Description
Creamy Parmesan Pasta Soup with Italian Sausage is a rich and comforting one-pot meal that combines tender pasta, savory Italian sausage, and a luscious Parmesan-infused broth. This warm and indulgent soup is perfect for chilly days, offering a creamy texture and hearty flavors with easy preparation. Ideal for quick weeknight dinners or cozy weekend meals, it’s family-friendly and customizable to suit various dietary needs.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat & Dairy
- 1 lb Italian sausage (sweet or spicy, based on preference)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Broth & Pasta
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup small pasta shapes (ditalini or elbow macaroni)
Aromatics & Vegetables
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chopped fresh spinach or kale (optional)
Oils & Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat and crumble in the Italian sausage. Cook until nicely browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes, releasing flavorful fat to deepen the soup’s richness.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot with the sausage. Stir and cook until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes, building the soup’s foundational flavors.
- Add Broth and Pasta: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Stir in the pasta and cook until tender but still slightly firm, about 8-10 minutes or according to package instructions.
- Stir in Cream and Cheese: Lower heat and gently mix in the heavy cream. Add freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts smoothly into the soup, creating a luscious texture.
- Add Greens and Season: Stir in chopped spinach or kale, allowing it to wilt in the warm broth. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste, then let simmer for a few more minutes to combine flavors.
- Serve Hot: Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy a comforting meal filled with creamy, cheesy goodness and hearty sausage bites.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for better melting and richer flavor.
- Do not overcook pasta; cook al dente to prevent mushiness.
- Brown the sausage thoroughly to add depth and avoid greasiness.
- Simmer gently after adding cream to prevent curdling and maintain silky texture.
- Adjust soup thickness by adding broth if too thick or simmering uncovered if too thin.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
Keywords: Creamy Parmesan Pasta Soup, Italian Sausage Soup, Comfort Soup, One Pot Soup, Winter Soup, Family Friendly Soup
