If you’re looking for a hearty, comforting bowl of warmth that feels like a hug from the inside, this Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup Recipe is an absolute home run. Imagine tender Italian sausage mingling with bright, fresh spinach, perfectly cooked ditalini pasta swimming in a luscious, creamy broth kissed with Parmesan cheese. This soup isn’t just delicious; it’s layered with flavors that come together effortlessly to satisfy any craving for something rich, savory, and totally soul-satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients may be simple, but each one is essential for creating the flavors and textures that make this soup so special. From the savory sausage to the creamy Parmesan, every element plays a delicious part.
- 1 lb sweet Italian sausage: The star protein that brings a robust, savory base to this soup.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Used for sautéing, it adds a subtle fruity richness that complements the sausage.
- 1 large onion, diced: Adds natural sweetness and depth of flavor once softened.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced: Infuses the soup with that irresistible aromatic punch.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Brings a classic Italian herb note to the broth.
- 6 cups chicken broth: The flavorful liquid foundation that keeps everything cozy and warm.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Adds lush creaminess and a luxurious mouthfeel.
- 1 1/2 cups ditalini pasta: Tiny pasta shapes that soak up the broth perfectly without overwhelming.
- 4 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped: Fresh greens that brighten and add a lovely pop of color and nutrition.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: A subtle, sweet herb that enhances the Italian flavor profile.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like a gentle kick, this adds warmth without overpowering.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for balancing and highlighting all the flavors.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish: Melts into the soup for cheesiness with a salty, nutty edge.
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish: Adds a fresh, vibrant finish and a burst of color.
How to Make Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by heating a large pot over medium heat and cooking the sweet Italian sausage until it’s beautifully browned and cooked through. Breaking it up as it cooks helps create lovely bite-sized pieces that distribute flavor evenly. Once done, scoop it out with a slotted spoon and set it aside—your soup’s meaty heart is ready.
Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic
Using the same pot, drizzle in olive oil and toss in the diced onion. Let it cook until it becomes soft and translucent, which usually takes about five minutes. This step builds a sweet, aromatic base. Then add minced garlic and cook for another minute to release its fragrant oils, adding that classic Italian touch.
Step 3: Create the Broth
Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a lively boil before lowering to a simmer. Stir in the heavy cream, along with dried oregano, dried basil, and if you like a little heat, red pepper flakes. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper—this is when the flavor really starts to deepen.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
Throw in the ditalini pasta and simmer until it’s perfectly al dente, usually around eight minutes. The pasta will soak up all that creamy, herby goodness, making every spoonful a delight.
Step 5: Add Sausage and Spinach
Return your cooked sausage to the pot and add chopped spinach. The spinach wilts quickly into the hot soup, giving it a fresh, green boost and extra nutrients. This step adds a contrast in texture and a pop of vibrant color.
Step 6: Stir in Parmesan Cheese
Turn off the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Watch it melt beautifully into the broth, enriching the soup with a salty, nutty creaminess that ties every ingredient together.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Ladle the soup into bowls and top with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for freshness and an inviting pop of green. Serve immediately while it’s warm and comforting.
How to Serve Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Extra Parmesan cheese is always a winner, adding more of that irresistible cheesy flavor on top. Fresh parsley brings a lovely herbal brightness and makes your soup look as gorgeous as it tastes. For a touch of indulgence, a drizzle of good olive oil can add a silky finish.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or garlic bread to soak up every last drop of the creamy broth. A simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette can cut through the richness and add a refreshing balance. Roasted vegetables or a light caprese salad work beautifully too.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls for a fun, rustic touch that’s perfect for a cozy night in. Alternatively, individual ramekins can make it a beautiful starter for dinner parties. For a twist, sprinkle toasted pine nuts on top for crunch or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftover soup in an airtight container and refrigerate right away. It will keep well for 3 to 4 days, and the flavors often intensify after a day or two, making it even more delicious.
Freezing
This Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup Recipe can be frozen, but for best results, leave out the pasta before freezing since it can become mushy. Freeze the soup in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Warm the soup gently over low to medium heat on the stove, stirring occasionally. If it thickens too much after refrigeration or freezing, just add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it back up. Avoid boiling to keep the cream from breaking.
FAQs
Can I use spicy Italian sausage instead of sweet?
Absolutely! Using spicy Italian sausage will add a pleasant kick to the soup, making it a bit more bold. Just adjust the red pepper flakes according to your heat preference.
Is it possible to make this soup dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free alternative, and use a dairy-free Parmesan-style cheese. Keep in mind that the texture and flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
Can I add other vegetables to this soup?
Definitely! Feel free to add diced carrots, celery, or zucchini when sautéing the onion for extra texture and nutrition. Just make sure to adjust cooking times so everything is tender.
What pasta can I use if I don’t have ditalini?
Small pasta shapes like elbow macaroni, small shells, or orzo work perfectly as substitutes. The key is choosing a pasta size that won’t overpower the soup or take too long to cook.
Is this soup suitable for meal prepping?
Yes, this soup is fantastic for meal prep since it stores well and tastes great reheated. Just cook the pasta fresh or add extra broth when reheating to avoid it becoming too thick or gummy.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup Recipe a try—it’s one of those dishes that brings people together around the table with smiles and warm hearts. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend treat, this soup delivers comfort, flavor, and a little Italian magic in every spoonful. Happy cooking!
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Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 to 8 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup is a hearty and comforting dish featuring flavorful sweet Italian sausage, tender ditalini pasta, fresh spinach, and a creamy Parmesan-infused broth. This easy-to-make soup blends Italian herbs and spices for a rich and satisfying meal perfect for any time of year.
Ingredients
Sausage and Aromatics
- 1 lb sweet Italian sausage
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Soup Base and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Additional Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups ditalini pasta
- 4 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage: In a large pot over medium heat, brown the sweet Italian sausage, breaking it up as it cooks. Once fully cooked and no longer pink, remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: In the same pot, add olive oil if needed and sauté the diced onion until translucent, approximately 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add Broth and Seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer, then stir in heavy cream, dried oregano, dried basil, optional red pepper flakes, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook Pasta: Add the ditalini pasta to the simmering soup and cook until al dente, about 8 minutes.
- Add Sausage and Spinach: Return the cooked sausage back into the pot and stir in the chopped spinach. Cook just until the spinach wilts, about 2 minutes.
- Incorporate Parmesan: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts completely and the soup becomes creamy and smooth.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the soup into serving bowls and garnish each with extra grated Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot for best flavor.
Notes
- For a spicier version, increase the red pepper flakes or use hot Italian sausage.
- Substitute ditalini pasta with any small pasta shape you prefer.
- Use low-fat cream or half-and-half for a lighter version, though it may be less creamy.
- Make sure to stir in the Parmesan off the heat to prevent curdling.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
