Rich, Cozy, and Full of Flavor

This is my favorite Italian-style soup when I want something hearty and comforting. For me, this Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup is like a warm blanket on a cold day—rich, creamy, and full of delicious flavors. With savory Italian sausage, fresh veggies, smooth cream, and lots of melted Parmesan cheese, it brings everything I love about Italian food into one big, cozy bowl. It’s bold, cheesy, and just the right amount of indulgent.

This soup feels like a full meal in one pot, and the result just makes you want to go back for seconds! You’ll love it for sure, and for a perfect dinner with your family, a simple but impressive dish for guests, or a Sunday night comfort meal, this soup checks every box. It’s comforting, filling, and comes together in about 30 minutes.

I like to enjoy it while curled up on the couch or at the table with a chunk of warm, crusty bread. Some days I add pasta or potatoes to make it even heartier, and sometimes I keep it light with extra greens. This Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup is super easy to make, and even better the next day when the flavors have blended even more.

Is Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup Healthy?

Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup is rich and satisfying but can be made healthier with a few simple changes. Using turkey sausage or lean Italian sausage cuts down on fat. You can swap in half-and-half or even whole milk for the cream. Add lots of veggies and go easy on the salt to balance it out. It’s hearty and nourishing, especially when paired with greens like spinach or kale.

Perfect For:

• Cold Winter Nights: The creamy broth and savory sausage make it perfect for warming up after a long, chilly day.
• Easy Weeknight Dinners: It’s a one-pot recipe that comes together quickly and doesn’t need much cleanup—perfect for busy evenings.
• Family Gatherings: Everyone loves this soup! Kids and adults alike can’t resist the cheesy, meaty goodness.
• Leftover Lovers: The flavors deepen overnight, so it tastes even better the next day. Make a double batch—you won’t regret it!

Ingredients

• 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup baby spinach or kale
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional: 1 cup small pasta (like ditalini or orzo) or diced potatoes

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Large soup pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon
• Chopping board and sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Ladle
• Cheese grater

How to make Creamy parmesan Italian sausage soup

Step 1:

In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sausage (casings removed if using links) and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles. Remove excess grease if needed.

Step 2:

Add chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5–6 minutes until softened and fragrant.

Step 3:

Stir in Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes. Pour in the chicken broth. If using potatoes or pasta, add them now. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the vegetables and starch are tender.

Step 4:

Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan. Simmer for 5 more minutes, stirring often until the cheese melts and the soup thickens slightly.

Step 5:

Add spinach or kale and cook just until wilted. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.

Step 6:

Ladle into bowls and top with extra Parmesan or a sprinkle of fresh herbs if desired. Serve with crusty bread for dipping!

Helpful Tips

• Brown the sausage well: Let it get a little crispy before adding other ingredients—it brings out more flavor.
• Use fresh Parmesan: It melts better and adds a smoother, richer texture.
• Add pasta separately: If using pasta, cook it separately and add it to bowls when serving to avoid soggy leftovers.
• Use kale or spinach: Add these at the end for color, texture, and a healthy touch.
• Don’t boil the cream: Once you add cream, keep it at a gentle simmer to avoid curdling.
• Adjust seasoning last: The sausage and cheese add salt, so taste at the end before adding more.
• Let it sit before serving: A few minutes of rest off the heat helps the flavors blend beautifully.

Optional Ingredients (Get Creative!)

• Crushed red pepper flakes: For a little heat that balances the creaminess.
• Diced potatoes: Make it even heartier and stretch the soup further.
• White beans: Add fiber and protein while keeping the creamy texture.
• Sun-dried tomatoes: Bring a pop of tangy-sweet flavor and color.
• Thyme or rosemary: Fresh herbs add a wonderful aroma and depth.
• Shaved Parmesan garnish: A pretty and tasty finish right before serving.

How to Serve Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup?

The best way to serve this soup is piping hot in deep bowls. Its richness makes it a star on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with rustic sides.

Serve it with thick slices of crusty Italian bread or cheesy garlic toast to soak up the creamy broth. The contrast between the crispy bread and the smooth soup is heaven.

Add a simple green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette for balance. The freshness cuts through the richness and turns it into a full, well-rounded meal. Top each bowl with a little grated Parmesan, a few chili flakes, or a drizzle of olive oil. A sprinkle of fresh herbs or a dollop of ricotta can also elevate the presentation and flavor.

Variations and Substitutions To Try

Use turkey or chicken sausage: Leaner alternatives that still pack a punch of flavor and are perfect for lighter diets.

Add pasta or tortellini: For an even heartier soup, add cooked pasta like orzo, ditalini, or stuffed tortellini.

Use milk or half-and-half: A lighter alternative to cream that still gives you that satisfying, creamy texture.

Go vegetarian: Use plant-based sausage and veggie broth for a meat-free but still super flavorful version.

Add mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms bring earthy depth and work wonderfully with sausage and Parmesan.

Make it gluten-free: Skip pasta or use gluten-free noodles. Double-check that your sausage and broth are gluten-free, too.

Include cauliflower or zucchini: A low-carb way to add bulk and subtle sweetness while keeping it light.

Spice it up: Use hot Italian sausage or stir in some sriracha, chipotle powder, or more red pepper flakes for extra heat.

How to Store

Let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors get better as it sits, so it makes amazing leftovers.

To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave. Stir often and avoid boiling once the cream is in. If it thickens too much, just add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up.

FAQ

Can I use a different type of sausage?

Yes! You can use turkey sausage, chicken sausage, spicy Italian sausage, or plant-based sausage for a vegetarian version.

What kind of cream should I use?

Heavy cream gives the richest texture, but you can use half-and-half or even whole milk to lighten it up.

How do I keep the cheese from clumping?

Use freshly grated Parmesan and stir it in slowly over low heat. Avoid high heat after adding cheese or cream.

Can I add pasta to this soup?

Yes! Small pasta shapes like orzo or ditalini are great. Cook them separately and add to the bowl before serving.

What vegetables work best in this soup?

Spinach, kale, zucchini, mushrooms, or even small-diced carrots all work wonderfully and add color and nutrients.

Is this soup gluten-free?

It can be! Just skip the pasta or use gluten-free pasta, and ensure your sausage and broth are gluten-free too.

Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup

Recipe by Wasian CookeryCourse: MainCuisine: Italian-inspiredDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

30

minutes

Total time

40

minutes

Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup is a rich, comforting dish made with savory sausage, tender greens, and a cheesy, creamy broth.

Ingredients

• 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 small onion, chopped

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 2 carrots, diced

• 2 celery stalks, diced

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

• 4 cups chicken broth

• 1 cup heavy cream

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 cup baby spinach or kale

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Optional: 1 cup small pasta (like ditalini or orzo) or diced potatoes

Directions

• In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sausage (casings removed if using links) and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles. Remove excess grease if needed.
• Add chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5–6 minutes until softened and fragrant.
• Stir in Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes. Pour in the chicken broth. If using potatoes or pasta, add them now. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the vegetables and starch are tender.
• Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan. Simmer for 5 more minutes, stirring often until the cheese melts and the soup thickens slightly.
• Add spinach or kale and cook just until wilted. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
• Ladle into bowls and top with extra Parmesan or a sprinkle of fresh herbs if desired. Serve with crusty bread for dipping!