and Easy One-Pot Meal: Everything comes together in a single pot, which means you get a flavorful, hearty dinner on the table in under 30 minutes with minimal cleanup.
• Full of Amazing Flavor: Every spoonful is packed with a delicious blend of Italian sausage, herbs, garlic, and tangy tomatoes, all balanced by a luscious Parmesan cream sauce.
• Family-Friendly and Versatile: It’s a recipe that appeals to all ages, and you can easily customize it by adding vegetables, using different pasta, or adjusting the spice level to suit your family’s tastes.