If you’re craving a cozy, satisfying bowl of soup that feels like a warm hug in winter, the Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish brings together the savory richness of sweet Italian sausage, the fresh vibrancy of spinach, and the irresistible creaminess of Parmesan cheese, all nestled in a hearty broth with tender pasta bits. It is a perfect blend of comforting textures and robust flavors that will make you want to savor every spoonful. Whether it’s a family dinner or a special treat for yourself, this soup delivers on both taste and soul-warming goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup Recipe lies in its straightforward yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a meaningful role, from the spicy sweetness of the sausage to the gentle earthiness of herbs, creating a balanced and inviting flavor profile. These ingredients are easy to find and simple to prepare, making this soup a go-to for both beginners and seasoned home cooks alike.
- 1 lb sweet Italian sausage: Adds a flavorful, slightly sweet, and savory protein base that forms the heart of the soup.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Used for sautéing the onions and garlic, contributing a subtle fruity richness.
- 1 large onion, diced: Provides a sweet and aromatic foundation when cooked down.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced: Infuses the broth with warm, inviting depth and fragrance.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Adds an herbaceous, slightly peppery note that complements the sausage perfectly.
- 6 cups chicken broth: Forms the flavorful yet light liquid background, keeping the soup hearty without heaviness.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates a luscious, velvety texture that makes the soup truly creamy and decadent.
- 1 1/2 cups ditalini pasta: Small pasta shapes that hold onto the broth and sausage bits, adding delightful chewiness.
- 4 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped: Brightens the soup with a fresh, healthy green element and subtle earthiness.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: Works alongside oregano to bring lovely Italian herb flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Offers a gentle spicy kick for those who like a little heat in their soup.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors beautifully.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish: Brings a savory, nutty, umami-packed finish that melts into the soup perfectly.
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish: Adds a pop of color and a fresh herbal note as a final touch.
How to Make Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Italian Sausage
Begin by heating a large pot over medium heat and cooking the sweet Italian sausage. Break it up into smaller pieces as it cooks to ensure it browns evenly and crisps up just right. Browning the sausage releases its flavorful fats and caramelizes its edges, giving the soup a deep, savory base. Once it’s fully cooked, scoop the sausage out with a slotted spoon and set it aside temporarily. This step is crucial for layering the taste without overcooking sausage in the broth later.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same pot, drizzle in olive oil and add the diced onion. Sauté the onions until they become translucent and soft, about 5 minutes. This mellow sweetness will enhance the soup’s overall flavor. Next, add minced garlic and cook it for about a minute, stirring frequently to avoid burning. Garlic’s aroma when lightly cooked brightens the broth and complements the Italian sausage beautifully.
Step 3: Build the Soup Base
Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle boil before reducing to a simmer. Stir in the heavy cream, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to balance all the layers of flavor. This combination creates a richly flavored, creamy broth that is the soul of this recipe.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
Add the ditalini pasta directly to the simmering soup and cook it until it is al dente, roughly 8 minutes. The pasta not only bulks up the soup but also soaks up the lovely broth, ensuring every bite is satisfying. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t turn mushy, maintaining that perfect tender bite.
Step 5: Add Sausage and Spinach
Return the cooked Italian sausage to the pot, stirring it gently into the soup. Add the chopped fresh spinach and cook just until the spinach wilts, about 2 minutes. The greens add freshness and a wonderful texture contrast to the creamy, hearty components.
Step 6: Stir in Parmesan Cheese
Remove the pot from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and blends smoothly into the soup. This final addition enriches the broth with a luscious, nutty flavor and enhances the creamy texture, perfectly finishing the dish.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley if desired. Serving it hot ensures you enjoy every bit of the comforting creaminess and inviting aromas.
