Name: Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 pound (16-ounces) ground Italian sausage (mild or hot); 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped (1-1/2 cups); 3 large carrots, finely chopped (1-1/2 cups); 1 tablespoon minced garlic; 2 packed cups finely shredded kale; 8 cups chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons flour; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); 1-3/4 cups (8-ounces) ditalini pasta; 1 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese (sandy texture); Crusty buttered bread (optional)

I absolutely adore this Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup Recipe because it combines hearty flavors with a rich, velvety texture that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. From the first spoonful, I’m captivated by the comforting, savory Italian sausage mingling with tender vegetables, Parmesan cheese, and a touch of cream that takes it to the next level. This recipe has quickly become one of my all-time favorites for cozy dinners, and I can’t wait to share the details with you!

Why You'll Love This Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup Recipe

What really excites me about this soup is its incredible flavor profile. The Italian sausage brings a bold, savory punch, perfectly balanced by the sweetness of carrots and the earthiness of kale. Then there’s the Parmesan cheese, which adds a nutty depth and creamy richness that transforms the broth into something absolutely indulgent. Every bite feels so well-rounded and satisfying, and I love how the slight hint of red pepper flakes can add just a subtle kick without overpowering the other flavors.

Beyond the taste, I appreciate how straightforward it is to prepare. Even though it feels like a gourmet meal, it mostly involves steps I can easily manage—browning the sausage, sautéing vegetables, making a simple roux with butter and flour, and then letting everything simmer together. It’s one of those dishes where a little effort goes a long way, perfect for a weekday meal that still feels special. Plus, it fills the whole house with the most inviting aroma that anyone who loves Italian-inspired food will find irresistible.

In my experience, this soup shines on lots of occasions. Whether I’m cooking for a cozy family dinner, hosting friends who love classic flavors with a twist, or just treating myself on a chilly day, it’s a winner. What makes this Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup Recipe stand out is its perfect balance of hearty and creamy textures alongside bold yet comforting flavors—something I find myself craving again and again.

Ingredients You'll Need

The image shows a large pot filled with a rich soup or stew. The base of the dish is a warm brown broth, layered with melted cream or white sauce creating lighter swirls on top. There are chunks of cooked ground meat scattered across the surface, some browned pieces creating a rough texture. Around the edges of the pot, bright green torn kale leaves add a fresh contrast. A wooden spoon rests on the left side, partly dipped in the soup, showing the thick mix. The background surface is white marble. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this recipe is rooted in how simple yet essential each ingredient is, playing a crucial role in the overall taste, texture, and color of the soup. Every item on the list is there for a reason—whether it’s building the flavor foundation, adding creaminess, or bringing freshness to the bowl.

TIP : You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below

Olive oil: provides a flavorful base for browning the sausage and cooking the veggies.
Ground Italian sausage: the star protein that adds bold, savory flavors with a hint of spice.
Unsalted butter: enriches the sautéed vegetables and helps form the roux for thickness.
Yellow onion: finely chopped for a sweet, aromatic foundation.
Carrots: chopped to add subtle natural sweetness and a bit of texture.
Garlic: minced to bring aromatic depth and a touch of pungency.
Flour: used to thicken the soup creating that creamy consistency.
Chicken broth: the flavorful liquid base that keeps the soup hearty but light.
Italian seasoning: a medley of herbs to evoke classic Italian flavors.
Red pepper flakes (optional): add a gentle heat that balances richness.
Ditalini pasta: small and perfectly sized for the spoon, adding substance and chew.
Parmesan cheese: finely grated to melt smoothly and bring salty, savory depth.
Heavy cream: adds luscious creaminess that rounds out the flavors beautifully.
Kale: finely shredded for color, nutrition, and a slight bite.
Crusty buttered bread (optional): my favorite accompaniment to soak up every last drop.

Directions

Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over high heat until shimmering. Add the ground Italian sausage and sear each side for about one minute, then crumble it with a spoon and cook until fully browned. Use a slotted spoon to remove the sausage to a bowl, leaving about one tablespoon of grease in the pot and draining off any excess fat.

Step 2: Lower the heat to medium and add the unsalted butter. Once melted, toss in the finely chopped onions, carrots, and minced garlic. Season lightly with salt and pepper (I usually start with around a half teaspoon each) and sauté, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and fragrant, about 7 to 9 minutes.

Step 3: Sprinkle the flour evenly over the vegetables and stir constantly for about one minute to cook out the raw flavor. Gradually pour in one cup of chicken broth while whisking vigorously to create a smooth slurry. Slowly add the remaining broth, whisking and scraping the bottom of the pot as you go to prevent sticking or lumps.

Step 4: Stir in the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes if you’re using them for a subtle kick. Bring the soup to a boil, then add the ditalini pasta. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions minus two minutes, stirring occasionally to keep it from sticking together.

Step 5: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, finely shredded kale, and the browned sausage. Add the Parmesan cheese gradually, about a quarter cup at a time, to prevent clumping and stir until melted throughout. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt as needed. If the soup feels too thick, add more broth to reach your desired consistency.

Step 6: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and serve it up immediately with crusty buttered bread on the side to soak up all that delicious, creamy goodness.

