Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup Recipe

Simple Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup Recipe for Cozy Nights

Chilly evenings call for comfort, and this creamy parmesan italian sausage soup delivers pure warmth with every spoonful.

Rich flavors bloom from perfectly seasoned Italian sausage simmering in a velvety broth.

Hearty vegetables mingle with tender meat, creating a robust base that speaks to traditional Italian cooking.

Parmesan cheese adds a luxurious depth that makes each bite memorable.

Fragrant herbs dance through the soup, enhancing its complex profile.

Packed with protein and satisfaction, this soup transforms a simple meal into a culinary experience.

Grab a ladle and savor every comforting moment of this delicious creation.

What’s in Parmesan Sausage Soup

Meat Base:
  • Italian Sausage: Flavorful ground meat with robust Italian spices.
Aromatics:
  • Onion, Garlic: Fragrant foundation that builds depth of flavor.
Liquid Components:
  • Chicken Broth: Rich and savory base that adds moisture.
  • Heavy Cream: Silky ingredient that creates luxurious texture.
  • Diced Tomatoes: Bright and tangy element that adds freshness.
Seasoning and Cheese:
  • Parmesan Cheese: Salty and nutty cheese that enhances overall taste.
  • Italian Seasoning: Classic herb blend with Mediterranean flavors.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential flavor enhancers.
Additional Ingredient:
  • Baby Spinach: Tender green that adds nutrition and color.
Oil and Fat:
  • Olive Oil: Smooth cooking oil that helps ingredients sauté.

Making Creamy Sausage Soup Step by Step

Step 1: Brown Savory Sausage

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Crumble Italian sausage into the pot and cook until deeply browned, breaking it into smaller pieces with a wooden spoon.

Drain any excess fat if needed.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

Add chopped onions and minced garlic to the sausage.

Sauté until onions become soft and translucent, releasing their sweet fragrance, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 3: Build Robust Soup Base

Pour in:
  • Chicken broth
  • Diced tomatoes

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing flavors to meld together.

Step 4: Create Creamy Richness

Stir in:
  • Heavy cream
  • Grated Parmesan cheese
  • Italian seasoning

Let the soup simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to develop deep, complex flavors.

Step 5: Add Fresh Finishing Touch

Fold in baby spinach and cook until leaves are just wilted, about 2 minutes.

Taste and season with salt and pepper to enhance the overall taste profile.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the hot soup into bowls.

Optionally, garnish with extra Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs for added brightness.

Tips for Creamy, Hearty Soup Success

  • Remove extra grease from the sausage to prevent an overly oily soup and maintain a cleaner, more balanced flavor profile.
  • Experiment with different Parmesan varieties like Parmigiano-Reggiano or aged Parmesan for deeper, more complex cheese notes.
  • Adjust heavy cream amount to achieve desired thickness; less cream creates a lighter soup, while more cream makes it richer and more indulgent.
  • Swap spinach with kale or Swiss chard for added nutrients, or include additional vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for more texture and flavor.
  • Prepare soup in advance and store in refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, allowing flavors to meld and intensify over time.

Best Way to Store Sausage Soup

  • Transfer leftover soup to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  • Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion, and freeze for up to 2 months.
  • Warm soup over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching and maintain creamy texture.
  • Heat in short intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming and prevent separation of cream-based ingredients.

Great Pairings for Parmesan Sausage Soup

  • Pair with Rustic Red Wine: Select a medium-bodied Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the rich, savory flavors of the sausage and creamy broth.
  • Serve with Crusty Garlic Bread: Toasted sourdough or ciabatta slathered with garlic butter provides the perfect crunchy companion to soak up the soup's delicious liquid.
  • Match with Fresh Arugula Salad: A light, peppery salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the soup's richness and adds a bright, refreshing contrast to the hearty dish.
  • Complement with Crisp Pinot Grigio: A chilled white wine with citrus notes helps balance the soup's creamy texture and provides a clean, palate-cleansing finish.

Tasty Twists for This Creamy Sausage Soup

  • Vegetarian Swap: Replace Italian sausage with plant-based sausage crumbles or diced mushrooms for a meat-free version that maintains rich, savory flavors.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free chicken broth and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free. Substitute regular Parmesan with a gluten-free certified cheese variety.
  • Low-Carb Alternative: Skip tomatoes and replace heavy cream with coconut cream. Add extra spinach or zucchini noodles to boost vegetable content while keeping carbohydrates minimal.
  • Dairy-Free Version: Substitute heavy cream with unsweetened almond milk or cashew cream. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese to maintain a cheesy flavor profile.

