Ava McKenney
There’s something so comforting about a hearty, creamy soup that’s packed with bold flavors and satisfying textures. My Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup is exactly that—a rich, flavorful dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. It’s perfect for chilly nights, busy weeknights, or when you’re just craving something hearty and indulgent.
This soup is loaded with savory Italian sausage, tender spinach, and sweet red peppers, all swimming in a velvety Parmesan broth. It’s a meal on its own, especially with a side of crusty bread for dipping.
This recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a pot of comforting goodness ready in no time.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Sausage Soup
- Bold and Flavorful: The Italian sausage and Parmesan cheese provide an unbeatable combination of savory richness.
- Creamy and Comforting: The creamy base, paired with the spices, is soul-soothing and satisfying.
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in under an hour—perfect for busy evenings.
- Versatile: You can tweak the recipe to suit your tastes—add more veggies, swap in turkey sausage, or adjust the spice level.
Whether you’re a soup enthusiast or just looking for a comforting recipe to try, this Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup is a winner!
Ingredients for Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup
To make this comforting and flavorful soup, you’ll need a mix of fresh ingredients and pantry staples. Here’s everything you’ll need:
- Italian Sausage: Use mild or spicy Italian sausage depending on your preference. The sausage brings bold, savory flavor to the soup.
- Olive Oil: A little olive oil helps brown the sausage and sauté the veggies.
- Onion: Adds a sweet and savory base to the soup.
- Garlic: A must for enhancing the overall flavor—use fresh minced garlic for the best results.
- Red Bell Pepper: Provides a pop of sweetness and color that balances the savory ingredients.
- Chicken Broth: Acts as the base for the soup. Use low-sodium broth to control the saltiness.
- Heavy Cream: Makes the soup rich and creamy—perfect for that luxurious texture.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds a nutty, salty flavor that ties the soup together beautifully.
- Spinach: Fresh baby spinach adds a touch of color, texture, and nutrition.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Optional but great for a little heat!
- Salt and Pepper: To season the soup to perfection.
- Crusty Bread: While not an ingredient for the soup itself, it’s the perfect side for dunking into the creamy broth.
This list of ingredients is simple but incredibly flavorful. Each component works together to create a soup that’s indulgent, hearty, and completely satisfying.
How to Make Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup
Making this soup is a breeze, and the steps are straightforward. Here’s how to create this creamy, flavor-packed dish:
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Remove the sausage and set it aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pot, add the diced onion and red bell pepper. Sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Build the Soup Base
Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the cooked sausage and season the soup with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
Step 4: Add Cream and Parmesan
Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir gently until the cheese melts and the soup becomes creamy.
Step 5: Finish with Spinach
Add the fresh baby spinach to the soup and let it wilt for 1-2 minutes.
Step 6: Serve
Ladle the soup into bowls and serve with crusty bread for dipping. Sprinkle extra Parmesan on top for added richness if you’d like!
This method is so simple, but the results are a restaurant-quality soup you’ll want to make again and again.
How Long Does it Take to Make?
This soup is a quick and easy meal that comes together in about 30-40 minutes. The steps are simple: browning the sausage, sautéing the veggies, simmering the broth, and stirring in the creamy elements. Perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Cooking Tips
- Brown the Sausage Properly: Make sure to brown the sausage thoroughly for the best flavor. Don’t skip this step—it adds a depth of savoriness to the soup.
- Use Fresh Parmesan: Grate your own Parmesan cheese instead of using pre-grated. Freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly into the soup and enhances the flavor.
- Don’t Boil After Adding Cream: Once the cream is added, keep the soup at a low simmer to prevent it from curdling.
- Customize the Heat: Add more or less crushed red pepper flakes based on your spice preference. For a kid-friendly version, leave it out altogether.
How to Store Leftovers
- In the Refrigerator: Store any leftover soup in an airtight container. It will keep for up to 4 days in the fridge.
- In the Freezer: This soup freezes well! Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or cream to adjust the consistency, as it may thicken when stored.
Variations and Add-Ons
- Add More Veggies: Throw in some diced zucchini, mushrooms, or carrots for added texture and flavor.
- Switch Up the Greens: If you’re out of spinach, kale or Swiss chard are great substitutes.
- Try a Different Protein: Swap the Italian sausage for turkey sausage or even chicken for a lighter option.
- Make It Gluten-Free: Ensure the sausage and broth you use are gluten-free. This soup is naturally gluten-free as is!
How to Serve
Serve this creamy soup with:
- Crusty Bread: Perfect for soaking up the creamy broth.
- Side Salad: A fresh garden salad complements the richness of the soup.
- Extra Cheese: Sprinkle more Parmesan or even Pecorino Romano on top for added indulgence.
This Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup is a comforting, versatile dish that fits any occasion—from cozy dinners to easy meal prep for the week.
Print
Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup is the ultimate comfort food—rich, creamy, and packed with bold flavors. With savory Italian sausage, tender spinach, and a velvety Parmesan-infused broth, this soup is as satisfying as it is easy to make. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy dinner, it’s a meal the whole family will love!
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 4 cups chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned. Remove the sausage and set aside.
- In the same pot, sauté the diced onion and red bell pepper until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the cooked sausage, salt, pepper, and optional crushed red pepper flakes.
- Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheese is fully melted and the soup is creamy.
- Add the fresh spinach and let it wilt for 1-2 minutes.
- Serve hot with crusty bread and extra Parmesan if desired.
Notes
- Make-Ahead Tip: Brown the sausage and sauté the vegetables in advance. Store them in the fridge, then assemble the soup when ready to serve.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop.
- Customizable: Add more vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms, or substitute kale for spinach for a heartier soup.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes