Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup Recipe

Cozy Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup Recipe for Chilly Days

Cozy evenings demand a hearty parmesan italian sausage soup that warms you from the inside out.

My grandmother first shared this recipe during chilly winters in tuscany.

Rich, velvety textures merge with savory sausage and aromatic herbs.

Comfort flows through each spoonful, promising a delightful culinary experience.

Robust ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.

Chunky vegetables and tender meat combine in a creamy broth that feels like a warm embrace.

Savor this soul-satisfying soup and let its magic transport you to an italian kitchen.

Why Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup Is Comforting

  • Perfect for busy families needing a satisfying meal that comes together in under 30 minutes with minimal prep work.
  • Delivers rich, creamy texture with hearty Italian sausage and tender vegetables that warm you from the inside out, making it ideal for chilly evenings.
  • Easily customizable by swapping sausage types, adding different vegetables, or adjusting spice levels to match personal taste preferences without compromising the recipe's core deliciousness.
  • Minimizes kitchen cleanup by using a single pot for cooking, which saves time and reduces dishwashing hassle for home cooks looking for convenient meal solutions.

Ingredients That Make Up Parmesan Sausage Soup

Proteins:
  • Italian Sausage: Rich and flavorful base meat that provides hearty texture to the soup.
  • Chicken Broth: Key liquid foundation that builds deep flavor profile.
Vegetables and Aromatics:
  • Onion, Carrots, Celery: Classic soup base vegetables that create aromatic foundation.
  • Garlic: Adds robust and pungent flavor layer to the soup.
  • Spinach or Kale: Fresh green element that adds nutrition and color.
Dairy and Creaminess:
  • Heavy Cream, Milk: Creates smooth and luxurious soup texture.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Provides salty, nutty flavor and helps thicken the soup.
Additional Seasonings:
  • Italian Seasoning: Herb blend that enhances overall Italian taste profile.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Optional ingredient for adding subtle heat.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing overall flavor.
Pasta:
  • Pasta: Adds hearty substance and makes the soup more filling.
Cooking Fats:
  • Olive Oil: Helps sauté vegetables and prevent sticking.

Cook Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup Like This

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Place a large pot over medium heat. Crumble Italian sausage into the pot and cook until completely browned. Use a slotted spoon to transfer cooked sausage to a separate plate. Drain excess grease, leaving a thin layer in the pot.

Step 2: Prepare Vegetable Base

Add olive oil to the pot if needed. Toss in:
  • Diced onions
  • Chopped carrots
  • Sliced celery

Sauté vegetables until they soften and become tender. Introduce minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Build the Soup Foundation

Pour chicken broth into the pot. Scrape bottom of the pot to release any caramelized bits. Stir in:
  • Italian seasoning
  • Red pepper flakes
  • Cooked sausage

Bring mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Add pasta directly into the simmering soup. Cook until pasta reaches al dente texture, typically 7-9 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Create Creamy Texture

Lower heat and incorporate:
  • Heavy cream
  • Milk
  • Grated Parmesan cheese

Stir continuously until cheese melts completely and soup becomes silky smooth.

Step 6: Finish with Greens

Fold in fresh spinach or kale. Allow greens to wilt for 2-3 minutes. Taste and season with salt and black pepper as desired.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle soup into serving bowls. Sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese on top. Grind fresh black pepper over each serving. Pair with crusty bread for dipping.

Tips That Make This Sausage Soup Even Better

  • Choose Lean Sausage: Opt for low-fat or turkey Italian sausage to reduce overall calories while maintaining delicious flavor.
  • Perfect Pasta Texture: Cook pasta just until al dente to prevent mushiness and maintain a satisfying bite in the soup.
  • Customize Greens: Swap spinach with kale or Swiss chard for added nutrition and different texture variations.
  • Control Spice Level: Adjust red pepper flakes to match your heat preference, adding slowly and tasting as you go.
  • Make Ahead Friendly: Prepare soup base in advance and add cream and pasta just before serving to maintain optimal consistency and prevent separation.

Save and Heat Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup Properly

  • Store leftover soup in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
  • Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion, and freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing portions with pasta, as it may become mushy.
  • Warm refrigerated soup in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth to restore consistency and prevent scorching.
  • Heat individual servings in short intervals, stirring between each, to ensure even warming and prevent hot spots.

What to Pair with This Sausage Soup

  • Select a medium-bodied Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the rich, savory sausage and creamy texture of the soup.
  • Choose a rustic sourdough or herbed focaccia to soak up the delicious broth and add a delightful textural contrast to each spoonful.
  • Create a light side salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy balsamic vinaigrette to balance the soup's creamy and hearty profile.
  • Opt for a Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to provide a refreshing counterpoint to the soup's richness and cut through its creamy consistency.

Tweak This Sausage Soup with These Ideas

  • Gluten-Free Version: Replace regular pasta with gluten-free pasta or cauliflower rice to make the soup celiac-friendly and safe for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Low-Carb Adaptation: Swap pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower florets to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining the soup's rich flavor profile.
  • Vegetarian Alternative: Substitute Italian sausage with plant-based sausage crumbles or extra firm tofu seasoned with Italian herbs for a meat-free protein option.
  • Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan cheese to create a creamy texture without dairy ingredients.