FAQs

  • Can I use a different type of sausage in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute Italian sausage with chorizo, bratwurst, or even ground turkey for a different flavor profile.

  • Is this soup gluten-free?

The recipe is naturally gluten-free, but always check your specific sausage and broth labels to ensure no gluten-containing ingredients are present.

  • How can I make this soup more hearty?

Add cooked pasta, rice, or extra vegetables like diced zucchini or potatoes to increase the soup’s substance and nutritional value.

  • Can I freeze this Parmesan sausage soup?

While you can freeze it, the cream might separate upon thawing. If freezing, add fresh cream after reheating for the best texture and taste.

Why Creamy Parmesan Sausage Soup Is So Cozy

  • Quick Weeknight Winner: Prepare this creamy, flavor-packed soup in less than 30 minutes, making it an ideal solution for busy families craving a home-cooked dinner.
  • One-Pot Dish: Minimize cleanup with this single-pot recipe that combines protein, vegetables, and rich, cheesy goodness in one convenient dish.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Explosion: Packed with Italian sausage, Parmesan, and spinach, this soup delivers a mouthwatering combination that will impress both adults and kids at the dinner table.
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Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup Recipe

Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 12 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Comfort meets elegance in this creamy parmesan italian sausage soup, a hearty melody of robust flavors dancing through each spoonful. Simmering with rich sausage, velvety parmesan, and aromatic herbs, you’ll savor a bowl that whispers of Italian countryside warmth.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) sweet Italian sausage

Seasoning and Herbs:

  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Vegetables and Aromatics:

  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 4 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped

Liquid and Dairy Components:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish

Pasta:

  • 1 1/2 cups ditalini pasta

Garnish:

  • Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions

  1. Heat a large pot over medium flame and crumble the Italian sausage, cooking thoroughly until golden brown. Transfer the meat to a paper towel-lined plate, allowing excess fat to drain.
  2. In the same pot, sauté diced onions in olive oil until translucent and softened. Add minced garlic and cook briefly to release aromatic flavors.
  3. Pour chicken broth into the pot and bring to a gentle simmer. Incorporate heavy cream, oregano, basil, and optional red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper to enhance the overall taste profile.
  4. Introduce ditalini pasta to the simmering liquid, stirring periodically to prevent sticking. Cook until pasta reaches a tender al dente consistency, approximately 8 minutes.
  5. Reintroduce the browned sausage into the pot and fold in fresh spinach leaves. Allow spinach to wilt and integrate with the soup’s liquid, creating a vibrant green contrast.
  6. Remove the pot from heat and gradually stir in grated Parmesan cheese until completely melted, transforming the soup into a luxuriously creamy concoction.
  7. Serve the soup hot, garnishing each bowl with an additional sprinkle of Parmesan and fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and elevated flavor complexity.

Notes

  • Swap sausage with plant-based alternatives like crumbled tofu or vegetarian sausage for a meatless version that maintains robust flavor profiles.
  • Consider using gluten-free pasta to transform this recipe into a celiac-friendly dish without compromising taste or texture.
  • Control sodium levels by selecting low-sodium chicken broth and reducing added salt, making this soup heart-healthy and diet-friendly.
  • Enhance protein content by adding white beans or lentils, creating a more nutritionally balanced meal that keeps you satisfied longer.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 490
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 32 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 24 g
  • Cholesterol: 100 mg
Marcus Hale

Marcus Hale

Founder & Recipe Storyteller

Expertise

  • Demystifying knife work, sauce emulsification, and pastry basics.
  • Curating seasonal guides that adapt global recipes to local, in-season produce.
  • Crafting blog posts, videos, and social media tips.

Education

Holyoke Community College – HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Hands-on global cuisine training emphasizes sustainable cooking and recipe development under accredited chefs.

Marcus grew up surrounded by maple trees, farm stands, and the smell of Sunday stew simmering on the stove. After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from the HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute, he knew he didn’t want to work in fancy kitchens, he wanted to cook for real people.

At Whip Up Cook Up, Marcus is the guy turning memories into meals. His recipes are fast, full of flavor, and built for home cooks who want big taste without the drama.

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