Italian Sausage Soup Recipe – Creamy Parmesan One-Pot Dinner
This Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup is a rich and comforting one-pot meal that’s bursting with bold, savory flavor. Made with crumbled Italian sausage, tender pasta, fresh spinach, and a creamy Parmesan-infused broth, it’s the perfect cozy dinner for chilly nights. Easy to make and full of hearty ingredients, this soup is a family favorite that tastes like it simmered all day—ready in under an hour!
Equipment
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Ladle
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup small pasta (ditalini, orzo, or small shells)
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 tbsp olive oil (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: red pepper flakes, fresh parsley, basil, Parmesan rind
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage In a large pot over medium heat, cook sausage until browned. Drain excess fat and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables In the same pot, add olive oil if needed. Sauté onion, garlic, carrots, and celery until softened (5–7 minutes).
- Add Broth and Tomatoes Pour in broth and diced tomatoes. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Bring to a boil.
- Cook the Pasta Stir in pasta and cook until al dente, about 8–10 minutes.
- Add Cream and Cheese Reduce heat to low. Stir in cream and Parmesan until melted and smooth.
- Fold in Spinach Add spinach and simmer for 2–3 minutes until wilted.
- Final Touches Taste and adjust seasoning. Let rest 5–10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For extra depth, simmer with a Parmesan rind and remove before serving.
- To make it vegetarian, use plant-based sausage and vegetable broth.
- For a low-carb version, skip the pasta and add cauliflower or zucchini.
- If freezing, omit pasta and spinach; add them fresh when reheating.
- Add lemon juice or zest at the end for a bright finish.