Name: Delicious Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound Italian sausage (casings removed if needed); 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 teaspoons minced garlic; 4 cups chicken broth; 14.5 ounces petite diced tomatoes (1 can); 8 ounces ditalini pasta or other small pasta (uncooked); 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; salt and pepper to taste; 4 ounces cream cheese, slightly warmed; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; ½ cup heavy whipping cream; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

I’m so excited to share this Delicious Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup Recipe with you! It’s one of those cozy, soul-satisfying dishes I turn to when I want comfort food that also feels a little fancy. The blend of rich Italian sausage, creamy parmesan, and tender pasta makes every spoonful feel like a warm hug. It’s super straightforward to make, which means you can get dinner on the table fast without sacrificing any flavor. Whether it’s a chilly evening or just weeknight meal inspiration, this soup is a total winner in my book.

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

What really draws me to this recipe is the incredible flavor combination. The Italian sausage brings this wonderful savory, slightly spiced element that perfectly balances the creaminess of the parmesan and cream cheese. Every bite is rich but not heavy, thanks to the bright acidity from the diced tomatoes and the fresh parsley sprinkled on top. I love that it’s not just a one-note creamy soup but has layers of taste that keep you coming back for more.

Another reason this recipe has become a staple in my kitchen is how easy it is to prepare. You only need one pot to cook everything, which saves on cleanup—a huge plus after a long day! The sausage and onions cook quickly, then everything simmers together with pasta until it’s perfectly tender. Adding the cream cheese and parmesan at the end melts everything into a velvety broth that feels like a comforting hug.

I also think this soup shines on many occasions. It’s perfect for a casual family dinner where everyone's looking for something satisfying. It’s also hearty enough to serve guests during cooler months, making it both an everyday and somewhat special meal. When I make this one, I’m always proud to serve it because it’s so flavorful yet so simple.

Ingredients You'll Need

A close-up view of a creamy soup inside a white pot with a pale pink handle, showing a wooden spoon lifting a spoonful of the soup. The soup is thick with several visible layers, including small yellow pasta tubes, chunks of light brown meat, and pieces of soft red tomatoes mixed in a creamy, light orange broth that has specks of black pepper and herbs. The pot is placed on a white marbled surface with a gray and white striped cloth nearby. The overall texture of the soup looks rich and slightly chunky. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

All the ingredients for this soup are straightforward but absolutely essential for building its wonderful texture and taste. Each one plays a role, from the savory sausage to the creamy cheeses and fresh parsley, creating a beautifully balanced bowl of comfort.

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

Italian sausage: I prefer using mild or spicy, depending on how much heat you like, and removing casings for easy cooking.
Onion: Chopped finely to add sweetness and depth without overpowering the sausage.
Minced garlic: Just enough to brighten the flavors without overwhelming the soup.
Chicken broth: Adds a rich base that keeps the soup flavorful yet light.
Petite diced tomatoes: Bring a lovely acidity and texture contrast to the creamy elements.
Ditalini pasta: Small pasta is perfect for soups because it cooks quickly and distributes flavor evenly.
Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that enhances the savory profile and ties all flavors together.
Cream cheese: Warmer is easier to melt, adding luxurious creaminess to the broth.
Grated parmesan: The star cheese that gives the soup its signature nuttiness and depth.
Heavy whipping cream: Rounds out the texture to make it silky smooth and indulgent.
Fresh parsley: For a fresh, bright garnish that also adds a nice pop of color.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning to taste and balancing all the other flavors.

Directions

Step 1: In a large stock pot over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage and chopped onion together. Make sure to break the sausage apart as it cooks, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is browned and no longer pink, and the onions are softened—about 5-7 minutes. Once done, carefully drain off any excess grease to keep the soup from becoming oily.

Step 2: Add the minced garlic directly to the pot and cook for about one minute, stirring constantly so it doesn’t burn but releases its wonderful aroma.

Step 3: Pour in the chicken broth, then stir in the canned diced tomatoes with their juices, the uncooked ditalini pasta, and the Italian seasoning. Increase the heat to high to bring everything to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Let it cook, uncovered, for around 6-8 minutes, or until the pasta is just al dente—tender but with a little bite.

Step 4: Turn the heat to low, then add the slightly warmed cream cheese, grated parmesan, and heavy whipping cream. Stir continuously until the cheeses melt completely and the soup turns creamy and smooth. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 5: Remove from heat and sprinkle the soup with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately and enjoy the comforting flavors!

