Description
Creamy Parmesan Pasta Soup with Italian Sausage is a rich, cozy, and hearty soup that combines savory sausage, tender pasta, and a velvety Parmesan-infused broth. It’s like a creamy Italian pasta dish turned into a warm, comforting bowl — perfect for chilly nights or easy weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter version)
- 8 oz short pasta (ditalini, small shells, or elbow macaroni)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach or kale, roughly chopped
- Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Remove excess grease if necessary.
- Add chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and water, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Bring to a boil.
- Add pasta, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Reduce heat to medium and simmer until the pasta is al dente (about 8–10 minutes).
- Lower the heat and stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
- Add chopped spinach or kale and cook for another 2 minutes until wilted.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of broth or cream to reach your desired consistency.
- Serve warm, garnished with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley or basil.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use turkey sausage and half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest texture — pre-grated cheese may make the soup grainy.
- This soup thickens as it cools; add more broth when reheating.
- Pairs beautifully with garlic bread or a crisp green salad.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Main Course / Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American