If you’re craving something comforting and indulgent that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, you have to try this Creamy Parmesan Pasta Soup with Italian Sausage Recipe. It perfectly blends tender pasta, savory Italian sausage, and a velvety Parmesan-infused broth that’s both hearty and creamy. This soup is a celebration of simple ingredients coming together for maximum satisfaction, making it a go-to for cozy dinners or when you want to impress friends with a fuss-free yet delicious meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the list intimidate you; each ingredient is straightforward but essential, building layers of flavor, texture, and vibrant color that bring this soup alive. Freshness and quality here really shine through in the final dish.
- Olive oil: For sautéing, it adds a rich foundation that enhances the sausage and veggies.
- Italian sausage: Packed with herbs and spices, this is the soul of the soup’s flavor.
- Onion: Adds natural sweetness and depth when softened.
- Garlic: Provides that welcoming aroma and subtle punch to elevate the taste.
- Chicken broth: The savory liquid base that carries all the flavors together.
- Heavy cream: For that luscious creaminess that makes the soup irresistibly smooth.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the broth, adding umami and richness.
- Pasta (fusilli or rotini): Twisted shapes that soak up the creamy broth beautifully.
- Fresh spinach leaves: Brightens the dish with a pop of green and a slight earthiness.
- Salt and pepper: To balance and enhance every flavor note.
- Optional fresh parsley: A fresh garnish that adds color and a hint of herbal brightness.
How to Make Creamy Parmesan Pasta Soup with Italian Sausage Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Italian Sausage
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart as it cooks, until it’s beautifully browned in about 5 to 7 minutes. Browning this meat releases incredible flavor and creates a savory base for the soup. Once browned, remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set it aside to keep the pot ready for the next steps.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Using the same pot that now holds those wonderful sausage flavors, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them until the onion becomes translucent and soft, about 3 to 4 minutes. This step deepens the flavor and infuses the soup with aromatic goodness.
Step 3: Add Chicken Broth and Boil
Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any bits stuck to the bottom of the pot — that’s all tasty goodness. Bring the broth to a swift boil to prepare for the pasta.
Step 4: Cook Pasta Until Al Dente
Into the boiling broth, add your choice of pasta, such as fusilli or rotini, which are perfect for catching the creamy broth in their twists. Cook according to package instructions, making sure it stays just al dente for the perfect bite and texture in your soup.
Step 5: Reintroduce the Cooked Sausage
Once the pasta is tender, reduce the heat to low and stir the cooked Italian sausage back into the pot. This way, the sausage stays juicy and adds hearty bites throughout the soup.
Step 6: Stir in Cream and Parmesan Cheese
Slowly add the heavy cream and then the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously so the cheese melts evenly, creating that iconic, creamy texture. This step transforms the broth into the rich, silky soup that defines the Creamy Parmesan Pasta Soup with Italian Sausage Recipe.
Step 7: Add Spinach
Finally, stir in fresh spinach leaves. They will wilt delicately within about two minutes, adding beautiful color and a subtle earthiness that balances the creamy richness.
Step 8: Season to Taste
Finish by seasoning the soup with salt and pepper to your preference. These simple seasonings pull all the flavors together perfectly and make every spoonful irresistible.
Step 9 and 10: Garnish and Serve
Ladle your soup into bowls and if you like, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top. Serve the soup hot and enjoy every delightful spoonful!
How to Serve Creamy Parmesan Pasta Soup with Italian Sausage Recipe
Garnishes
Chopped fresh parsley isn’t just for looks—it brings a subtle herbal brightness that contrasts beautifully with the creamy soup. You can also try a little extra grated Parmesan or crushed red pepper flakes for a kick.
Side Dishes
This soup stands well on its own but pairs beautifully with crusty bread or garlic knots that help soak up every bit of that luscious broth. A light side salad with a vinaigrette also offers a refreshing balance to the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this soup in rustic bowls or even hollowed-out bread bowls for a fun presentation. You might also drizzle a touch of good quality olive oil or sprinkle toasted pine nuts on top for extra texture and flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, retaining all those delicious flavors.
Freezing
This soup freezes nicely, but keep in mind that the pasta may become a bit softer upon thawing. If you plan to freeze it, consider cooking the pasta separately and adding it when reheating to keep the texture perfect.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent the cream from separating. If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of chicken broth or water to bring it back to your desired consistency.
FAQs
Can I use turkey or chicken sausage instead of Italian sausage?
Absolutely! Turkey or chicken sausage can be great leaner alternatives, though the flavor will be milder. You might want to add extra Italian herbs or spices to keep that classic sausage taste.
What type of pasta works best for this soup?
Pasta shapes like fusilli, rotini, or small shells work beautifully because their curves hold the creamy broth well. Avoid long noodles that might break down too easily in the soup.
Is this soup suitable for freezing?
Yes, but freezing may soften the pasta. To keep the best texture, freeze the soup without pasta and cook pasta fresh when reheating.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute the Italian sausage with plant-based sausage or add extra vegetables like mushrooms and bell peppers for heartiness while keeping the cream and Parmesan for richness.
What if I don’t have heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or whole milk mixed with a bit of flour to thicken, though the soup won’t be quite as rich. Coconut cream can be another option for a dairy-free twist but will alter the flavor.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Creamy Parmesan Pasta Soup with Italian Sausage Recipe that makes it a staple in my kitchen, especially when I want a meal that’s satisfying and soul-warming. Its combination of creamy, savory, and fresh elements is a winner every time. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover your own favorite moments sharing this delicious soup with loved ones!
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Creamy Parmesan Pasta Soup with Italian Sausage Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 30m
- Total Time: 0h 45m
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This creamy Parmesan pasta soup with Italian sausage is a hearty, comforting dish perfect for chilly days. Featuring rich flavors from browned Italian sausage, fresh spinach, and a velvety blend of Parmesan cheese and heavy cream, this soup combines the heartiness of pasta with a luscious broth to create a filling meal that’s easy to prepare in about 45 minutes.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 ounces pasta (such as fusilli or rotini)
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon, about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside to use later in the soup.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Using the same pot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté over medium heat until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Boil Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and increase the heat to bring it to a rolling boil, preparing the base for the soup and pasta.
- Cook Pasta: Add the pasta directly to the boiling broth. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it is al dente, ensuring it remains firm but fully cooked.
- Combine Sausage: After the pasta is cooked, reduce the heat to low and stir the cooked sausage back into the pot to heat through and blend flavors.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Slowly stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, continuing to stir until the cheese melts completely and the soup turns creamy and cohesive.
- Incorporate Spinach: Add the fresh spinach leaves to the soup, stirring gently until they wilt, which should take about 2 minutes, enriching the soup with freshness and color.
- Season to Taste: Add salt and pepper to taste, adjusting seasoning as desired to enhance the overall flavor.
- Garnish: Ladle the finished soup into bowls and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley if using, for a burst of freshness and color.
- Serve: Serve the soup hot and enjoy the comforting flavors immediately.
Notes
- For a lower-fat version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or use milk, but the soup will be less creamy.
- You can replace Italian sausage with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Use gluten-free pasta to adapt this recipe for gluten-free diets.
- Leftover soup can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- Add red pepper flakes with the garlic for a spicy kick if desired.
