Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup“Dive into comfort with this rich, velvety soup made with savory Italian sausage, tender potatoes, and a creamy Parmesan broth that soothes the soul.”
There’s Something Magical About This Soup…
Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup is the kind of meal that turns an ordinary day into something extraordinary. It’s rich, cozy, and deeply satisfying—perfect for chilly evenings or when you just need something warm and nourishing in your belly. The first time I made this soup, it was after a long walk in the crisp fall air. The windows were fogged up from the simmering pot, and the scent of garlic, herbs, and sausage filled my kitchen. One spoonful in, and it was like wrapping myself in a fleece blanket. It’s a rustic, homestyle recipe that feels familiar, indulgent, and easy all at once.
Key Ingredients (and Why They Matter)
Italian Sausage
This is the flavor backbone of the soup. Use mild or spicy, depending on your preference—either way, it brings savory depth and just the right amount of richness.
Yukon Gold Potatoes
Creamy and buttery when cooked, these potatoes melt into the broth and help thicken the soup naturally. They balance the richness of the sausage and cream.
Yellow Onion & Garlic
Aromatic essentials. These build the flavor base when sautéed, adding sweetness and a hint of sharpness that rounds out the soup.
Chicken Broth
Provides a light, savory foundation. Choose low-sodium so you can better control the salt level in your soup.
Heavy Cream
This is what gives the soup its luscious, velvety texture. It softens the boldness of the sausage and brings everything together.
Parmesan Cheese
Salty, nutty, and irresistibly cheesy—Parmesan thickens the broth and adds a deep umami note that makes every bite sing.
Spinach (Optional)
A handful of fresh spinach stirred in at the end adds a pop of color and nutrition without overwhelming the flavor.
Italian Seasoning & Crushed Red Pepper
These round out the soup with subtle herbaceous notes and a gentle kick, especially if you’re using mild sausage.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Brown the Sausage
In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, cook your Italian sausage over medium heat until browned and crumbled. This step builds the meaty base and gives you those flavorful browned bits at the bottom of the pot. - Sauté the Aromatics
Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute, just until fragrant—don’t let it burn! - Deglaze & Simmer
Pour in chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to release all those delicious browned bits. Add diced potatoes, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook until the potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes. - Add Cream & Parmesan
Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan. Stir gently until the cheese melts and the soup thickens slightly. Don’t boil it at this stage—just let it warm through. - Finishing Touches
Stir in a few handfuls of fresh spinach if using, and let it wilt into the soup. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. - Serve & Savor
Ladle into bowls and garnish with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or fresh parsley, if desired.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty soup in wide, shallow bowls for maximum visual appeal. Top with freshly shaved Parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil for an elevated touch.
Sides to try:
- Warm crusty bread or garlic knots
- A crisp Caesar or arugula salad
- A glass of dry white wine or sparkling water with lemon
Want to make it even heartier? Add cooked tortellini or gnocchi right before serving!
Storage & Reheating Tips
Refrigeration
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring often. Add a splash of broth or cream if the soup has thickened too much.
Freezing
- For best texture, freeze the soup before adding cream and Parmesan.
- Let it cool completely, then store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
- Thaw overnight in the fridge, reheat, and stir in cream and cheese just before serving.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup is more than just comfort food—it’s a memory in the making. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner but cozy enough for company. Whether you’re curled up on the couch or serving a table full of family, this soup has a way of bringing warmth to any occasion. Try it your way, share it with someone you love, and let me know how it turned out in the comments!
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Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup is the ultimate cozy comfort food. Made with savory sausage, tender potatoes, aromatic garlic and onions, and a creamy Parmesan-infused broth, it’s a one-pot meal that warms you from the inside out. Perfect for weeknights or Sunday suppers, and even better the next day!
Ingredients
1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
1 tbsp olive oil (if needed)
1 yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups chicken broth (low sodium)
1.5 lbs Yukon gold potatoes, diced
1 tsp Italian seasoning
¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups fresh spinach (optional)
Salt & black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley or extra Parmesan for garnish
Instructions
Brown the Sausage
In a large pot, brown the Italian sausage over medium heat until fully cooked. Remove excess grease if needed.
Sauté Onion & Garlic
Add diced onion to the sausage and cook for 5 minutes, until soft. Stir in garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
Simmer the Soup
Pour in chicken broth, add potatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a boil, reduce to simmer, and cook for 15–18 minutes, or until potatoes are fork-tender.
Make it Creamy
Lower the heat and stir in heavy cream and Parmesan. Simmer gently until melted and combined—do not boil.
Add Greens & Season
Stir in fresh spinach, season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for another 1–2 minutes until spinach wilts.
Serve & Enjoy
Ladle into bowls and garnish with extra Parmesan, fresh parsley, or red pepper flakes. Serve with warm crusty bread.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 servings
FAQ: Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup
Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Yes! Swap the cream for unsweetened coconut milk or a cashew cream, and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
What type of sausage works best?
Italian sausage is ideal, but chicken sausage or even plant-based sausage can work well.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Absolutely. Brown the sausage and aromatics first, then transfer everything (except the cream and cheese) to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–7 hours, stir in the cream and cheese just before serving.
My soup is too thick—what should I do?
Just add a bit more broth or water to loosen it up as needed.
What veggies can I add?
Kale, zucchini, or mushrooms are all great additions that hold up well in the creamy broth.