Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage

This creamy Parmesan Italian sausage soup brings warmth and comfort in every spoonful. Combining savory Italian sausage with rich cream cheese and fresh herbs creates a satisfying meal that feels like a cozy hug on a chilly day.

I first made this soup for a family gathering on a rainy afternoon and it instantly became a dinner table staple that everyone asks for again.

Ingredients List

• Italian sausage: lends a bold and savory base choose mild or spicy according to your heat preference
• Diced onion: adds sweetness and depth select firm, fresh onions with no soft spots
• Minced garlic: enhances aroma and taste use fresh cloves for the best flavor impact
• Italian seasoning: blends herbs like oregano and basil look for a fragrant and well-mixed blend
• Salt and black pepper: balance and boost all other flavors
• Chicken broth: creates a rich liquid base opt for low-sodium to control saltiness
• Petite diced tomatoes: add a slight tang and texture pick ones with no added herbs or flavors
• Ditalini pasta: keeps the soup hearty and filling pick small pasta shapes for quick cooking
• Cream cheese: creates a creamy melt-in-your-mouth texture soften beforehand for easy mixing
• Grated Parmesan cheese: brings umami and depth purchase fresh grated for pronounced flavor
• Fresh basil: provides a bright herbal finish select vibrant, green leaves without wilting

Cooking Steps

Prepare The Sausage:

Place the Italian sausage in a large dutch oven or heavy pot. Brown and crumble the sausage over medium heat until fully cooked and no pink remains. Drain excess grease carefully to avoid a greasy broth.

Sauté The Aromatics:

Add diced onion, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to the pot with the sausage. Cook for one to two minutes until the onions soften slightly and the spices become fragrant.

Add Garlic:

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about a minute. Be careful not to burn the garlic as it can turn bitter.

Combine Liquids And Pasta:

Pour in the petite diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and ditalini pasta. Stir everything gently to mix. Ensure the pasta is fully submerged by the broth. Bring the mixture to a boil then reduce heat. Cook uncovered for about eight minutes or until the pasta is al dente.

Incorporate Cheeses:

Lower the heat to medium and stir in the softened cream cheese and grated Parmesan cheese gradually. Continue cooking and stirring for about five minutes until the cheeses melt completely and the soup turns creamy.

Garnish And Serve:

When ready to serve, sprinkle fresh basil leaves on top to add a refreshing herbal note and color contrast.

My favorite part is the Parmesan cheese melting into the broth creating a velvety texture. This soup always reminds me of weekend family dinners where everyone gathers around the table sharing stories and food.

Best Storage Practices

This soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to four days. Keep it in an airtight container to maintain freshness. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave stirring occasionally to prevent the cheese from separating. You may need to add a splash of broth or water when reheating if the soup thickens too much.

Ingredient Swaps

You can substitute ground turkey or chicken sausage for a leaner version. If cream cheese is not available, full-fat ricotta works well though the texture will be slightly different but still creamy. Swap ditalini pasta with small shells, elbow macaroni, or orzo for similar cooking times and a fun change in shape.

Serving Pairings

Serve with a crusty garlic bread or a simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette for a balanced meal. A crisp white wine or light Italian red pairs beautifully with the savory and creamy flavors in the soup. Consider a sprinkle of crushed red pepper or drizzle of olive oil on top for an extra layer of flavor.

One trick I love is softening the cream cheese fully before stirring it in which helps it melt evenly without clumping. Also, drain any excess sausage fat thoughtfully to keep the broth flavorful but not greasy. Finally, fresh herbs at the end make a world of difference in lifting the whole dish.

Frequently Asked Cooking Questions

→ Can I use different pasta in this soup?

Yes, small pasta shapes like elbow macaroni or small shells work well as substitutes for ditalini.

→ How can I make the soup spicier?

Swap Italian sausage for hot Italian sausage or add crushed red pepper flakes during cooking.

→ What is the best way to melt the cream cheese smoothly?

Stir the cream cheese in over medium heat until fully melted and combined to ensure a smooth texture.

→ Can I prepare this soup ahead of time?

Yes, the flavors improve after resting but reheat gently to avoid curdling the cheese.

→ Is fresh basil necessary or can I substitute it?

Fresh basil adds a bright finish, but dried basil or fresh parsley can be used as alternatives.