Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup Recipe

If you’re in the mood for a soul-soothing soup that feels like a warm hug from Nonna herself, look no further than this Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup. Brimming with savory sausage, tender veggies, velvety broth, and a shower of parmesan, this recipe delivers deep, comforting flavors in under an hour. Each spoonful is a celebration of classic Italian seasonings, hearty cannellini beans, and vibrant greens, turning a simple weeknight dinner into something truly crave-worthy.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

You don’t need anything fancy to make this irresistible pot of soup, just a handful of essential ingredients that all play a special part in building flavor and texture. Trust me, every component adds its own personality to Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup.

• Olive oil: Adds depth and helps you get that delicious sausage browned from the start.
• Italian sausage: The star protein brings savory, zesty flavor and richness.
• Yellow onion: Gives the base its sweet, aromatic undertones.
• Garlic: Adds punchy, classic Italian aroma and complexity.
• Carrots: Bring natural sweetness and beautiful color.
• Celery: Offers an earthy, herbaceous note and gentle crunch.
• Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs to tie all the flavors together.
• Red pepper flakes (optional): For a gentle kick; add more or less depending on your spice comfort.
• Low-sodium chicken broth: The flavorful backbone that keeps the soup light and savory.
• Heavy cream: Creates that luscious, creamy base that makes this soup unforgettable.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Salty, nutty richness that melts right into the broth.
• Kale or spinach: Extra nutrition and vibrant green color—kale gives a bit more texture, while spinach stays tender.
• Cannellini beans: Hearty, creamy, and satisfying—perfect for soaking up all the flavors in the broth.
• Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning at the end, so everything sings!

How to Make Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large, sturdy pot over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, crumble in the Italian sausage, letting it sizzle and brown for about 6 or 7 minutes. Keep stirring and breaking it up with a spoon so you get those flavorful little bits—this step is key to building the savory foundation of your Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics and Veggies

Add in the diced onion, minced garlic, carrots, and celery. Stir everything together and let it cook for 4 to 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften and you can smell that classic Italian fragrance wafting through your kitchen. If you’re using red pepper flakes, toss them in now along with the Italian seasoning for a little extra herby warmth.

Step 3: Build the Broth

Pour in the chicken broth, using your spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot—don’t let those flavorful golden pieces go to waste! Bring the mixture up to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for about 15 minutes until the veggies are meltingly tender.

Step 4: Add Cream and Cheese

Lower the heat and gently stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Let everything simmer together for another 3 or 4 minutes. Watch as the broth transforms into a gorgeous, creamy, cheesy base that’s bound to make your mouth water.

Step 5: Finish with Beans and Greens

Add your kale or spinach along with the drained cannellini beans. Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, just until the greens are wilted and the soup is heated through. Taste, then season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to bring all the flavors into perfect harmony. Now your Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup is ready to ladle into big bowls!

How to Serve Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup

Garnishes

Give each bowl a final flourish with extra grated parmesan, a crack of black pepper, or a sprinkling of fresh basil or parsley. If you like a little spice, a drizzle of chili oil or a few extra red pepper flakes on top will do the trick!

Side Dishes

This soup is absolute heaven alongside a loaf of crusty bread or a warm baguette—perfect for dipping and soaking up every creamy drop. For a lighter touch, try a simple Italian salad with tomatoes and balsamic or roasted garlic crostini for crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn dinner into an event by serving Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup in small sourdough bread bowls, or offer it as a starter in elegant mugs at a dinner party. For fun weeknight dinners, let everyone top their own bowls with their favorite garnishes—it’s like an Italian soup bar!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let the soup cool to room temperature, then transfer leftovers to an airtight container. Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup will keep well in the refrigerator for up to three days, making weekday lunches extra special.

Freezing

If you’d like to freeze any leftovers, let the soup cool completely, then pour into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little space for expansion. The soup can be frozen for up to two months, though keep in mind the cream may separate slightly after thawing—just whisk it gently as it reheats to bring it all back together.

Reheating

Gently reheat your soup on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup has thickened too much, splash in a little extra chicken broth or cream to recover its signature creamy texture. Microwaving works in a pinch, but stirring halfway through helps ensure even heating.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Soup

Absolutely! Feel free to swap in turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter touch, or try spicy Italian sausage if you love a kick. Just make sure to remove the casings before cooking.

Is there a good dairy-free substitute for the cream and parmesan?

For a dairy-free version, you can use unsweetened coconut cream or a favorite plain non-dairy milk (like cashew or oat) for richness, and swap out parmesan with a vegan parmesan-style cheese. The flavor will be a bit different, but still totally satisfying!

What other greens can I use besides kale or spinach?

Swiss chard or escarole are delicious options and will keep your Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup feeling hearty and green. Just chop them into bite-sized pieces, and they’ll wilt right into the broth.

Will the soup still be good if I make it ahead of time?

Yes! This soup actually tastes even better the next day after all the flavors have had time to blend. Just store and reheat according to the tips above, and enjoy a fuss-free meal prep winner.

Can I make this gluten-free?

The recipe is already naturally gluten-free as written (just double-check your sausage and broth labels). Pair with your favorite gluten-free bread, and you have a comforting meal for everyone!

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been searching for a cozy, craveable dinner that’s both simple and delicious, Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup truly delivers. Give it a try for your next family meal or chilly evening—one bowl and you’ll see why it’s a favorite worth sharing again and again.

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