Parmesan Sausage Soup: FAQ Roundup

  • Can I use a different type of sausage?

Yes, you can swap Italian sausage with spicy sausage, chicken sausage, or ground turkey for a different flavor profile and protein option.

  • Is this soup nutritious?

Absolutely! The soup contains protein from sausage, vegetables like carrots and celery, greens like spinach, and provides a balanced meal with essential nutrients.

  • Can I make this soup gluten-free?

Yes, simply replace regular pasta with gluten-free pasta varieties like rice pasta or chickpea pasta to make the entire recipe gluten-free.

  • How can I make the soup healthier?

Use lean sausage, low-fat milk instead of heavy cream, add more vegetables, and choose whole wheat pasta to increase the nutritional value of the soup.

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Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup Recipe


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4.6 from 10 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup delivers comfort straight from Italian kitchens, blending rich sausage with silky parmesan in a soul-warming bowl. Robust flavors invite winter warmth and culinary satisfaction for hungry souls seeking genuine Italian comfort.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 pound (450 g) Italian sausage (mild or spicy, as desired)

Vegetables and Aromatics:

  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced

Liquid and Dairy:

  • 4 cups (1 liter) chicken broth
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
  • 1 cup (240 ml) milk (optional, for a lighter soup)
  • ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for garnish)

Pasta and Seasonings:

  • 1 cup (150 g) small pasta (like ditalini or orzo)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed)
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Greens:

  • 2 cups (60 g) fresh spinach or kale, roughly chopped

Instructions

  1. Heat a spacious cooking vessel and crumble the Italian sausage, browning it thoroughly while breaking into small pieces. Extract the meat using a perforated utensil, reserving a thin layer of rendered fat.
  2. Introduce olive oil into the identical pot, then incorporate diced onions, julienned carrots, and chopped celery. Sauté the vegetables until they soften and become translucent. Add minced garlic and continue cooking briefly to release aromatic notes.
  3. Pour chicken broth into the pot, carefully dislodging caramelized fragments from the bottom surface. Integrate Italian seasoning, optional red pepper flakes, and previously cooked sausage. Elevate temperature to achieve a robust boil, then immediately reduce to a gentle simmer for approximately 10 minutes.
  4. Introduce pasta directly into the simmering liquid, monitoring cooking time to ensure optimal texture. Periodically stir to prevent ingredient adhesion and maintain even cooking.
  5. Lower heat and gently incorporate heavy cream, optional milk, and finely grated Parmesan cheese. Whisk methodically until the cheese dissolves completely, creating a luxurious, velvety consistency.
  6. Fold fresh spinach or kale into the soup, allowing the greens to wilt and integrate seamlessly. Calibrate seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper according to personal preference.
  7. Transfer the steaming soup into serving vessels, embellishing with additional Parmesan cheese and a final sprinkle of black pepper. Accompany with crusty artisan bread for an enhanced dining experience.

Notes

  • Sausage Selection Matters: Choose high-quality Italian sausage with robust flavor, preferably with a mix of spicy and mild varieties for depth.
  • Fat Management: Drain excess grease carefully to prevent the soup from becoming overly greasy while maintaining rich flavor.
  • Pasta Cooking Precision: Add pasta towards the end of cooking to prevent overcooking and maintain ideal texture, ensuring it stays perfectly al dente.
  • Dairy Sensitivity Hack: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or lactose-free alternatives for dairy-free dietary needs without compromising creamy consistency.
  • Vegetable Flexibility: Customize vegetable mix by adding zucchini or bell peppers for extra nutrition and varied texture in the soup.
  • Spice Control: Adjust red pepper flakes based on heat preference, allowing personalization for different spice tolerances.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Soup tastes even better the next day as flavors intensify, making it perfect for meal prep and convenient reheating.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 900 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 20 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
Daves Miller

Daves Miller

Contributing Chef & Culinary Educator

Expertise

  • American Southern cuisine with a modern twist.
  • Instruction in culinary fundamentals and advanced techniques.
  • Development of recipes that highlight seasonal and local produce.​
  • Mastery of artisanal bread and pastry techniques, from laminated doughs to decorative sugar artistry.

Education

Sullivan University, Louisville, Kentucky

  • Degree: Associate of Science Degree in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Specialized in cooking techniques and culinary sciences, hands‑on externships, professional kitchen lab training, and career preparation for restaurants, entrepreneurship, and global culinary opportunities.

White Mountains Community College, Berlin, New Hampshire

  • Program: Baking and Pastry Arts degree
  • Focus: Specialized in comprehensive baking and pastry arts, including bread making, artisan breads, cake decorating and design, chocolates, confections, and decorative centerpieces; product development and baking theory; and career preparation for baker and pastry chef roles in many places.

Daves is the friendly face guiding you through flavorful, fuss-free recipes at Picture Perfect Meals. 

He studied culinary arts at Sullivan University and embraced Baking and Pastry Arts at White Mountains Community College. Daves specializes in comforting meals with vibrant flavors, highlighting fresh, seasonal ingredients.

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