How to Serve Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes not only elevates the look of your soup but also layers in fresh and contrasting flavors. A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese is essential for that extra burst of umami and creaminess on top. Chopped fresh parsley brightens every spoonful with its subtle herbaceousness and adds a delightful green pop that makes the bowl look as good as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup Recipe pairs wonderfully with warm crusty bread or garlic breadsticks. The bread soaks up every bit of the flavorful broth and adds a lovely contrast with its satisfying crunch. A simple side salad with a tangy vinaigrette can also balance the richness of the soup, lending freshness and a crisp bite to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving this soup in individual mini bread bowls or hollowed-out baguettes, which make for an edible bowl and add a rustic charm. You could also sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes on top for those who like a touch more heat. If you’re hosting, setting up a garnish bar with Parmesan, parsley, and chili flakes lets guests personalize their bowls for an interactive meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
The Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup Recipe stores beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Transfer the cooled soup to airtight containers to keep it fresh and preserve the flavors. Just give it a good stir before reheating to reincorporate any ingredients that may have settled.
Freezing
While this soup is delightful fresh, it can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Because it’s creamy, it’s best to freeze before adding the Parmesan cheese—you can stir it in fresh when reheating. Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags, leaving some space for expansion. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight for the best results.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. Add the grated Parmesan cheese after the soup is hot to maintain that silky texture and fresh flavor. Avoid boiling as it might affect the cream’s smoothness. If the soup thickens too much upon standing, stir in a splash of broth or cream to loosen it up.
FAQs
Can I use spicy Italian sausage instead of sweet?
Absolutely! Using spicy Italian sausage will add a nice kick and depth of flavor to the soup. Just adjust or omit the red pepper flakes depending on your heat preference.
Is there a substitute for ditalini pasta?
Yes, any small pasta such as elbow macaroni, orzo, or small shells can be used. Choose something that holds broth well and cooks quickly to maintain the soup’s texture.
Can I make this soup dairy-free?
To make this dairy-free, substitute the heavy cream with a non-dairy cream alternative such as coconut cream or cashew cream and use a vegan Parmesan-style cheese. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
How can I add more vegetables to the soup?
Feel free to toss in diced carrots, celery, or mushrooms when sautéing the onions. These will add extra flavor, texture, and nutrition without overpowering the main ingredients.
What’s the best way to reheat leftover soup without it separating?
Reheat gently over low to medium heat, stirring continuously. Adding a little extra cream or broth while warming can help maintain the creamy consistency and prevent separation.
Final Thoughts
There is something incredibly rewarding about making a homemade soup that feels nourishing and indulgent all at once, and this Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup Recipe checks every box. It’s one of those dishes that brings people together around the table, whether for a casual weeknight meal or weekend comfort food. I hope you love diving into its rich, creamy goodness as much as I do and keep it in your cooking rotation for those days when you want something truly special yet effortlessly satisfying.
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Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup is a hearty and comforting dish featuring savory sweet Italian sausage, tender ditalini pasta, fresh spinach, and a rich, creamy broth infused with Parmesan cheese and Italian herbs. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this soup combines robust flavors and satisfying textures in just 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Meat
- 1 lb sweet Italian sausage
Vegetables and Herbs
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Pantry
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Liquids and Dairy
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
Grains
- 1 1/2 cups ditalini pasta
Instructions
- Cook the Sausage: In a large pot over medium heat, brown the sweet Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. When fully cooked and no longer pink inside, use a slotted spoon to remove the sausage and set it aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, add olive oil and sauté the diced onion until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add Broth and Seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer, then stir in the heavy cream, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if using), and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook Pasta: Add the ditalini pasta to the pot and simmer until it is al dente, approximately 8 minutes.
- Combine Sausage and Spinach: Return the cooked sausage back to the pot. Stir in the roughly chopped spinach and cook for about 2 minutes, or until the spinach has wilted.
- Finish with Parmesan: Remove the pot from heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and fully incorporates into the soup, creating a creamy texture.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot for a comforting meal.
Notes
- You can substitute sweet Italian sausage with spicy Italian sausage for added heat.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, but the soup will be less rich.
- Gluten-free pasta can be used to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to control the soup’s spiciness or omit entirely for no heat.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely on the stovetop.
