Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup Recipe

Hearty Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup Recipe For Cozy Nights

Warming comfort arrives with this creamy parmesan Italian sausage soup that whispers delicious stories from rustic kitchens.

Fragrant herbs dance alongside tender meat chunks in a velvety broth.

Rich flavors promise an incredible culinary journey through Italian countryside traditions.

Hearty ingredients meld together, creating a symphony of taste that feels like a warm embrace.

Spices weave complexity into each spoonful, inviting memories of cozy evenings.

Perfectly balanced and deeply satisfying, this soup transforms simple ingredients into something magical.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this soul-warming masterpiece.

Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup: A Comfort Classic

  • Whip Up Comfort: A hearty, one-pot wonder that delivers maximum flavor with minimal kitchen effort, perfect for satisfying hungry families.
  • Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows swapping ingredients like pasta or potatoes, and adding optional greens for personalized nutrition and taste.
  • Boost Weeknight Excitement: Packed with rich, savory Italian sausage and creamy Parmesan, this soup transforms ordinary dinners into delightful culinary experiences.
  • Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Simple cooking steps and simple ingredients make this soup an ideal choice for busy weeknights, potlucks, or casual gatherings with friends.

Ingredients for Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup

Protein Base:
  • Italian Sausage: A hearty meat that adds rich flavor and substance to the soup.
Vegetables:
  • Onions, Garlic, Carrots, Celery, Bell Pepper: A classic vegetable blend that provides depth and aromatic base for the soup.
  • Potatoes or Pasta: A starchy component that makes the soup more filling and satisfying.
  • Spinach or Kale: A nutritious green that adds color and extra nutrients to the dish.
Liquid and Seasoning:
  • Olive Oil, Butter: Cooking fats that help develop flavor and prevent sticking.
  • Broth: The liquid foundation that creates the soup's base.
  • Heavy Cream: A creamy element that adds richness and smooth texture.
  • Parmesan Cheese: A salty, savory cheese that enhances the overall flavor profile.
  • Tomatoes: A tangy ingredient that contributes acidity and depth.
  • Oregano, Basil, Red Pepper Flakes, Bay Leaf: Herbs and spices that provide complex Italian-inspired seasoning.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance other flavors.

How to Make Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup

Step 1: Warm Up The Cooking Vessel

Heat olive oil and butter in a large pot over medium heat, creating a flavorful base for your soup.

Step 2: Brown The Sausage

Cook Italian sausage until it develops a rich, golden-brown color.

Remove from the pot and set aside for later.

Step 3: Create A Veggie Foundation

Sauté the following vegetables in the same pot until they become soft and fragrant:
  • Onions
  • Garlic
  • Carrots
  • Celery
  • Bell pepper

Step 4: Build The Soup Base

Pour in the liquid and seasonings, bringing the mixture to a rolling boil:
  • Broth
  • Tomatoes
  • Oregano
  • Basil
  • Red pepper flakes
  • Bay leaf
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Step 5: Add Hearty Fillers

Introduce potatoes or pasta to the pot, simmering for 15-20 minutes until they reach perfect tenderness.

Step 6: Bring It All Together

Return the browned sausage to the pot and stir in:
  • Heavy cream
  • Parmesan cheese

Step 7: Final Flourish

Toss in optional leafy greens like spinach or kale, allowing them to gently wilt into the soup.

Step 8: Serve With Flair

Give the soup a final taste for seasoning.

Serve in warm bowls topped with extra Parmesan, a sprinkle of cracked black pepper, and accompanied by crusty bread for dipping.

Tips for Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup Success

  • Select high-quality Italian sausage with good fat content for maximum flavor and richness in the soup.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes based on your heat preference, or use mild sausage for a less spicy version.
  • Swap or add different vegetables like zucchini, kale, or Swiss chard to increase nutritional value and texture.
  • Use cornstarch or additional Parmesan cheese to create a thicker soup consistency without compromising taste.
  • Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for a lactose-free alternative that maintains creamy texture.

Flavorful Variations on Italian Sausage Soup

  • Vegetarian Comfort Bowl: Replace Italian sausage with plant-based sausage crumbles or roasted chickpeas for a protein-packed meatless version.
  • Low-Carb Keto Friendly: Swap potatoes and pasta with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining rich, creamy texture.
  • Dairy-Free Mediterranean Style: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan cheese for allergen-friendly alternative with similar tangy flavor profile.
  • Spicy Southwest Fusion: Add diced green chiles, swap Italian herbs with cumin and chili powder, and incorporate black beans for a southwestern-inspired soup variation.

