Rich and Creamy Italian Sausage Soup with Parmesan
Hearty, Savory, and Packed with Bold Italian Flavor—The Ultimate Comfort in a Bowl!
Craving a warm, cozy dinner that’s loaded with flavor and comes together in just 30 minutes? This Rich and Creamy Italian Sausage Soup with Parmesan is everything: creamy, savory, herb-packed, and deeply satisfying. Featuring perfectly browned Italian sausage, tender spinach, and a luxuriously cheesy broth, this one-pot wonder brings rustic Italian comfort straight to your kitchen—no pasta required.
Ingredients:
For the Soup Base:
1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups chicken broth
For the Creamy Finish:
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups baby spinach
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp dried oregano
Salt and pepper, to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions for Italian Sausage Parmesan Soup:
1️⃣ Brown the Sausage:
Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon—about 6–8 minutes.
2️⃣ Sauté the Aromatics:
Add chopped onion and garlic to the pot.
Cook for 3–4 minutes, until the onion is soft and translucent and everything smells amazing.
3️⃣ Build the Broth:
Pour in 4 cups chicken broth and stir to deglaze the bottom of the pot.
Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 5–7 minutes to develop flavor.
4️⃣ Stir in the Creamy Goodness:
Add heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, dried basil, and dried oregano.
Stir to combine and simmer another 5–10 minutes, until slightly thickened and rich.
Taste and adjust with salt and pepper.
5️⃣ Add the Spinach and Finish:
Stir in 2 cups baby spinach and cook 2–3 minutes more, until wilted.
Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan and fresh-cracked pepper, if desired.
Quick Snapshot:
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: ~380 kcal per serving
Pro Tips for Creamy Italian Sausage Soup:
Go Spicy (or Mild): Use spicy sausage for a kick, or mild for a kid-friendly version.
Cheese Tip: Grate your own Parmesan for best melt and flavor—pre-shredded can clump.
Soup Thickness: Let it simmer longer for a thicker broth, or add a splash of broth to thin it out.
Make It a Meal: Serve with warm crusty bread or garlic knots for dipping!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Hearty and Filling: Protein-packed with sausage and loaded with greens.
One-Pot Wonder: Simple cleanup, all the flavor.
Bold, Creamy Broth: Parmesan and cream make every spoonful rich and comforting.
Weeknight Magic: 30 minutes from stovetop to table.
FAQ About Italian Sausage Soup:
Can I use kale instead of spinach?
Absolutely! Just add it a few minutes earlier, as it takes longer to soften.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes—use a plant-based cream and vegan Parmesan alternative. It’ll still be tasty, though less rich.
Will it reheat well?
Yes! Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over the stove or in the microwave.
Common Problems and Fixes:
Too greasy?
If your sausage is extra fatty, drain some of the fat after browning.
Soup too thin?
Let it simmer a bit longer uncovered or add more cheese to thicken.
Lacking flavor?
Try a pinch of red pepper flakes or a bit more oregano and basil.
Flavor Variations You Can Try:
Add Veggies: Try mushrooms, zucchini, or diced bell peppers for extra texture.
Make It Cheesy: Add a handful of mozzarella or provolone for a gooey twist.
Protein Swap: Try ground turkey or chicken sausage for a leaner version.
Extra Depth: A splash of white wine added before the broth takes it up a notch.
Perfect for Any Occasion:
Whether it’s a chilly evening, a quick weeknight dinner, or a cozy Sunday meal, this Rich and Creamy Italian Sausage Soup is a go-to favorite. It’s soul-soothing, hearty, and guaranteed to warm you from the inside out.
Creamy Soup Success:
Aromatic, cheesy, and absolutely loaded with flavor—this sausage soup is everything comfort food should be. One pot. Endless coziness. Major flavor.
Made it? Tag your bowl of creamy Italian sausage goodness and show off your soup night success!