Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup

This creamy parmesan Italian sausage soup delivers cozy, robust Italian flavors with minimal fuss and maximum comfort. Savory sausage, melting cheese, and pasta bring heartiness, while tomatoes and basil add brightness for a balanced bowl of pure dinner happiness.

Every time I make this soup for a chilly night in, the kitchen fills with laughter and the scent of basil. It is the meal my family asks for when they want something both special and familiar.

Ingredients

• Italian sausage: delivers savory richness and defines the soup’s base look for fresh sausage with visible herbs for best flavor
• Diced onion: adds a sweet mellow depth as it cooks choose firm onions without soft spots
• Garlic: provides aromatic punch mince fresh cloves for the brightest taste
• Italian seasoning: gives a balanced herbal note check for a blend with oregano and basil as the first ingredients
• Salt and black pepper: season and lift all the flavors use kosher salt and freshly cracked pepper if possible
• Chicken broth: the backbone of your soup choose low sodium if you want to control seasoning
• Petite diced tomatoes: provide tang and sweetness undrained for the right balance of liquid and flavor
• Ditalini pasta: brings a classic Italian texture it cooks quickly and soaks up flavor try to pick pasta made with 100 percent durum wheat
• Cream cheese: ensures creaminess and body cube for quick melting pick a block style cream cheese for best richness
• Grated Parmesan cheese: delivers sharp salty notes opt for freshly grated for a meltier soup
• Fresh basil: offers a burst of color and fresh aroma use leaves that are bright green and unwilted

Step-by-Step Instructions

Brown the Sausage:

Place Italian sausage into a large Dutch oven on medium high heat and break it into crumbles as it cooks. Make sure it is fully browned and cooked through for the deepest flavor. If you see a lot of grease carefully drain it off before moving on

Soften the Aromatics:

Add onions, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper into the pot. Stir and cook everything for one to two minutes. You want the onions slightly softened and starting to go translucent. This brings out their sweetness and lets the herbs bloom

Layer in Garlic:

Stir in minced garlic and let it cook for one minute just until fragrant. Be careful not to let it brown as burnt garlic turns bitter

Add Broth, Tomatoes, and Pasta:

Pour in chicken broth and all the diced tomatoes with their juices. Stir to combine. Sprinkle in the ditalini pasta and push it under the liquid so it cooks evenly

Simmer the Soup:

Turn up the heat to bring your soup to a boil then reduce to a gentle but steady simmer. Let it cook uncovered for about eight minutes or until your pasta is pleasantly firm to the bite

Make It Creamy:

Keep the heat at medium. Add cubed cream cheese and grated parmesan. Stir and let cheese melt and blend for about five minutes. Stir often so everything is smooth and creamy with no chunks of cream cheese left

Taste and Adjust:

Spoon up a bit to taste and adjust salt or pepper if you want more punch

Serve and Garnish:

Ladle your soup into warm bowls and top each with chopped fresh basil. Serve piping hot for the full cozy effect

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I always go heavy on the basil at the end because its freshness reminds me of my grandmother who grew basil in her kitchen window all winter. Parmesan is my other must insist ingredient nothing beats its buttery tang stirred into a creamy broth.

Storage Tips

Cool leftovers quickly and store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days. The soup does thicken as it sits so plan to stir in a splash of broth or water when reheating on the stove. For longer storage ladle cooled soup into freezer safe containers and freeze for up to two months. Thaw in the fridge before gentle reheating.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap ground turkey or chicken sausage if you want a lighter version or avoid pork. If you are out of ditalini try any small shape like elbows or shells. For a gluten free meal use your favorite gluten free pasta and double check sausage and broth ingredients. Cream cheese can be replaced with mascarpone for a milder taste.

Serving Suggestions

This hearty bowl is fantastic with toasted garlic bread or a cheesy focaccia. A crisp green salad with Italian vinaigrette brightens and balances the meal. You can even make it an appetizer for your next Italian feast or serve in mugs at a cozy gathering.

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Cultural and Historical Context

This soup riffs on classic Italian comfort food by blending ingredients like sausage, tomato, pasta, and cheese in a single pot. Creamy soups of this style are more common in American Italian kitchens where richness and easy assembly are prized for family meals. Ditalini pasta is often used in minestra or minestrone in Southern Italy giving this soup an authentic nod with a creamy twist.

Common Questions

→ What type of sausage works best?

Use mild or hot Italian sausage for authentic flavor. Pork sausage is suggested, though turkey works too.

→ Can different pasta shapes be used?

Yes, ditalini is traditional, but elbow macaroni or small shells are excellent alternatives.

→ How can I adjust the soup's thickness?

For a thinner consistency, add more broth or a splash of cream after melting the cheeses.

→ How do I make it spicier?

Choose hot Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes along with the seasonings to boost heat.

→ Does this soup store well?

Yes, but pasta may absorb liquid as it sits. Add extra broth when reheating for best results.

→ Which toppings pair well?

Fresh basil, extra Parmesan, and a swirl of olive oil enhance each serving beautifully.