Servings and Timing

This Delicious Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup Recipe yields about 6 generous servings, making it perfect for a family dinner or a meal prep option that can feed you a few days. The prep time is quick, around 10 minutes for chopping and getting everything ready, while the cook time is about 20 minutes. Altogether, you can expect the total time from start to finish to be approximately 30 minutes, with no additional resting or cooling time needed. This makes it a fantastic choice when you want something delicious and filling without a long wait.

How to Serve This Delicious Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup Recipe

A white bowl filled with creamy soup that has about four main layers: a base of light orange creamy broth with small red oil spots, mixed with small pasta tubes in pale yellow, pieces of cooked ground meat in brown, and diced red tomatoes. On top, fresh green parsley leaves are scattered. A golden spoon scoops some of the soup, showing the mix of pasta, meat, and broth clearly. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When I serve this soup, I love pairing it with crusty bread, like a fresh baguette or garlic bread, which is perfect for soaking up every last bit of the creamy broth. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is also a great side to balance the richness of the soup. For presentation, I often garnish with an extra sprinkle of parmesan and a few more parsley leaves to make it look fresh and inviting.

This soup tastes best served hot, bubbling just off the stove, which really lets all the flavors shine. I find that small to medium bowls work best so you can enjoy it in satisfying portions without overwhelming your appetite. For beverages, I’m a fan of pairing it with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to cut through the richness, but a cold sparkling water with lemon is just as refreshing for a non-alcoholic option.

It’s such a versatile recipe—perfect for weeknight family dinners, cozy weekend lunches, or even small dinner parties. I’ve made it for holidays too, and it’s always a hit because it feels comforting, indulgent, and a little bit special all at once.

Variations

If you want to customize this Delicious Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup Recipe, there are plenty of ways to do it! I sometimes swap the Italian sausage for ground turkey or chicken to lighten it up a bit while maintaining great flavor. You can also use spicy sausage if you want more heat or opt for a pork sausage for a slightly sweeter taste.

For a gluten-free version, simply substitute the ditalini pasta with gluten-free small pasta or even add veggies like zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a low-carb twist. Vegans or those avoiding dairy can try using dairy-free cream cheese, nutritional yeast instead of parmesan, and a plant-based sausage alternative. It won’t taste exactly the same, but it’s a delicious, hearty option that anyone can enjoy.

Sometimes I like to add vegetables like kale or spinach toward the end of cooking for extra nutrition and color. You could even use a slow cooker to make this soup—just brown the sausage and onion first, then add everything else to the slow cooker and let it simmer for a couple of hours before stirring in the cheeses at the end for that creamy finish.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

When I have leftovers of this soup (which happens often!), I transfer it to airtight containers and store it in the refrigerator. It keeps really well for up to 3-4 days. Just make sure to keep the container sealed tightly to prevent any fridge odors from influencing the taste, and to help the soup retain its creamy texture.

Freezing

You can definitely freeze this soup, which is a fantastic way to have comforting meals ready on busy days. I recommend letting the soup cool completely, then storing it in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some room for expansion. It will keep well frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, I like to gently warm the soup on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to help it heat evenly. If the soup thickens too much after refrigerating or freezing, adding a splash of chicken broth or water helps restore that lovely silky texture. Avoid microwaving for too long without stirring, as it can cause uneven heating or curdling of the dairy.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta in this recipe?

Absolutely! While ditalini works perfectly here because it’s small and cooks quickly, you can swap in other small pasta shapes like elbow macaroni, small shells, or even orzo. Just keep cooking times in mind to avoid overcooking.

Is it possible to make this soup spicy?

Yes, definitely. Using spicy Italian sausage is the easiest way, but you can also add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce when adding the broth to kick up the heat according to your preference.

What can I use if I don’t have cream cheese?

If you don’t have cream cheese on hand, you can substitute with mascarpone or even a bit of sour cream stirred in at the end for creaminess, though the texture will be slightly different. Just add it gradually and stir until smooth.

Can I prepare this soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the soup up to a day in advance and store it in the fridge. I usually wait to add the parsley garnish until just before serving to keep it fresh. Reheat gently as mentioned above, and it’s almost as good as freshly made.

Is this soup suitable for freezing and reheating without losing flavor?

This soup freezes well if you add the cheese and cream after thawing, but since they are mixed in before freezing in this recipe, the flavor might mellow a bit and the texture could change slightly. Still, it reheats wonderfully and tastes great for a make-ahead meal.

Conclusion

I truly hope you give this Delicious Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup Recipe a try—it’s one of those meals that brings warmth and comfort in every spoonful. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or friends, it’s easy to make, beautifully flavorful, and feels like a little treat all year round. I can’t wait for you to experience how satisfying and delicious this soup is!