Hey everyone, Jason Griffith here! When the air gets a little crisp and I’m craving a meal that feels like a warm hug, nothing quite hits the spot like a hearty, creamy soup. And today, I’m bringing you a truly irresistible one: Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup. This isn’t just soup; it’s a rich, savory, and incredibly satisfying concoction packed with tender Italian sausage, vibrant vegetables, and a luscious, velvety Parmesan-infused broth. It’s pure comfort in every spoonful and guaranteed to warm you from the inside out!
Why I Love This Recipe
What’s not to love about a soup that feels both incredibly indulgent and surprisingly wholesome? I am absolutely obsessed with Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup because it delivers maximum flavor with minimal fuss. The robust, savory Italian sausage perfectly complements the tender vegetables and the rich, creamy broth infused with tangy Parmesan. It’s fantastic for a cozy weeknight dinner, perfect for feeding a hungry family, or an absolute must for chilly evenings. Plus, it’s easily customizable with your favorite additions, making it a versatile and deeply satisfying meal for everyone. The aroma that fills your kitchen while it simmers is simply divine!
The Italian Heart of Soup: Sausage and Parmesan
Italian sausage, with its characteristic blend of pork, fennel, and other spices, has long been a staple in Italian-American cooking, providing a robust and aromatic base for countless dishes, from pasta sauces to stews. Parmesan cheese, revered for its salty, nutty, and umami-rich flavor, is a classic finishing touch that also works wonders when melted into creamy sauces and soups.
This Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup brings these two beloved ingredients together in a harmonious blend. The sausage provides a hearty, savory foundation, while the Parmesan melts into the broth, adding depth and a velvety texture that elevates the entire soup. Combined with aromatic vegetables and a creamy base, it creates a deeply satisfying and flavorful meal that feels both gourmet and incredibly comforting, perfect for a cozy night in. It’s a testament to how simple, quality ingredients can create something truly special.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this incredibly creamy and easy Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb ground Italian sausage (mild or hot, casing removed if links)
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 2 medium carrots, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth (low sodium recommended)
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little warmth)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup small pasta (such as ditalini, small shells, or orzo), uncooked
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Swaps and Notes
- Italian Sausage: Use your favorite type of Italian sausage – mild for a classic flavor, or hot for a bit of a kick. If using links, remove the casing before browning. Ground turkey or chicken sausage can also be used for a lighter option.
- Vegetables: The classic mirepoix (onion, celery, carrot) forms a fantastic aromatic base. Feel free to add other finely diced vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers during the initial sauté.
- Broth: Low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth is recommended so you can control the saltiness. A good quality broth will significantly impact the final flavor.
- Tomatoes: Diced tomatoes add a nice texture and acidity. You can use crushed tomatoes for a smoother soup.
- Small Pasta: Ditalini, small shells, or orzo are perfect as they cook quickly and add substance. Do NOT pre-cook the pasta.
- Cream: Heavy cream provides the richest, most luxurious broth. Half-and-half can be used for a slightly lighter soup, though it won’t be quite as thick or decadent.
- Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts beautifully and adds a wonderful salty, umami note. Shred your own cheese from a block for the best results!
- Herbs/Spices: Dried basil and oregano are classic Italian flavors. Red pepper flakes add a subtle warmth; adjust to your preference.
Steps for the Recipe
Let’s get this comforting Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup simmering!
- Brown Sausage: In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground Italian sausage (casing removed if using links) and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s fully browned. Drain any excess grease and transfer the sausage to a plate, leaving a tablespoon or two of rendered fat in the pot.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion, celery, and carrots to the pot with the remaining fat. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened. Add the minced garlic, dried basil, dried oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Build Broth Base: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and the undrained diced tomatoes. Return the browned sausage to the pot. Stir well to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Cook Pasta: Add the uncooked small pasta to the simmering soup. Stir well to ensure the pasta is submerged. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and cooked through (check package directions for specific cooking time). Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add Cream & Cheese: Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the heavy cream (or half-and-half) and 1/2 cup of the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese is completely melted and the soup is smooth and creamy. If the soup seems too thick, you can add a splash more broth or milk until desired consistency is reached.
- Serve & Garnish: Taste and adjust seasoning (salt, pepper) if needed. Ladle into bowls, garnish with fresh chopped parsley and extra grated Parmesan cheese. Serve hot.
Tips for Success
- Brown the Sausage: Proper browning adds a crucial depth of flavor to the entire soup. Don’t skip draining the excess grease!
- Don’t Pre-Cook Pasta: The pasta cooks directly in the soup, absorbing all the delicious flavors and releasing starches that help thicken the broth.
- Add Pasta at the Right Time: Small pasta cooks quickly. Add it towards the end of the soup’s simmering time to prevent it from becoming mushy.
- Shred Your Own Cheese: For the creamiest, smoothest cheese melt, shred cheese from blocks. Pre-shredded often contains anti-caking agents that can make the soup grainy.
- Gentle Simmer with Dairy: Once you add cream, keep the heat low and maintain a gentle simmer to prevent the dairy from scorching or curdling.
- Taste and Adjust: Always taste your soup before serving and adjust salt, pepper, or herbs as needed. Broths and tomatoes can vary in saltiness.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup is a complete and satisfying meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with:
- Crusty Bread: Essential for dipping and soaking up all that delicious creamy broth. Garlic bread or simple dinner rolls would be perfect.
- Side Salad: A light, crisp green salad with a simple vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the soup.
- Other Hearty Meals: This soup complements other substantial dishes well, such as my This Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole Is My Favorite One-Pan Dinner That’s Always a Hit.
- Beverage Pairings: A simple glass of water, iced tea, or a medium-bodied red wine (like a Sangiovese or Merlot) would complement this soup nicely.
Storage and Leftover Tips
Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup makes fantastic leftovers, and the flavors often deepen even more the next day!
- Refrigerate: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The soup will thicken considerably upon chilling, as the pasta will absorb more liquid.
- Reheat: To reheat, gently warm portions in a saucepan on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk to thin out the soup and bring it back to your desired creamy consistency. Stir frequently. You can also microwave individual portions, stirring halfway through.
- Freezing: Freezing is possible, but the texture of the pasta and cream can sometimes change slightly upon thawing. If freezing, use freezer-safe containers and leave some headspace. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat gently, adding liquid as needed.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you enjoyed the comfort and savory flavors of this soup, you might also like these other hearty and easy-to-make meals:
- For another deep, comforting bowl with Southern flavors, my This Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo Is My Favorite Bowl of Southern Comfort is a must-try.
- If you love quick and flavorful skillet dinners, check out This Tomato Skillet with Okra and Sausage Is My Favorite Quick Dinner Packed with Southern Flavor.
- For truly simple, satisfying comfort food that lets your oven do the work, you’ll love These Easy Turkey Wings Are My Favorite Comfort Food for Lazy Sundays.
- And for a classic comforting pasta dish, you can’t go wrong with my Classic Spaghetti Recipe with Homemade Sauce.
- For an easy, cheesy crowd-pleaser, my Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders with Marinara Garlic Butter are fantastic.
Final Thoughts
Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup is a true triumph of comfort food – it offers all the rich, savory, and cozy flavors you crave in a hearty bowl. It’s perfect for chilly evenings, easy meal prepping, or simply indulging in pure, cheesy comfort. This recipe is a game-changer that will quickly become a beloved staple in your kitchen.
I hope you give this amazing soup a try and enjoy every comforting spoonful! Let me know in the comments below if this becomes your new go-to soup recipe, or what your favorite hearty, Italian-inspired meals are. I always love hearing from you! Happy cooking!
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