Name: Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or hot); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 small onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 3 cups chicken broth; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes; 1 cup heavy cream; 2 cups baby spinach, packed; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; Salt and pepper to taste; ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); 2 cups small pasta (such as ditalini or elbow macaroni)

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This creamy Parmesan Italian sausage soup is a comforting and hearty dish, perfect for any season. With a rich, velvety broth, flavorful Italian sausage, and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal, this soup is the ultimate comfort food.

Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This soup combines savory sausage, creamy broth, and tender pasta, making it the ideal balance of flavors and textures. The Parmesan cheese adds a rich depth, while the spinach brings a touch of freshness. With its quick cooking time and minimal prep work, this soup is easy to make and even easier to enjoy, especially on chilly days.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 lb Italian sausage (mild or hot)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 cups chicken broth
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups baby spinach, packed
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
2 cups small pasta (such as ditalini or elbow macaroni)

directions

Brown the Sausage
- Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large pot or Dutch oven. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up into small pieces, until browned (about 5–7 minutes). Remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set it aside.
Sauté the Aromatics
- In the same pot, add the diced onion and cook for about 3–4 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Add the Broth and Tomatoes
- Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes (with their juices). Stir in the dried basil, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes if desired. Bring the mixture to a boil.
Cook the Pasta
- Add the pasta to the boiling broth mixture and cook according to package instructions (usually 8–10 minutes) until al dente.
Add the Sausage and Cream
- Once the pasta is cooked, reduce the heat to low. Return the browned sausage to the pot and stir in the heavy cream. Simmer for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Incorporate the Spinach and Parmesan
- Stir in the baby spinach and grated Parmesan cheese. Cook for another 2–3 minutes, until the spinach wilts and the cheese melts into the soup.
Season and Serve
- Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper to your preference. Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for additional heat, if desired.

Servings and timing

Servings: 6
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes

Variations

Greens swap: For a heartier soup, use kale instead of spinach.
Lighter version: Replace the heavy cream with half-and-half or milk for a lighter broth.
Dairy-free: To make this soup dairy-free, use a non-dairy cream (such as coconut cream) and skip the Parmesan cheese.
Pasta alternatives: Use gluten-free pasta or rice if you prefer a gluten-free option.

storage/reheating

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat on the stove, adding a splash of broth or water if the soup thickens too much. For longer storage, freeze the soup for up to 3 months.

FAQs

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, this soup can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors will deepen overnight, making it even more delicious.

Can I use another type of sausage?

Yes, you can use any type of sausage you like, such as turkey sausage or chicken sausage, for a lighter version.

Is this soup spicy?

If you use mild sausage and omit the red pepper flakes, it will be mild. For more spice, add extra red pepper flakes or use hot Italian sausage.

Can I make this soup without pasta?

Yes, you can skip the pasta and make a lower-carb version, or you can replace the pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.

Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, this soup freezes well. Let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container or freezer bag. When ready to reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stove.

How can I adjust the thickness of the soup?

If the soup is too thick, add a bit more chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, let it simmer for a few more minutes to reduce.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, you can replace the sausage with a plant-based sausage or skip the sausage entirely and add more vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini.

Can I use fresh spinach instead of baby spinach?

Yes, fresh spinach works just as well in this recipe. Be sure to chop it into smaller pieces before adding it to the soup.

How can I make this soup more flavorful?

You can increase the amount of spices (basil, oregano, or red pepper flakes) to suit your taste. Adding a bit of freshly squeezed lemon juice before serving can also enhance the flavors.

What can I serve with this soup?

This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, a side salad, or a slice of garlic bread for a hearty meal.

Conclusion

The Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup is a rich, flavorful, and comforting dish that combines the best of savory sausage, creamy broth, and tender pasta. With a touch of Parmesan cheese and fresh spinach, it’s a meal that’s both satisfying and full of warmth. Perfect for weeknights or cozy weekends, this soup is sure to be a new favorite at your dinner table.