This creamy Parmesan Italian sausage soup is a warm and hearty treat! With juicy sausage, rich cream, and yummy Parmesan cheese, it’s like a hug in a bowl.
Trust me, this soup is perfect for chilly days or when you just want to feel cozy. I love serving it with some crusty bread for dunking—makes it extra special!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Italian Sausage: The heart of this soup! You can use mild or spicy depending on your taste. If you’re looking for a leaner option, turkey or chicken sausage works great too, just keep an eye on the cooking time.
Heavy Cream: This gives the soup its creaminess. For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half or whole milk mixed with a little cornstarch. Non-dairy alternatives, like coconut cream, can also do the trick!
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds flavor. If you don’t have any, Pecorino Romano is a good substitute, or nutritional yeast can be used for a dairy-free option.
Spinach: Fresh spinach adds color and nutrition. Feel free to swap it for kale or Swiss chard. If you want a different flavor, you could even use frozen spinach—just thaw and drain it first.
How Do I Make Sure My Soup Is Creamy Without Curdling?
When adding cream to your soup, it’s important to lower the heat first. High heat can cause the cream to curdle. Once you’ve stirred in the cream and cheese, keep the heat low and avoid boiling. This ensures a smooth and velvety texture.
- Heat the pot on medium, add cream slowly while stirring.
- Once combined, keep it warm—but don’t let it boil!
- For extra creaminess, you can blend part of the soup and mix it back in.
Cooking on low and stirring regularly will help you achieve that delicious, creamy comfort this soup is known for. Happy cooking!
How to Make Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450 g) Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium carrots, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 1 cup (about 115 g) ditalini or other small pasta
- 5 cups (1.2 liters) chicken broth (a bit more to account for the pasta)
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- 1 cup (100 g) grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This creamy Parmesan Italian sausage soup will take about 10 minutes to prep and around 30 minutes to cook. So, you can have a delicious homemade soup ready in about 40 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1.Brown the sausage
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Cook for 5–7 minutes, until browned and cooked through. A few crispy bits are great for flavor!
2.Cook the vegetables
Add the chopped onion, diced carrots, and diced celery to the pot. Sauté for about 5 minutes, until the veggies start to soften.
3.Add the garlic
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, just until fragrant (don’t let it burn).
4.Add broth, seasoning, and pasta
Pour in the chicken broth and add the dried Italian seasoning. Stir in the ditalini pasta. Bring the soup up to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10–12 minutes, or until the pasta and vegetables are tender.
5.Make it creamy
Lower the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese melts and the soup turns creamy. Don’t let it boil at this point so the cream doesn’t curdle.
6.Add spinach (if using)
Stir in the chopped spinach and cook for 2–3 minutes, just until it wilts.
7.Final seasoning
Taste and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed.
8.Serve
Ladle the creamy sausage and ditalini soup into bowls. Top with extra Parmesan and chopped fresh parsley. Serve hot with crusty bread or garlic toast for dipping.
This soup thickens as it sits because the pasta soaks up the broth. If you’re reheating leftovers, just add a splash of extra broth or cream to loosen it back up.
FAQ for Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Italian Sausage?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be a great lean substitute for Italian sausage. Just add a bit more seasoning to enhance the flavor, as they tend to be milder than sausage.
What Can I Use Instead of Heavy Cream?
If you want a lighter option, you can substitute half-and-half or whole milk thickened slightly with cornstarch. For dairy-free alternatives, coconut cream or cashew cream can work well to maintain creaminess.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat or in the microwave. If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of broth or cream to loosen it up.
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Yes! For a vegetarian version, skip the sausage and use plant-based sausage alternatives. You can also enhance the flavor with additional vegetables or beans for protein. Just ensure your broth is vegetable-based.
Looks delicious but I don’t see the Ditalini or pasta in the ingredients. When do you add the pasta?
The recipe has been updated. You’ll want to add the pasta after the broth and seasonings, then let it simmer until the ditalini is tender before stirring in the cream and Parmesan.