If there’s one soup that consistently gets rave reviews at my house, it’s this Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup. It’s rich, flavorful, and perfectly balanced with savory sausage, fresh spinach, creamy broth, and just the right amount of heat—plus, it all comes together in one pot. Whether you’re cooking for your family, feeding a crowd, or looking for the perfect cozy dinner on a cool night, this soup checks every box. This recipe swaps traditional pork sausage for ground Italian-style beef sausage, which still gives you all the bold Italian flavors while offering a leaner option. The creamy base, made with heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, brings everything together in a velvety finish that feels both indulgent and comforting. The first time I made this, it was one of those “what do I have in the fridge” meals—and I was surprised by how quickly it became a favorite. Since then, it’s earned a permanent spot in the dinner rotation, especially when I want something hearty but not overly complicated. Serve it with some crusty bread or garlic knots, and you’ve got yourself the kind of meal that makes people go back for seconds. Let’s get into the first steps and start building those bold, comforting flavors.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 lb ground Italian-style beef sausage (or pork sausage if you prefer)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, with juices
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 ½ cups heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 cups baby spinach
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional: ½ cup small pasta like ditalini or orzo
• Optional topping: extra Parmesan and chopped fresh parsley

This recipe makes about 6 hearty servings and can easily be adjusted if you’re cooking for a larger group or meal prepping for the week.

Step 1: Cook the Italian Sausage

Start by heating a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the Italian-style beef sausage and cook until it’s fully browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. This takes about 6 to 8 minutes, depending on your stove. Once the sausage is browned, drain any excess grease to keep the soup from becoming too oily. This step is especially helpful if you’re using a fattier sausage, though beef sausage tends to be a little leaner.

 

Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic

Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the same pot. Toss in the diced onion and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes, until the onion becomes soft and translucent. Then stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for 1 minute more—just enough to release its aroma and flavor without burning it. This combo of onions, garlic, and sausage creates the aromatic base of the soup and sets the tone for that deep, savory flavor.

Step 3: Add the Diced Tomatoes

Next, stir in the can of diced tomatoes, including all the juices. Cook for about 2 minutes, letting the tomatoes simmer and meld with the sausage and onions. The acidity from the tomatoes brightens the soup and helps balance the richness of the cream and cheese you’ll be adding later.

Step 4: Pour in the Chicken Broth

Now it’s time to add 4 cups of chicken broth, stirring to combine all those cooked-down ingredients into a flavorful base. Bring the pot to a gentle simmer, and you’ll start to see everything come together beautifully.

Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup: Bringing the Comfort Together

Now that your broth is simmering and the base of your soup is rich with sausage, tomatoes, and aromatics, it’s time to turn it into the creamy, cozy bowl of goodness you came here for. This is where things really start to come together, with just a few more ingredients to build flavor, body, and that unmistakable creaminess everyone loves in this soup. Whether you’re planning to serve this for dinner tonight or save it for meal prep, the next few steps are simple, quick, and totally worth it. Let’s bring it all home.

Step 5: Stir in Heavy Cream and Parmesan Cheese

Once your broth is simmering, reduce the heat to low and pour in the 1 ½ cups of heavy cream. Give it a gentle stir to blend everything together. Then, add the ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese, stirring slowly until it melts and combines with the broth. You’ll notice the soup starting to thicken and take on a creamy, silky texture. The Parmesan adds a salty, nutty richness that perfectly complements the sausage and tomatoes. If you want a little extra cheesy flavor, you can always add a bit more to taste.

  Tip: Make sure the soup isn’t boiling when you add the cream and cheese—keeping the heat low helps prevent curdling and keeps the texture smooth.

Step 6: Add Baby Spinach

Toss in 3 cups of baby spinach and stir gently until it wilts, about 2 minutes. This step adds color, nutrients, and a fresh element to the soup that balances out the creamy base. Spinach wilts down quickly, so you don’t need to cook it long. You’ll see it fold into the soup and add just the right amount of green to each bowl.

