Name: https://www Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 pound (16 ounces) ground Italian sausage (mild or hot); 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped (about 1 1/2 cups); 3 large carrots, finely chopped (about 1 1/2 cups); 1 tablespoon minced garlic; Salt and pepper, to taste; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 8 cups chicken broth; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); 1 3/4 cups (8 ounces) ditalini pasta; 1 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese; 1 cup heavy cream; 2 packed cups finely shredded kale; Crusty buttered bread (optional)

Imagine the pure comfort of a warm, hearty bowl that blends rich sausage, vibrant vegetables, creamy cheese, and silky broth all in one spoonful. That’s the magic of Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup: a soul-soothing meal that brings a burst of Italian-inspired flavor to chilly evenings or any time you crave a filling, family-style treat. Each bite is layered with savory sausage, tender pasta, a lush Parmesan broth, and ribbons of colorful kale, making this soup a guaranteed win for both weeknight suppers and special gatherings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup lies in its straightforward, down-to-earth ingredients, each playing its part to build depth, color, and irresistibly creamy texture. Here’s what you’ll need, and why each element matters.

Olive oil: Gives the sausage a golden start and infuses extra richness right from the beginning.
Ground Italian sausage: The heart of the soup—choose mild for a gentle flavor or hot for a little kick!
Unsalted butter: Adds silkiness to the sautéed vegetables and helps create a buttery base.
Yellow onion: Finely chopped for just the right touch of sweetness and depth.
Carrots: Bring freshness and a beautiful pop of color to every bowl.
Minced garlic: One tablespoon for real flavor impact—just enough to perfume the whole pot.
Salt and pepper: Season the soup at every step to bring the base ingredients to life.
Flour: A touch of flour creates the base for a luscious, slightly thickened broth.
Chicken broth: Eight cups to form a flavorful, savory canvas for all the other elements.
Italian seasoning: Delivers that unmistakable herby aroma and flavor classic to Italian soups.
Red pepper flakes (optional): Just a tickle of heat if you like a little spice in your spoonful.
Ditalini pasta: Perfectly sized little tubes that soak up all that creamy broth—substitute with any smaller pasta you love.
Finely grated Parmesan: The signature flavor—make sure it’s finely grated for smooth melting without clumps.
Heavy cream: For luxurious, full-bodied creaminess that ties everything together.
Finely shredded kale: A generous helping of greens adds a fresh finish and loads of color.
Crusty buttered bread (optional): For dunking—because soup is always better with great bread!

How to Make Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Set a large pot over high heat and add your olive oil. Once it’s shimmering hot, tumble in the ground sausage and let it sear for a minute or so on each side before you break it up. Crumble and cook it until beautifully browned; this step locks in all those savory juices. Scoop the sausage out with a slotted spoon, leaving about a tablespoon of the flavorful fat in the pot—just enough to cook your veggies in the next step.

Step 2: Cook the Veggies

Reduce the heat to medium. Drop in your butter, let it melt, and then toss in the chopped onion, carrots, and minced garlic. Season with salt and pepper (I always start with about 1/2 teaspoon each). Stir and let everything get tender and fragrant, which usually takes around 7 to 9 minutes. Once your veggies are soft, sprinkle the flour on top and stir constantly for one more minute to prevent any raw flour taste—this creates that signature creamy base.

Step 3: Add the Broth & Seasonings

Time to build the broth! Start by slowly whisking in one cup of the chicken broth, creating a smooth slurry with the flour and vegetables. Gradually pour in the remaining broth, whisking and scraping the bottom of the pot to loosen any tasty browned bits. Add in the Italian seasoning and, if you’re in the mood for some warmth, the red pepper flakes.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Bring your soup base to a gentle boil. Stir in the ditalini pasta and let it cook according to the time on the package, but stop just two minutes before it’s fully done. Give it a stir now and then so the pasta doesn’t settle on the bottom or clump.

Step 5: Finish the Soup

Turn the heat down to low. Pour in the cream, add the shredded kale, and return the sausage to the pot. Stir until every leafy ribbon and sausage crumble is evenly distributed. Gradually sprinkle in the Parmesan, about 1/4 cup at a time, stirring well so it melts smoothly into the broth—no clumpy surprises! Taste and season with more salt if needed. If the soup feels too thick, add extra broth until it’s just right for you.

How to Serve Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup

Garnishes

For the perfect finishing touch, top each bowl of Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup with a dusting of extra Parmesan, a sprinkle of chopped parsley, or even a few extra red pepper flakes. These little details make every bite feel special and add a touch of freshness or heat right at the surface.

Side Dishes

Pair this soup with hot, crusty buttered bread—trust me, you’ll want something to soak up all that lovely broth. Garlic toast, a rustic Italian roll, or even just a classic baguette are all fabulous. A crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette also makes a bright, fresh partner to the soup’s creamy richness.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to wow your guests (or just treat yourself), serve Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup in wide bowls or small bread bowls. Add a swirl of cream or a little extra Parmesan on top for a restaurant-style finish. You can even prep the bowls in advance and keep them warm in the oven until ready to ladle in the hot soup.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep leftovers tasting fresh, transfer the soup to airtight containers once cooled. The soup will keep well for up to 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator. The flavors actually deepen after a day, making tomorrow’s lunch even more delicious.

Freezing

Cream-based soups can be a little tricky to freeze, but Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup handles it pretty well. Simply allow the soup to cool completely, then ladle it into freezer-safe containers, leaving an inch of space at the top. Freeze for up to 2 months. Just keep in mind that the pasta may soften slightly when thawed.

Reheating

When you’re ready to enjoy your soup again, gently reheat it over medium-low heat on the stove or in short increments in the microwave, stirring occasionally. If the soup has thickened, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it back up, and always heat just until steaming to maintain the creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of sausage?

Absolutely! While traditional Italian sausage infuses the most authentic flavor, you can use chicken or turkey sausage for a lighter version, or even try a spicy chorizo for something different.

What can I substitute for kale?

Spinach is a wonderful, softer substitute and will wilt down quickly. Swiss chard, collard greens, or even a mix of your favorite leafy greens can also work beautifully in this soup.

Will the soup thicken as it sits?

Yes, the pasta and Parmesan continue to absorb liquid as the soup sits, so it may get a bit thicker. Just stir in extra broth when reheating to reach your perfect consistency again.

Can I make Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup gluten-free?

Definitely! Swap the regular ditalini for your favorite gluten-free pasta and use a gluten-free flour blend to thicken the soup. The rest of the recipe stays just as comforting and flavorful.

Is this soup spicy?

The base recipe is gentle, but with the option of hot sausage and red pepper flakes, you can easily tailor the spice level to fit your taste. Leave the heat out for kids or sensitive eaters, or add extra for a bolder bowl.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for that truly gratifying, all-in-one soup to warm your belly and bring a smile to your face, I can’t recommend Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup enough. It’s the kind of cozy, crowd-pleasing staple you’ll want to make again and again—so grab your favorite big pot and give it a try!