There’s something magical about a warm, hearty bowl of soup, especially as the weather cools. This Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup is the definition of comfort in a bowl! With a rich tomato and parmesan broth, tender pasta, and flavorful Italian sausage, this dish is quick to make and unbelievably delicious. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe – it’s packed with Italian-inspired goodness and ready in just 30 minutes!
Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped
- ½ teaspoon ground fennel (optional)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can petite diced tomatoes
- 8 ounces pasta, such as ditalini (use gluten-free if needed)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ cup parmesan (Parmigiano-Reggiano), grated
- 4 ounces cream cheese, warmed
- ½ cup heavy or whipping cream
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
How to Make Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup
- Brown the Sausage and Onions: In a large saucepan over medium heat, cook the sausage and diced onion. Use a spoon to break the sausage into small pieces, cooking until it’s fully browned and the onion is softened. Drain any excess grease.
- Add Flavor: Add the garlic, ground fennel, and red pepper flakes to the pan. Stir and cook for about a minute until everything is fragrant.
- Simmer the Soup: Pour in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, pasta, and Italian seasoning. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to let it simmer until the pasta is cooked al dente, which should take about 6-8 minutes.
- Add Creaminess: Stir in the grated parmesan, cream cheese, and heavy cream. Let everything melt together, creating a smooth and creamy broth. Cook for another 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Season and Serve: Taste the soup and add salt and pepper as needed. Sprinkle with fresh parsley if you’d like, and serve hot!
Helpful Tips
- Serve Immediately: The pasta is at its best when served immediately after cooking. It will continue to absorb the broth over time, so if you’re planning on having leftovers, consider cooking the pasta separately and adding it in per serving.
- Enhance the Flavor: For an extra layer of taste, add some diced roasted red peppers or fresh basil right before serving. They bring a sweet, roasted flavor that’s lovely with the creamy broth!
- Cream Options: If you want a lighter soup, replace the heavy cream with milk or even Greek yogurt. Yogurt will still add creaminess but with less richness.
Substitutions & Variations
- Vegetarian Version: Use plant-based sausage and swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth.
- Low-Carb: Skip the pasta and reduce the chicken broth by one cup. Add extra veggies, like chopped spinach or kale, for more texture.
- Spiciness: Adjust the spice level by adding more or less red pepper flakes. For an extra kick, try a dash of hot sauce.
- Thicker Broth: For a thicker consistency, mix 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch with cold water, then stir it into the soup near the end. Let it simmer until it reaches your desired thickness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, you can! If you’re making it ahead, consider cooking the pasta separately and storing it in a different container. When reheating, combine the pasta with the soup to maintain its texture.
How do I reheat leftovers?
To reheat, place the soup in a pot on the stove over medium heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or water if it’s thickened up too much. Stir gently until heated through.
What’s the best pasta for this soup?
Ditalini is perfect because of its small size, but any short pasta like macaroni, rotini, or small shells works well. For gluten-free, any short gluten-free pasta will also be delicious.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Be sure to add a splash of broth when reheating to keep it creamy.
- Freezer: Freeze the soup without the pasta for the best results. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, reheat and add freshly cooked pasta.
More Recipes to Try
If you loved this Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup, check out these other cozy favorites:
This Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup is easy, filling, and full of flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re whipping it up for a quick weeknight meal or preparing it ahead for a family gathering, it’s a recipe you’ll return to again and again.
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Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup is a deliciously rich and comforting soup that combines Italian sausage, parmesan cheese, and pasta in a tomato broth. It’s a quick and easy recipe, perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or warming up on a chilly day!
Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped
- ½ teaspoon ground fennel (optional)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can petite diced tomatoes
- 8 ounces pasta (such as ditalini, or gluten-free pasta if needed)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ cup grated parmesan (Parmigiano-Reggiano)
- 4 ounces cream cheese, warmed
- ½ cup heavy or whipping cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage and diced onion until the sausage is browned and the onion is soft. Drain any excess grease.
- Add the garlic, fennel, and red pepper flakes. Stir and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Pour in the chicken broth, tomatoes, pasta, and Italian seasoning. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 6-8 minutes, or until pasta is al dente.
- Stir in the parmesan, cream cheese, and heavy cream. Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, until cheeses are melted and the soup is creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with parsley if desired, and serve hot.
Notes
- Make-Ahead: For the best texture, cook the pasta separately if making ahead and add it to each serving when reheating.
- Spice Level: Adjust red pepper flakes to your taste or omit for a milder flavor.
- Thicker Soup: Add 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch mixed with cool water near the end if you prefer a thicker broth.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 562
- Sugar: 7g
- Cholesterol: 118mg