 

Step 7: Add Optional Pasta (If Using)

If you’re including pasta, now’s the time to add it. Stir in ½ cup of small pasta, like ditalini or orzo, and cook according to the package directions—usually 7 to 10 minutes—until the pasta is al dente. As the pasta cooks, it will absorb some of the broth and help thicken the soup a bit more. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking, especially if using a starchier pasta. Optional Tip: If you expect leftovers, you might want to cook the pasta separately and add it to individual bowls. That way, it won’t soak up too much broth overnight.

Step 8: Season and Simmer

Once everything is in the pot, it’s time to season. Add salt and pepper to taste, and if you want a little kick, sprinkle in ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Simmer the soup gently for another 2 to 3 minutes to let the flavors blend. This final simmer brings everything together—creamy broth, savory sausage, soft spinach, and tender pasta all in one spoonful.

Step 9: Serve and Garnish

Now your Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup is ready to serve. Ladle it into bowls and top with a bit of extra grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley if you like. The result is a bowl full of comfort: warm, filling, and packed with layers of flavor in every bite. It pairs beautifully with a slice of garlic bread, a warm baguette, or a simple green salad.  

Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup: FAQ and Final Thoughts

This creamy, flavorful soup has everything you could want in a comforting one-pot meal—savory sausage, rich broth, fresh spinach, and a luxurious Parmesan cream base. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight or serving it as the centerpiece of a cozy weekend dinner, it’s one of those recipes that never fails to please. Before we wrap things up, let’s go over a few common questions that can help you customize the recipe, store it properly, and make it your own. 1. Can I use a different type of sausage? Yes! While this recipe uses ground Italian-style beef sausage, you can absolutely use pork sausage, turkey sausage, or even a plant-based sausage. Just make sure it’s well-seasoned with Italian herbs and spices to keep that signature flavor. 2. Can I make this soup ahead of time? Definitely. This soup reheats beautifully and the flavors deepen as it sits. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in an airtight container. If using pasta, consider cooking and storing it separately to avoid it absorbing too much liquid. 3. Can I freeze this soup? Yes, but with a few adjustments. Cream-based soups can sometimes separate when frozen and reheated. If you plan to freeze it, do so before adding the cream and cheese. Then, when you’re ready to eat it, reheat the base and stir in the cream and Parmesan just before serving. 4. What are some low-carb or keto-friendly swaps? Skip the pasta and reduce the diced tomatoes if needed. You can also use full-fat cream and add extra spinach or mushrooms to bulk it up without adding carbs. The soup will still be hearty and satisfying without the starch. 5. How do I reheat leftovers? Reheat gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring often. If the soup has thickened too much, add a splash of chicken broth or a little cream to loosen it up. For single servings, the microwave works fine—heat in 30-second increments, stirring in between. 6. Can I use kale instead of spinach? Yes! Kale is a great alternative. It holds up well in soups and adds a slightly earthier flavor. Just chop it into small pieces and cook it a little longer—about 5 minutes—to ensure it softens. 7. What can I serve with this soup? This soup is hearty enough to stand on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, garlic toast, or a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the creaminess.

Conclusion: A Soup Worth Repeating

Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup is everything a comfort meal should be—warm, filling, easy to make, and full of flavor. It’s the kind of recipe that’s hard to mess up and easy to love, making it perfect for cooks of any skill level. What makes this soup truly special is its versatility. You can make it with or without pasta, swap the greens, or adjust the spice level to suit your taste. And no matter how you serve it, it always delivers that cozy, feel-good satisfaction that brings everyone back for seconds. If you give this recipe a try, let me know how it turned out! Did you make any changes? Try a different sausage or add a unique twist? I’d love to hear how you made it your own—so don’t forget to leave a comment and share your experience. Happy cooking, and here’s to many bowls of creamy, cheesy, soul-warming soup! Print