After making this Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup for the first time, It became my go to one pot comfort food. It’s warm, rich, and packed with bold Italian flavors that combine the richness of Italian sausage with the creamy, cheesy goodness of Parmesan, and a rich blend of herbs and spices.
This creamy Parmesan Italian sausage soup is so satisfying and has a rich flavor. It’s the kind of easy one-pot meal you’ll want to make again and again.
Table Of Contents
Why You’ll Love this Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup Recipe
This easy creamy parmesan italian soup recipe is loaded with ditalini pasta and seasoned with onions , garlic, Italian herbs and a bit of red pepper flakes (for heat). It cooks in one pot, ready in no time, and is perfect for busy weeknights and cool winter days.
➤ Classic taste : The combination of Italian sausage, aromatic herbs, and creamy Parmesan creates this rich blend of flavors that is very hard to forget.
➤ Made in One pot : Perfect for easy cleanup.
➤ Quick & Easy : Ready in about 30 minutes ,perfect for busy weeknights.
➤ Rich, creamy texture : without adding too much heavy cream.
➤ Easy to Customize : Flexible for ingredient swaps and dietary needs.
➤ Family and freezer friendly and High in protein .
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
- Italian Sausage : Key ingredient for the distinctive taste of this recipe. Use sweet, mild, or hot sausage. Substitute with turkey sausage or plant based sausage for a lighter or vegetarian option.
- Parmesan Cheese : Freshly grated parmesan cheese is best for flavor and melts easily .
- Cream Cheese : Adds a silky texture to the soup. swap for mascarpone or a dairy-free cream cheese.
- Heavy Cream : Substitute with half-and-half, coconut cream, or a plant-based alternative.
- Ditalini Pasta: Make the soup satisfying and fillingThis recipe uses ditalini pasta, but any short pasta would also work.
- Seasonings: Italian seasoning, onion & garlic add depth and flavour. Shallot and leks can also work in place of the onions.
Full list of ingredients and quantities can be found in the recipe card . . .
How to Make Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup
1. Brown the Sausage
In a large Dutch oven or pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add Italian sausage, breaking the sausages apart with a spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through, this should take about 5 – 7 minutes. Remove the cooked sausage from the pot and set aside.
2. Sauté Onions & Garlic
Add diced onion to the pot and cook until softened for about 3 – 5 minutes. Then add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.(Image: Step-by-step photo of sautéing onions and garlic.)
3. Make the Broth
Pour in chicken broth and diced tomatoes. Then, stir in Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring everything to a boil, reduce the heat and allow to simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Cook the Pasta Add ditalini pasta to the pot and cook according to package directions, usually about 8 – 10 minutes, or until al dente.
5. Add Sausage and Cream Cheese
Return cooked sausage to the pot. Stir in Parmesan cheese and softened cream cheese until melted and smooth.
6. Finish with Cream
Stir in heavy cream (or coconut cream) and heat through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Garnish and Serve
Put soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley and extra grated Parmesan cheese.
Quick Tip
Use freshly grated Parmesan. it melts smoother and gives your creamy Parmesan Italian sausage soup a richer, more authentic Italian flavor than pre-shredded cheese, which often contains anti-caking agents that affect texture.
6. Finish with Cream Stir in heavy cream (or coconut cream) and heat through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Garnish and Serve Put soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley and extra grated Parmesan cheese.
Tips for making the best Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup
- Soften cream cheese before adding for easy blending.
- For a thicker soup, simmer uncovered or add a corn starch slurry.
- Stir pasta frequently to prevent sticking.
- Adjust seasoning after adding cheese, as Parmesan is salty.
Quick Make Ahead Tip
Cook the sausage and sauté the onions & garlic in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to make the soup, just heat them in the pot, add the broth, tomatoes, pasta, and finish the creamy Parmesan Italian sausage soup recipe as usual. This cuts your active cooking time in half.
Additions & Variations
- Add Vegetables: Stir in spinach, kale, or diced carrots during the last few minutes of cooking for added nutrients and flavor.
- For more Heat : Use hot Italian sausage or add an extra pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicier kick.
- Make it Low Carb: Replace regular pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to reduce carbs.
- For a Dairy Free Option: Substitute coconut cream for heavy cream and use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative.
- Thickening the Soup: For a thicker consistency, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir into the soup during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Boost the taste : Add 1 tsp of anchovy paste while sauteing the onion and garlic. This will add a great savory undertone!
How to Store Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup
Cool soup completely before transferring to airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
How to Reheat Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup
➤ Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium to low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or cream if the soup has thickened.
➤ Microwave individual servings in 30 second intervals, stirring in between.
