Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish, perfect for a cozy dinner. This soup combines rich Italian sausage, creamy broth, Parmesan cheese, and petite diced tomatoes with tender ditalini pasta. It’s a hearty, satisfying meal that comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy – Ready in just 25 minutes.
- Rich and creamy – Cream cheese and Parmesan create a velvety texture.
- Hearty and filling – Italian sausage and pasta make it a complete meal.
- Full of flavor – Italian seasoning and fresh basil add depth and freshness.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Italian sausage – 1 lb
- Onion (diced) – ½ cup
- Garlic (minced) – 2 cloves
- Italian seasoning – 1 teaspoon
- Salt – ½ teaspoon
- Ground black pepper – ½ teaspoon
- Chicken broth – 4 cups
- Petite diced tomatoes – 1 (14.5 oz) can
- Ditalini pasta – 8 oz
- Cream cheese (softened) – 8 oz
- Parmesan cheese (grated) – ½ cup
- Fresh basil – ¼ cup (for garnish)
Directions
1. Brown the Sausage
- In a large Dutch oven or pot, cook the Italian sausage over medium heat until browned and fully cooked.
- Drain any excess grease.
2. Sauté the Aromatics
- Stir in the diced onion, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the onions soften.
- Add minced garlic and stir for 1 more minute.
3. Add the Broth and Pasta
- Pour in the petite diced tomatoes and chicken broth.
- Stir in the ditalini pasta, ensuring it is fully submerged in the liquid.
- Bring to a boil and cook for 8 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente.
4. Make it Creamy
- Reduce the heat to medium and stir in the cream cheese and Parmesan cheese.
- Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cheese is fully melted and the soup is creamy.
5. Serve and Garnish
- Ladle into bowls and top with fresh basil for added flavor.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Use hot Italian sausage and add red pepper flakes.
- Vegetable Boost: Add spinach, kale, or zucchini for extra nutrients.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta or omit the pasta and add extra veggies.
- Lighter Version: Swap cream cheese for half-and-half or Greek yogurt.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze soup (without pasta) for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in a pot over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth if needed.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! Any small pasta like elbow macaroni or orzo works well.
How do I keep the pasta from getting too soft?
If making ahead, cook the pasta separately and add it when reheating.
Can I use ground turkey instead of sausage?
Yes! Ground turkey is a great leaner option.
What can I use instead of cream cheese?
Half-and-half, heavy cream, or Greek yogurt work as substitutes.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes! Cook the sausage first, then add all ingredients except cheese. Cook on low for 4-6 hours, then stir in cheese before serving.
What other cheeses can I use?
Try Asiago, Romano, or mozzarella for a different flavor.
Can I add more protein?
Shredded chicken or cannellini beans make a great addition.
How can I thicken the soup?
Let it simmer longer, or add a cornstarch slurry if needed.
Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Use dairy-free cream cheese and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
What’s the best way to serve this soup?
Pair with crusty bread, garlic toast, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Conclusion
Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup is a rich, flavorful, and comforting dish that’s easy to make in under 30 minutes. Whether you enjoy it on a cold night or as a quick weeknight meal, this hearty soup is sure to be a family favorite. Try it today and savor every creamy, cheesy bite!
Print
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup is rich, hearty, and packed with flavor! Featuring savory Italian sausage, petite diced tomatoes, ditalini pasta, and a creamy Parmesan broth, this one-pot meal is perfect for a cozy, comforting dinner. Ready in just 25 minutes, this easy soup will be a family favorite!
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 (14.5 oz) can petite diced tomatoes
- 8 oz ditalini pasta
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Cook the Sausage & Aromatics:
- In a large Dutch oven or soup pot, brown the Italian sausage over medium heat, crumbling it as it cooks.
- Drain excess grease, then stir in the onion, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the minced garlic and stir for 1 more minute.
2. Add Broth, Tomatoes & Pasta:
- Pour in the petite diced tomatoes and chicken broth.
- Stir in the ditalini pasta, ensuring it’s fully submerged in the broth.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cook for 8 minutes, or until pasta is al dente.
3. Make it Creamy:
- Lower the heat to medium, then stir in the cream cheese and Parmesan cheese.
- Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cream cheese is fully melted and the soup is smooth.
4. Serve & Garnish:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and top with fresh basil.
- Serve warm with crusty bread or garlic toast for dipping!
Notes
- For a spicy kick, use hot Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes.
- Make it low-carb by substituting cauliflower rice for pasta.
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat to prevent curdling.
- Freeze without pasta for a great meal prep option—just add cooked pasta when reheating!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian, American