Servings and Timing

This recipe comfortably serves 6 hungry people, making it perfect for a small family dinner or gathering. Prep time is around 15 minutes, mostly spent chopping vegetables and gathering your ingredients. The cooking time is about 45 minutes, which includes browning the sausage, sauteing the veggies, and letting the soup simmer. Altogether, you’re looking at roughly 1 hour from start to finish with no resting or cooling time needed. It’s a great one-pot meal that comes together quickly enough for a weeknight but feels special enough for any occasion.

How to Serve This Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup Recipe

A bowl filled with creamy soup showing three main layers: a light cream-colored broth base, mixed with small pasta rings creating a soft, smooth texture; scattered orange carrot chunks and dark brown ground meat pieces adding both color and texture throughout; and green spinach leaves spread evenly on top, giving a fresh contrast. The soup is in a round white bowl placed on a white marbled surface. On the right side, a woman's hand is holding a black spoon inside the bowl. Above the bowl is a piece of golden brown bread, and on the left side are fresh green parsley leaves, with a gray striped cloth beneath the bowl. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When it comes to serving this soup, I like to keep it rustic yet inviting. A generous bowl of this warm, creamy soup alongside some crusty buttered bread feels like comfort on a plate. The bread is fantastic for dipping and soaking up the broth, turning every bite into a perfect combination of soft and crunchy textures.

For garnishing, I often sprinkle a bit more freshly grated Parmesan right on top along with a few fresh basil leaves or a pinch of chopped flat-leaf parsley for a pop of color and freshness. It’s simple but really elevates the presentation and adds a nice herbal balance to the creamy, rich soup. If you want to get fancy, a drizzle of good quality extra virgin olive oil right before serving is a lovely touch.

As for drinks, I find a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light Italian red such as Chianti complements this soup beautifully. For non-alcoholic options, sparkling water with a twist of lemon or a cold Italian soda adds a refreshing contrast. This soup works wonderfully for cozy family dinners, casual weekday meals, or even a relaxed holiday lunch when you want something hearty yet elegant. Serve it hot to enjoy the full comforting effect—nothing better on a chilly day!

Variations

I love to tailor this Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup Recipe to suit different tastes and dietary needs. For example, you can easily swap out the mild or hot Italian sausage for a ground turkey sausage or even a plant-based sausage alternative for a lighter or vegetarian-friendly version. If you’re avoiding gluten, simply use a gluten-free flour blend instead of regular flour and swap the ditalini pasta for a gluten-free pasta one; I’ve done it myself and it still tastes amazing.

For extra veggie power, you can add diced zucchini or spinach along with the kale, or try roasting some cherry tomatoes to stir in at the end for a juicy burst of flavor. If you want a spicier kick, up the red pepper flakes or add a splash of hot sauce. On the other hand, for a milder version, just leave the red pepper out entirely.

Lastly, I’ve experimented with cooking this soup in a slow cooker by browning the sausage and sautéing the veggies first, then transferring everything into the slow cooker with the broth, letting it simmer for 4-6 hours. Add the cream, kale, and Parmesan at the very end for a hands-off, slow-cooked delight that’s perfect when life’s busy.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

I always store any leftover soup in an airtight container once it has cooled to room temperature. Glass containers work best because they don’t absorb odors. Stored in the refrigerator, this soup keeps well for up to 3-4 days. I recommend reheating only the portion you plan to eat to keep the rest nice and fresh.

Freezing

You can freeze this soup, but keep in mind that the texture of the kale and pasta might change slightly after thawing. To freeze, cool the soup completely, then transfer it to heavy-duty freezer bags or airtight freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. This soup freezes well for up to 2 months. When thawing, defrost in the refrigerator overnight before reheating to help maintain the best texture.

Reheating

The best method to reheat this soup is gently warming it on the stovetop over low to medium heat while stirring frequently. This helps melt the Parmesan back in and keeps the cream from separating. Avoid microwaving straight from the freezer, as it can result in uneven heating and texture changes. If the soup is too thick after reheating, add a splash of broth or cream to loosen it up and stir well before serving.

FAQs

Can I use spicy Italian sausage instead of mild?

Absolutely! Spicy Italian sausage will add a nice heat to the soup, which I personally love. If you prefer milder flavors, stick with mild sausage or remove the red pepper flakes.

Is there a vegan version of this soup?

Yes, you can make a vegan version by substituting plant-based sausage, using vegetable broth, a non-dairy cream (like cashew cream), and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan. I’ve tried these swaps and still enjoyed the comforting flavors.

Can I use different types of pasta?

You definitely can. While ditalini pasta is traditional here, small pasta shapes like elbow macaroni or orzo would work well. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you choose.

What if I don’t have kale? Can I use spinach?

Yes! Fresh spinach works beautifully as a substitute and cooks faster, so add it right at the end just until it wilts. Other greens like swiss chard or escarole can also be great alternatives.

Can I prepare this soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the broth and sausage mixture a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just add the cream, cheese, and kale when you’re ready to finish cooking. It’s a great way to save time on busy days.

Conclusion

Trust me when I say this Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup Recipe is one you’ll want to keep in your regular rotation. It’s comforting, delicious, and surprisingly simple to make—perfect for when you crave something cozy yet indulgent. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this flavorful soup as much as I do. Happy cooking!