There’s nothing more comforting on a cool evening than a bowl of creamy parmesan Italian sausage soup simmering on the stove. The rich, savory flavor of Italian sausage blends beautifully with tender vegetables, creamy broth, and a generous handful of parmesan cheese. This soup tastes like the perfect mix of comfort and Italian-inspired warmth hearty enough for dinner yet simple enough for busy weeknights. Whether you’re meal prepping or craving a cozy bowl after a long day, this creamy Italian sausage soup delivers bold flavor with minimal effort. One spoonful and it becomes a family favorite you’ll make again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple and Fast: Ready in under an hour with basic ingredients you likely already have.
- Rich, Creamy Comfort: Parmesan cheese and heavy cream create an irresistible velvety finish.
- Protein-Packed: Italian sausage makes this soup hearty and satisfying without heavy prep.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Stores beautifully and reheats even better the next day.
- Adaptable: Easily turn it into keto, low-carb, or add tortellini for extra comfort.
- Family-Friendly: Mild sausage + creamy broth = universally loved flavors.
Preparation & Cooking Time
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 ½ cups grated parmesan cheese
- 2 cups baby spinach
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: 1–2 cups cheese tortellini
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Brown the sausage: Heat olive oil in a pot. Add Italian sausage and break into crumbles. Cook until browned.
- Sauté the vegetables: Add onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook 5–7 minutes until softened.
- Add seasoning: Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
- Pour broth: Add chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 15 minutes.
- Add cream + parmesan: Stir in heavy cream and parmesan until smooth and creamy.
- Add greens: Toss in spinach and cook until wilted.
- Optional tortellini: Add tortellini during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
- Finish & serve: Taste, adjust seasoning, and serve warm with extra parmesan.
How to Serve
- Serve with crusty bread, garlic toast, or keto almond-flour biscuits.
- Top with extra parmesan, red pepper flakes, or fresh basil.
- Pair with a simple green salad, Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables.
- Add a squeeze of lemon for brightness.
Additional Tips
- For low-carb/keto: Swap carrots for extra celery and use more spinach or kale.
- Make it thicker: Add more parmesan or reduce broth slightly.
- Make it lighter: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Add more protein: Mix in shredded chicken or turkey.
- More Italian flavor: Add sun-dried tomatoes or basil pesto.
Recipe Variations
- Keto Creamy Sausage Soup: Omit carrots; add cauliflower rice instead of tortellini.
- Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup: Add 2 cups cheese tortellini for a perfect winter meal.
- Spicy Creamy Sausage Soup: Use hot Italian sausage + extra red pepper flakes.
- Tuscan-Style Spinach Sausage Soup: Add sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil.
Freezing & Storage
- Refrigerator: Store up to 4 days in an airtight container.
- Freezing: Freeze without dairy for best texture. Add cream after thawing.
- Reheat: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat; add extra broth if it thickens.
Special Equipment
• Large Soup Pot: Cooking soup evenly
• Wooden Spoon: Stirring sausage and vegetables
• Measuring Cups: Accurate ingredients
• Chef’s Knife: Vegetable prep
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this soup keto friendly?
Yes! Use cauliflower rice instead of tortellini and skip the carrots.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, brown sausage first, then cook on LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 3. Add cream at the end.
Can I substitute the sausage?
Ground turkey, chicken sausage, or plant-based sausage work well.
Can I add pasta?
Yes, tortellini or small pasta shapes fit perfectly.
What can I serve with this soup?
Pair with salads, roasted veggies, or any soup from our collection or this comforting.
Conclusion
This creamy parmesan Italian sausage soup is the perfect mix of cozy comfort and bold Italian flavor. With its rich broth, tender vegetables, and savory sausage, it delivers the kind of satisfying meal your family will request again and again. Whether you’re keeping it low-carb, adding tortellini, or making a simple weeknight dinner, this recipe always turns out delicious, warm, and deeply comforting.