If you’re on the hunt for a soul-soothing, hearty meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, you’re going to adore this Creamy Parmesan Pasta Soup with Italian Sausage Recipe. It’s the perfect blend of rich, savory Italian sausage sizzling with fresh aromatics and tender pasta, all swimming in a luscious, cheesy Parmesan cream broth. Whether you need a cozy dinner or a crowd-pleaser for family night, this soup delivers comfort and flavor with every spoonful, making it a new favorite you’ll reach for again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe relies on simple but essential ingredients that work in harmony to create a soup loaded with depth of flavor, creamy texture, and vibrant color. Each component plays a vital role: from the spicy Italian sausage for robust savoriness to the fresh spinach for a pop of green and nutrition.
- Olive oil: Provides the perfect base to brown the sausage and sauté aromatics, adding subtle fruitiness.
- Italian sausage: The star protein that brings a deliciously seasoned, meaty punch to the soup.
- Medium onion: Adds sweetness and depth when softened during sautéing.
- Garlic cloves: Lend a warm, aromatic undertone critical for that signature savory flavor.
- Chicken broth: The flavorful liquid foundation that ties all ingredients together.
- Heavy cream: Creates the ultra-smooth, rich texture that makes this soup feel indulgent.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Infuses a salty, nutty creaminess that elevates the overall taste.
- Pasta (fusilli or rotini): Holds onto the broth beautifully, ensuring every bite is comforting and satisfying.
- Fresh spinach leaves: Add freshness, color, and a gentle earthiness that balances the richness.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the wonderful flavors.
- Optional fresh parsley: For a bright, herbal garnish that finishes the dish elegantly.
How to Make Creamy Parmesan Pasta Soup with Italian Sausage Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Italian Sausage
Start by heating the olive oil over medium heat in a large pot. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. This step is key to building deep flavor, as browning the sausage releases those irresistible seasonings. Cook until browned, about 5 to 7 minutes, then remove it from the pot with a slotted spoon and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic
In the same pot, toss in the chopped onions and minced garlic. The onions should become translucent and tender, about 3 to 4 minutes. This step softens the onions and brings out their natural sweetness, while the garlic infuses the base with aromatic richness.
Step 3: Add Chicken Broth and Bring to a Boil
Pour in the chicken broth and crank up the heat to bring the mixture to a rolling boil. The broth will dissolve any browned bits stuck to the pot, folding that extra flavor right back in.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
Once boiling, add your chosen pasta (fusilli or rotini work wonderfully) directly into the broth. Cook according to the package instructions until just al dente. The pasta finishes cooking in the soup, soaking up those comforting flavors with every bite.
Step 5: Reintroduce the Sausage
Lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Stir the cooked Italian sausage back into the pot, distributing those savory morsels evenly throughout the soup.
Step 6: Stir in Heavy Cream and Parmesan Cheese
Slowly add the heavy cream, followed by the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese melts fully and the broth transforms into a silky, creamy dream. This step is what turns the soup into a luscious, cheesy masterpiece.
Step 7: Add Fresh Spinach
Toss in the fresh spinach leaves and gently stir until they wilt, which only takes about 2 minutes. The spinach adds a fresh burst of color and a slight earthiness that complements the richness beautifully.
Step 8: Season to Taste
Finish by seasoning the soup with salt and freshly ground pepper according to your preference. Taste as you go so every spoonful is perfectly balanced.
Step 9: Garnish and Serve
Ladle the soup into warm bowls and sprinkle generously with chopped fresh parsley if you like a pop of herbaceous brightness. Serve immediately and revel in the comforting, creamy goodness you’ve created.
How to Serve Creamy Parmesan Pasta Soup with Italian Sausage Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or even some extra grated Parmesan right before serving brings a lovely freshness and an extra touch of indulgence. A drizzle of good olive oil can also take the presentation over the top.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with rustic garlic bread or crisp green salad to round out the meal. A crusty baguette is perfect for dipping, soaking up that creamy broth you won’t want to waste.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in mini bread bowls or garnish each bowl with a crispy Parmesan tuile. You can even add a swirl of pesto on top for a burst of herbal complexity. This soup is as pretty as it is delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This soup keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to store it in an airtight container to preserve its creamy texture and rich flavors.
Freezing
If you want to freeze the soup, do so before adding the spinach to keep the leaves from becoming too wilted upon reheating. Freeze in a sealed container or heavy-duty freezer bag for up to 2 months.
Reheating
When reheating, do it gently on the stovetop over low heat. Stir often and add a splash of broth or cream if the soup thickens too much. Add fresh spinach just before serving for the best texture.
FAQs
Can I use other types of sausage in this recipe?
Absolutely! While Italian sausage is traditional and flavorful, you can swap in other sausages like chorizo or even turkey sausage depending on your preference. Just be mindful of spices and salt content.
What pasta works best in this soup?
Short, sturdy pasta shapes like fusilli or rotini are ideal because their twists hold onto the creamy broth nicely. You can also experiment with small shells or ditalini if you like.
Is there a way to make this soup lighter?
Yes! You can substitute half-and-half or whole milk in place of heavy cream for a lighter version, though it will be less rich and creamy. Reducing the cheese slightly also helps keep calories down.
Can I prepare this soup in advance?
Definitely. The soup can be made a day ahead and refrigerated. Just add fresh spinach during reheating for freshness. It’s perfect for meal prep or entertaining.
What if I want more veggies in the soup?
Great idea! Feel free to add diced carrots, celery, or even mushrooms with the onions and garlic in Step 2 to boost nutrition and flavor complexity.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about a bowl of homemade soup that’s creamy, cheesy, and full of hearty Italian sausage flavor. This Creamy Parmesan Pasta Soup with Italian Sausage Recipe is more than just comfort food; it’s an invitation to cozy up and savor every delicious bite. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a crowd, this soup makes any day better, and I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a staple in your kitchen.
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Creamy Parmesan Pasta Soup with Italian Sausage Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Creamy Parmesan Pasta Soup with Italian Sausage is a hearty and comforting dish combining savory Italian sausage, tender pasta, fresh spinach, and a rich, creamy broth infused with Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a cozy meal, this soup blends classic Italian flavors with a satisfying texture that warms you from the inside out.
Ingredients
Meat and Seafood
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
Liquids and Dairy
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Dry Goods
- 8 ounces pasta (such as fusilli or rotini)
Seasonings
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional garnish: chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the cooked sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Bring Broth to Boil: Pour in the chicken broth and increase the heat to bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
- Cook Pasta: Add the pasta to the boiling broth and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually around 8-12 minutes depending on the pasta used.
- Combine Sausage and Pasta: Once the pasta is cooked, reduce the heat to low and stir in the cooked sausage to heat through.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese continuously until the cheese melts and the soup develops a rich, creamy texture.
- Incorporate Spinach: Add the fresh spinach leaves and stir gently until they wilt into the soup, about 2 minutes.
- Season: Taste the soup and season generously with salt and pepper according to preference.
- Garnish and Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
- Enjoy: Serve the soup hot for a comforting and delicious meal.
Notes
- You can substitute Italian sausage with turkey sausage for a leaner option.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.
- For a thicker soup, reduce the chicken broth by one cup.
- Shredded mozzarella can be used in place of Parmesan for a different cheesy flavor.
- This soup keeps well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheats nicely on the stovetop or microwave.