Serving Ideas for Italian Sausage Soup

  • Rustic Bread Companion: Slice a hearty sourdough or ciabatta to soak up the rich, creamy broth, adding delightful texture and flavor to each spoonful.
  • Cheese Lover's Dream: Sprinkle extra freshly grated Parmesan on top, letting it melt slightly and create a golden, crispy layer that enhances the soup's depth.
  • Fresh Green Accent: Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley to brighten the dish, adding a pop of color and a burst of fresh herb flavor that cuts through the creamy richness.
  • Protein Power-Up: Serve alongside a simple mixed green salad with grilled chicken or crispy bacon bits to transform the soup into a more substantial meal.

Storage Guidance for Italian Sausage Soup

  • Store soup in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers, leaving space for expansion. Freeze for 2-3 months. Avoid freezing if using cream-based soups, as texture might separate.
  • Place soup in microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals. Stir between intervals to distribute heat evenly. Add splash of broth if soup seems thick.
  • Pour soup into pot, warm over medium-low heat. Stir frequently to prevent scorching. Add extra broth or water if needed to restore original consistency. Heat until steaming and reach 165°F internal temperature.

FAQs

  • Can I use a different type of sausage?

Yes, you can substitute Italian sausage with other varieties like chorizo, bratwurst, or turkey sausage to suit your taste or dietary preferences.

  • Is this soup freezer-friendly?

Absolutely! The soup freezes well for up to 3 months. Just avoid adding cream and spinach before freezing, and stir them in after reheating.

  • How can I make this soup more protein-rich?

Add cooked beans like cannellini or white kidney beans, or include additional diced chicken or shredded rotisserie meat to boost protein content.

  • Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Replace sausage with plant-based sausage or add extra vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a fully vegetarian version.

Print
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Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup Recipe

Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup Recipe


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4.7 from 21 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty creamy parmesan italian sausage soup delivers comfort straight from Italian kitchens. Rich flavors meld together, promising warmth and satisfaction for hungry diners.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy)

Vegetables:

  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 1 cup diced carrots
  • 1 cup diced celery
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups baby spinach or kale (optional)
  • 1 cup diced potatoes or 1 cup uncooked pasta (optional)

Liquids and Seasonings:

  • 3 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
  • 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1.5 cups grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Warm a large pot over medium heat, combining olive oil and butter to create a flavorful base.
  2. Sear the Italian sausage until it develops a rich, golden-brown exterior. Transfer the cooked meat to a separate plate.
  3. Utilize the same pot to sauté a medley of aromatics – onions, garlic, carrots, celery, and bell peppers – until they become tender and fragrant.
  4. Pour in the broth, incorporating diced tomatoes and a blend of herbs including oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Elevate the heat to bring the mixture to a vigorous boil.
  5. Introduce potatoes or pasta, allowing them to simmer for 15-20 minutes until they reach a perfect tenderness.
  6. Reintegrate the previously cooked sausage into the pot, then stream in the luxurious heavy cream. Whisk in the Parmesan cheese until fully incorporated.
  7. Optional: Gently fold in fresh spinach or kale, permitting the greens to delicately wilt into the soup.
  8. Conduct a final seasoning assessment, then serve with an additional sprinkle of Parmesan, a dash of cracked black pepper, and a side of crusty bread for a complete culinary experience.

Notes

  • Choose high-quality Italian sausage for maximum flavor depth and authentic taste.
  • Remove sausage casings before browning to enhance meat’s texture and release more seasoning.
  • Consider using low-sodium broth to control salt levels and customize seasoning personally.
  • Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or milk for lighter, healthier version without compromising richness.
  • Add roasted red peppers for extra smoky sweetness and vibrant color to the soup.
  • Customize vegetable selections based on seasonal availability or personal preference.
  • Gluten-free option: Replace regular pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
  • Freeze leftovers in airtight containers for quick future meals, lasting up to 3 months.
  • For vegetarian adaptation, substitute sausage with plant-based protein or mushrooms.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 370 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 720 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 11 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 9 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 18 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg
Amanda Bennett

Amanda Bennett

Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Baking and Pastry Arts, Recipe Testing and Development, Culinary Instruction, Food Styling and Photography

Education

​Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, Asheville, NC
​Diploma in Culinary Arts
Emphasized practical cooking skills, nutrition, and kitchen management.​

Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, Cambridge, MA
Certificate in Professional Pastry Arts
Specialized in baking techniques, dessert presentation, and flavor profiling


Amanda’s roots run deep in the Southern hills, where every meal started fresh from the garden and every dessert came with a story. She trained at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and sharpened her pastry skills at the Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, blending classic technique with everyday charm.
At The Liffey, Amanda’s passion is making baking and home cooking feel natural and joyful. She’s all about single recipes that are simple enough for a busy afternoon, but special enough to make someone’s day a little sweeter.

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