I’m so excited to share this recipe with you today! Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup is one of those hearty, comforting dishes that warms both your body and soul. It’s full of rich flavors, from the savory Italian sausage to the smooth, creamy Parmesan broth. Whether you’re cozying up on a cold night or just craving a satisfying bowl of soup, this recipe is perfect for a family dinner or meal prep.
Let’s dive into the recipe and discover how easy and quick this delicious soup is to make!
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- ½ cup diced onion
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 (14.5 ounces) can petite diced tomatoes
- 8 ounces ditalini pasta (or any small pasta you prefer)
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup fresh basil, for garnish
How to Make Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by placing the Italian sausage in a large Dutch oven or pot over medium heat. Cook until browned, breaking it up into crumbles as it cooks. Once it’s fully cooked, drain any excess grease to keep the soup light.
Step 2: Add Seasoning and Vegetables
Stir in the diced onion, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the onions soften. Then, add the minced garlic and stir for about 1 minute—trust me, the garlic adds a burst of flavor!
Step 3: Add Tomatoes, Broth, and Pasta
Pour in the diced tomatoes and chicken broth. Add the pasta, ensuring it’s fully covered by the broth. Bring everything to a boil and let it cook for about 8 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente.
Step 4: Make It Creamy
Reduce the heat to medium. Stir in the softened cream cheese and grated Parmesan cheese. Cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the cheeses to melt and create that luxurious creamy base.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once the soup is ready, serve it up in bowls and garnish with freshly chopped basil. The fresh basil adds a bright, fresh flavor that contrasts beautifully with the rich, creamy soup!
Details and nutritional information
Details:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Nutrition:
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 587 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Cholesterol: 106 mg
Helpful Tips
- Pasta texture: Cook your pasta just until it’s al dente. Remember, it will continue to cook a little in the broth, and you don’t want mushy pasta!
- Cream cheese: Soften your cream cheese before adding it to the soup. Cutting it into smaller cubes also helps it melt faster and blend smoothly into the broth.
- Adjusting consistency: If the soup feels too thick, you can always add a splash of heavy cream or extra broth to thin it out to your liking.
Substitutions & Variations
- Pasta: If you don’t have ditalini pasta, you can use any small pasta like elbow, orzo, or even small shells.
- Sausage: Not a fan of pork sausage? Swap it for turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter option.
- Dairy-free: You can substitute the cream cheese and Parmesan with dairy-free alternatives if you’re looking for a dairy-free option.
- Vegetables: Add in some spinach or kale towards the end of cooking for an extra nutritional boost. It adds color and makes the soup even more satisfying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes! This soup stores well, and the flavors continue to meld together. Just be sure to store it without the pasta if possible. When you reheat it, you can cook the pasta fresh and add it to the soup.
How can I make this soup lighter?
For a lighter version, you can use turkey or chicken sausage and swap out the cream cheese for a lighter cream cheese or even Greek yogurt.
Can I freeze this soup?
It’s best to freeze the soup without the pasta, as pasta can become mushy after freezing. When you’re ready to eat, thaw the soup and cook the pasta fresh before serving.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, you might need to add a little extra broth or water to thin it out.
- Freezer: As mentioned, freeze the soup base (without pasta) in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Add freshly cooked pasta when you’re ready to serve.
More Delicious Recipes You’ll Love:
I hope you enjoy making (and eating!) this Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup as much as I do. It’s one of those recipes that’s simple to whip up but packed with flavor—perfect for weeknight dinners or a cozy weekend meal. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh basil for that perfect finishing touch! Happy cooking! 😊
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Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup is a hearty, comforting dish made with savory Italian sausage, Parmesan cheese, petite diced tomatoes, and a creamy broth. This easy, flavorful recipe comes together in just 25 minutes and is perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in. With simple ingredients and a rich, satisfying taste, it’s sure to become a household favorite!
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- ½ cup diced onion
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 (14.5 ounces) can petite diced tomatoes
- 8 ounces ditalini pasta
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup fresh basil, for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the Italian sausage over medium heat, breaking it up into crumbles until browned. Drain excess grease.
- Add the diced onion, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, cooking for 1-2 minutes until onions soften. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes and chicken broth. Add the pasta and bring everything to a boil. Cook for 8 minutes or until the pasta is al dente.
- Lower the heat to medium and stir in the softened cream cheese and Parmesan cheese. Cook for 5 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt fully.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil.
Notes
- To prevent mushy pasta, cook until just al dente. The pasta will continue to cook in the broth.
- Soften cream cheese before adding it for smooth melting. Cutting it into cubes speeds up the process.
- If you want a thinner soup, add a splash of heavy cream or extra broth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 587 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Cholesterol: 106 mg