Italian Sausage Soup
Cozy up with a bowl of creamy Parmesan Italian sausage soup, a delightful blend of savory sausage, tender pasta, and a rich, cheesy broth. This hearty one-pot meal is a perfect choice for chilly evenings, offering warmth and comfort with every spoonful. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner or seeking a simple weeknight dish, this soup is sure to impress.
The robust flavors of Italian sausage paired with aromatic herbs and creamy Parmesan create a symphony of taste. The addition of tender pasta and a touch of red pepper flakes takes this soup to the next level. Serve it fresh and steaming, and you’ll have a family favorite in no time.
Ingredients That Shine in This Creamy Soup
- Italian sausage – Delivers bold, savory flavor and hearty texture.
- Chicken broth – Forms the flavorful base, enhancing the richness of the soup.
- Diced tomatoes – Adds tangy sweetness and vibrant color to the broth.
- Heavy cream – Creates a luxurious creaminess that ties the ingredients together.
- Pasta – Ditalini or similar small pasta brings substance and soaks up the delicious broth.
- Cream cheese – Contributes a velvety texture and subtle tang.
- Garlic – Infuses the dish with aromatic depth.
- Parmigiano Reggiano – The star ingredient, adding a nutty, salty finish.
- Italian seasoning – A blend of herbs that complements the sausage and tomatoes.
- Red pepper flakes (optional) – Provides a gentle heat for added dimension.
How to Make This Creamy Delight
- Sauté and Brown: Cook the Italian sausage and onion until browned and fragrant. Drain excess grease for a cleaner broth.
- Build the Base: Add garlic, fennel, and red pepper flakes, cooking briefly to release their aromas.
- Simmer Away: Stir in chicken broth, tomatoes, pasta, and Italian seasoning. Simmer until pasta is tender.
- Cream It Up: Mix in Parmesan, cream cheese, and heavy cream. Stir until smooth and creamy.
- Finish and Serve: Season with salt and pepper, garnish with parsley, and serve hot.
Recipe Tips for Perfect Results
For an extra velvety soup, warm the cream cheese before adding it to ensure it blends smoothly. If you prefer a spicier kick, increase the red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage. For added freshness, stir in spinach or basil at the end of cooking.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to restore the creamy consistency. If possible, cook pasta separately when planning for leftovers to prevent it from becoming too soft.
Enjoy this creamy Parmesan Italian sausage soup fresh and piping hot, with a slice of crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
Italian Sausage Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup heavy cream whipping cream
- 1 onion diced
- 1 pound Italian sausage casings removed
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon ground fennel optional
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or oregano
- 8 ounces pasta such as ditalini (gluten-free, if desired)
- 4 ounces cream cheese warmed
- 2 cloves garlic chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- 1 14.5-ounce can petite diced tomatoes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped (optional)
- 1/2 cup Parmigiano Reggiano Parmesan, grated
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, brown the sausage with the diced onion, breaking up the sausage into crumbles as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.
- Stir in the chopped garlic, ground fennel, and red pepper flakes, cooking until aromatic, about 1 minute.
- Add the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, pasta, and Italian seasoning. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook until the pasta is al dente, approximately 6-8 minutes.
- Incorporate the grated Parmesan, cream cheese, and heavy cream, stirring until the cheeses are fully melted and blended into the soup, about 3-5 minutes.
- Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle with fresh parsley, if using, before serving.
Notes
- Substitutions: Use milk or yogurt in place of cream for a lighter option.
- Thickening Tip: Add 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water during the final simmer for a thicker consistency.
- Pasta-Free Option: Omit pasta and reduce chicken broth by 1 cup.
- Flavor Variations: Include roasted red peppers, fresh spinach, or sliced basil for additional flair.
- Serving Tip: For the best texture, serve pasta immediately after cooking. If storing leftovers, add extra broth or water when reheating, as the pasta will absorb liquid over time. Alternatively, cook the pasta separately and combine before serving.