Cozy up with a bowl of Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup, a hearty and comforting dish packed with savory flavors. This soup combines tender Italian sausage, fresh vegetables, and creamy Parmesan broth for a satisfying meal that’s perfect for chilly evenings or when you’re craving something warm and delicious. It’s easy to make and bound to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

This soup is a one-pot wonder that’s rich, creamy, and bursting with flavor. The combination of Italian sausage, Parmesan cheese, and fresh herbs creates a comforting bowl that’s both hearty and elegant. It’s a versatile recipe that can easily be adapted to suit your taste or dietary needs.

Ingredients

Italian sausage (mild or spicy, depending on preference)
Onion, diced
Garlic cloves, minced
Carrots, sliced
Celery, chopped
Chicken broth
Heavy cream
Grated Parmesan cheese
Spinach or kale
Dried Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper

Full list of ingredients and exact measurements can be found below.

Directions

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the Italian sausage over medium heat until browned and fully cooked. Break it into small pieces as it cooks. Remove it from the pot and set aside, leaving a little of the rendered fat for added flavor.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Add the Broth

Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Return the cooked sausage to the pot.

Step 4: Add Cream and Cheese

Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, allowing them to melt and blend into the broth. Simmer gently for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 5: Add Greens

Stir in the spinach or kale and let it wilt into the soup. This should only take 2-3 minutes.

Step 6: Serve

Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. Ladle it into bowls and serve with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

Expert Tips and Tricks

Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture.
For a thicker soup, add a slurry of cornstarch and water or mash some of the vegetables into the broth.
To reduce the fat, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Protein Swap: Try ground turkey or chicken sausage instead of Italian sausage.
Vegetarian Option: Use vegetable broth and replace the sausage with mushrooms or white beans.
Low-Carb Version: Skip the carrots and replace with more greens or cauliflower.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

This creamy soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, garlic knots, or a simple Caesar salad. It also complements a glass of white wine like Pinot Grigio or a non-alcoholic sparkling water with a twist of lemon.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream if the soup thickens too much. Avoid boiling to prevent the cream from curdling.

FAQs

Q: Can I freeze this soup? A: While you can freeze it, the cream may separate upon reheating. For best results, freeze the soup without the cream and add it fresh when reheating.

Q: Can I make this soup ahead of time? A: Yes! The flavors deepen as it sits. Prepare the soup a day ahead and reheat gently before serving.

Q: What can I use instead of heavy cream? A: Half-and-half or coconut milk can be used as substitutes, though the flavor will vary slightly.

Q: Can I add pasta or rice to this soup? A: Absolutely! Small pasta shapes like ditalini or rice can make this soup even heartier.

Conclusion

This Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup is everything you want in a comfort food—rich, flavorful, and satisfying. Whether you’re serving it for dinner or saving it for meal prep, it’s a dish that’s guaranteed to warm hearts and fill bellies. Give it a try, and let the cozy vibes begin!

Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews

Author: Jake
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Soup, Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-American

Print Recipe

Description

This hearty, comforting soup features flavorful Italian sausage, tender vegetables, and a rich, creamy Parmesan broth. Perfect for chilly nights, this soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a simple side salad. It’s easy to make and sure to become a family favorite!

Instructions

Cook the Sausage:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces with a spoon. Remove sausage and set aside.
Sauté Vegetables:
1. In the same pot, add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
Simmer the Broth:
1. Pour in the chicken broth and add the potatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
Add Cream and Sausage:
1. Stir in the cooked sausage, heavy cream, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy.
Add Greens:
1. Stir in the spinach or kale and let it wilt for 2-3 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Serve:
1. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve warm with crusty bread.

Notes

Swap potatoes for cauliflower to make it low-carb.
For a thicker soup, mash a few of the potatoes or add a cornstarch slurry.
Add gnocchi for a richer, heartier dish.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 410
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 890mg
Saturated Fat: 15g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 18g
Cholesterol: 75mg