Pro Tip
When storing, keep the pasta separate if possible. This prevents it from soaking up too much liquid and getting mushy. When reheating, add a splash of broth or cream to bring back the soup’s creamy consistency.
Serving Suggestions
➤ This creamy parmesan soup pairs well with Crusty bread or Garlic bread for dipping.
➤ You can serve with a simple side such as Caesar salad for a complete meal.
➤ Garnish with a dollop of ricotta cheese or a swirl of pesto for added flavor.
Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup Recipe (One-Pot Comfort Food)
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage casings removed
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 4 cups chicken broth low sodium
- 1 14.5 oz can petite diced tomatoes, undrained
- 8 oz ditalini pasta
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese plus extra for garnish
- 4 oz cream cheese softened
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut cream
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes optional
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
Equipment
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage In a large Dutch oven or pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add Italian sausage, breaking the sausages apart with a spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through, this should take about 5 – 7 minutes. Remove the cooked sausage from the pot and set aside.
- Sauté Onions & Garlic Add diced onion to the pot and cook until softened for about 3 – 5 minutes. Then add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.(Image: Step-by-step photo of sautéing onions and garlic.)
- Make the Broth Pour in chicken broth and diced tomatoes. Then, stir in Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring everything to a boil, reduce the heat and allow to simmer for 5 minutes.
- Cook the Pasta Add ditalini pasta to the pot and cook according to package directions, usually about 8 – 10 minutes, or until al dente.
- Add Sausage and Cream Cheese Return cooked sausage to the pot. Stir in Parmesan cheese and softened cream cheese until melted and smooth.
- Finish with CreamStir in heavy cream (or coconut cream) and heat through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish and ServePut soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley and extra grated Parmesan cheese.
Recipe Notes
➤ Simmer uncovered for a thicker soup: If your soup feels too thin, just let it simmer uncovered for a few more minutes before adding the dairy. The pasta will also release starch that naturally thickens the broth. ➤ Serve right away for best texture: Like most cream-based soups with pasta, this one is best eaten shortly after cooking. The pasta continues to absorb liquid as it sits. ➤ Brown the sausage deeply: Don’t rush this step. Let the sausage get nicely browned as this builds a rich, meaty base flavor for the whole soup. ➤ Sauté onions and garlic in sausage fat: After removing the sausage, sauté onions and garlic in the rendered fat. This infuses the soup with more sausage flavor without needing extra oil.
Nutrition
Serving: Per Bowl (approx.) | Calories: 450 kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 30g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Cholesterol: 85mg | Sodium: 820mg | Fibre: 3g | Sugar: 4g
(Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on exact ingredients and portion sizes)
Recipe FAQs
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 – 3 months.
Can Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup be made in the Instant Pot?
Sure it can !. Simply add all ingredients (except cream and parmesan)and cook on high pressure for 8 mins. Add dairy (cream and parmesan) after releasing pressure.
Can I use the slow cooker?
Yes. Brown sausage and aromatics first, then add everything else (except dairy). Cook on low 6–8 hours. Stir in cheeses before serving.
How do I adapt it for the Instant Pot or slow cooker?
– Instant Pot: Sauté sausage and aromatics. Add all ingredients (except cream, Parmesan) and cook on high pressure for 8 mins. NPR for 10 mins, stir in dairy.
– Slow Cooker: Brown sausage and sauté aromatics separately. Transfer to slow cooker with other ingredients (except dairy), cook on low for 6–8 hours. Stir in cream and cheese at the end.
Can I use ground beef instead of Italian sausage in this soup?
Yes, you can definitely substitute ground beef for Italian sausage in this creamy Parmesan soup. While Italian sausage adds extra depth thanks to its spices and herbs, ground beef is a solid alternative especially if that’s what you have on hand. For more flavor, consider seasoning the beef with a bit of Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper flakes during cooking. Please Keep in mind that the final taste may be a bit milder than the original recipe.
What type of pasta is best for creamy sausage soup?
Short cut pasta works best in creamy sausage soups like this. Ditalini is ideal because it’s small, tender, and holds its shape well in creamy broths. Other great options include elbow macaroni, small shells, orzo, or rotini. These pasta shapes soak up flavor without overpowering the dish. If you’re planning to freeze or reheat the soup later, choose pasta that holds up well like rotini or shells, or cook the pasta separately and add it just before serving to prevent sogginess.
How can I make it gluten free?
This recipe uses ditalini pasta, which contains gluten. However, you can easily make this soup gluten-free by swapping the pasta with a certified gluten-free pasta like brown rice pasta, quinoa pasta, or a gluten-free elbow or rotini. Also, double check that your chicken broth and cream cheese are labelled gluten free, as some store bought brands may contain additives or thickeners that include gluten.
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