Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup Recipe

Introduction

This Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for any day of the week. Rich with creamy cheese, savory sausage, and fresh herbs, it’s a hearty meal that’s simple to prepare and sure to please the whole family.

Ingredients

• 1 lb Italian sausage
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 2 cloves minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 (14.5 ounces) can petite diced tomatoes
• 8 ounces ditalini pasta
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh basil

Instructions

1. Step 1: Place the sausage in a large Dutch oven or pot. Brown and crumble the sausage until cooked through. Drain off any excess grease.
2. Step 2: Stir in the diced onion, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the onions are softened.
3. Step 3: Add the minced garlic and stir for 1 minute to release its aroma.
4. Step 4: Pour in the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and ditalini pasta. Ensure the pasta is fully submerged in the broth. Bring the mixture to a boil and cook for about 8 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente.
5. Step 5: Reduce the heat to medium. Stir in the softened cream cheese and grated Parmesan cheese. Continue cooking for another 5 minutes or until the cream cheese has melted completely and the soup is creamy.
6. Step 6: When serving, garnish the soup with fresh basil for added flavor and a burst of freshness.

Tips & Variations

• For a spicier kick, use spicy Italian sausage instead of mild.
• Substitute ditalini pasta with small shells or elbow macaroni if preferred.
• Use fresh Parmesan for a richer, more authentic taste.
• To make it gluten-free, replace pasta with gluten-free pasta or omit it and add extra vegetables like zucchini or carrots.

Storage

Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the cream cheese from separating. You can also freeze the soup for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use ground beef instead of Italian sausage?

Yes, ground beef is a suitable substitute, though the soup will have a slightly different flavor as it won’t have the herbs and spices found in Italian sausage.

Is there a way to make this soup vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version, omit the sausage and use vegetable broth. You can add extra beans or lentils for protein and deepen the flavor with smoked paprika or additional herbs.

Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 148 reviews

This Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup is a comforting and hearty dish featuring savory Italian sausage, tender ditalini pasta, and a luscious, creamy broth enriched with cream cheese and Parmesan. Perfectly seasoned with Italian herbs and fresh basil, this soup combines rich flavors and satisfying textures for a delicious meal any time of year.

• Author: Joe
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Soup
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Sausage and Vegetables

• 1 lb Italian sausage
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 2 cloves minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

Soup Base

• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 (14.5 ounces) petite diced tomatoes
• 8 ounces ditalini pasta

Cheese and Garnish

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh basil

Instructions

1. Brown the Sausage: Place the Italian sausage in a large dutch oven or pot. Brown and crumble the sausage over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain off any excess grease to keep the soup from becoming too oily.
2. Sauté Vegetables and Seasoning: Add the diced onion, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to the pot with the cooked sausage. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the onions start to soften and the seasonings become fragrant.
3. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, allowing the garlic to release its aroma without burning.
4. Add Liquids and Pasta: Pour in the petite diced tomatoes (with juices), chicken broth, and ditalini pasta. Ensure the pasta is submerged in the broth. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then cook for about 8 minutes or until the pasta is al dente.
5. Incorporate Cream Cheese and Parmesan: Reduce the heat to medium, then stir in the softened cream cheese and grated Parmesan cheese. Continue cooking for about 5 minutes, stirring often, until the cream cheese has fully melted and the soup becomes creamy and smooth.
6. Garnish and Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and top each serving with fresh basil for a bright, herbal finish. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

• Use mild or spicy Italian sausage based on your flavor preference.
• For a thicker soup, reduce the amount of chicken broth by 1 cup.
• Fresh basil can be substituted with dried basil if needed, but use less since dried herbs are more concentrated.
• Make sure to soften the cream cheese before adding to prevent lumps in the soup.
• This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.

Keywords: Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup, Italian sausage soup, creamy sausage soup, ditalini pasta soup, comforting Italian soup, easy stovetop soup