There’s something magical about a steaming bowl of creamy soup on a chilly day, and this Creamy Italian Sausage & Pasta Soup is pure comfort food.
The savory sausage, tender pasta, and rich, cheesy broth come together in a way that feels both rustic and indulgent.
It’s hearty enough to be a meal on its own, yet easy enough for a busy weeknight.
This recipe is one you’ll want to keep in your back pocket for when you need something satisfying, soul-warming, and absolutely delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One-pot wonder – Minimal cleanup with maximum flavor.
Hearty & filling – Protein, carbs, and veggies all in one bowl.
Creamy without being heavy – Balanced with stock so it’s rich but not overwhelming.
Flexible & customizable – Swap pasta shapes, adjust spice levels, or add more veggies.
Crowd-pleaser – Perfect for family dinners or casual entertaining.
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)
Italian sausage – Sweet for mild flavor or spicy for extra heat.
Olive oil – For sautéing and building a flavor base.
Onion & garlic – The aromatic foundation of the soup.
Diced tomatoes – Adds tangy depth and color.
Chicken stock – The main liquid base for the soup.
Heavy cream – Brings richness and a velvety texture.
Ditalini pasta – Small, tender pasta that holds the creamy broth perfectly.
Parmesan cheese – Melts into the broth for cheesy goodness.
Basil & oregano – Classic Italian herbs that bring warmth.
Fresh parsley – A bright, fresh garnish.
Pro Tips Before You Start
Brown the sausage well – It adds depth and savory flavor to the soup.
Use freshly grated Parmesan – It melts better and gives a creamier result.
Cook pasta in the soup – The starch thickens the broth slightly for a luxurious mouthfeel.
Adjust cream to taste – Add more for richness or reduce for a lighter soup.
Serve immediately – Pasta will continue absorbing liquid if left sitting too long.
How to Make Creamy Italian Sausage & Pasta Soup
Step 1 – Brown the sausage
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add sausage, breaking it apart as it cooks, until browned.
Remove from the pot and set aside, leaving the drippings behind.
Step 2 – Sauté aromatics
Add diced onion and minced garlic to the pot and cook until softened and fragrant.
Step 3 – Build the broth
Stir in diced tomatoes, chicken stock, basil, and oregano.
Return sausage to the pot and let everything simmer gently to develop flavor.
Step 4 – Cook the pasta
Add pasta directly to the simmering soup and cook until just tender.
Step 5 – Make it creamy
Reduce the heat and stir in heavy cream and Parmesan until the cheese melts and the soup becomes silky smooth.
Step 6 – Finish & serve
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
What to Serve It With
Crusty garlic bread – Perfect for dunking into the creamy broth.
A fresh green salad – Balances the richness of the soup.
Roasted vegetables – Adds extra texture and nutrition.
A glass of red wine – Complements the sausage and herbs beautifully.
Variations / Substitutions
Different pasta – Try small shells, elbow macaroni, or rotini.
Extra veggies – Add spinach, kale, zucchini, or mushrooms.
Spicy twist – Use hot Italian sausage and add chili flakes.
Lighter version – Swap heavy cream for half-and-half.
Gluten-free – Use gluten-free pasta and check broth labels.
Storage & Leftovers
Fridge – Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Pasta may absorb liquid, so add a splash of stock when reheating.
Freezer – Best frozen without pasta; cook pasta fresh when reheating.
Reheating – Warm gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding liquid as needed.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of sausage?
Yes — add extra Italian herbs for flavor.
Will frozen pasta work?
Yes, but cook it separately and add before serving to avoid mushiness.
Can I make this soup spicier?
Absolutely — use spicy sausage or add red pepper flakes.
What if I don’t have cream?
Half-and-half or whole milk works, though the soup will be less rich.
Can I use vegetable broth?
Yes — it will still taste great, just slightly lighter.
How do I prevent pasta from overcooking?
Add pasta towards the end and serve right away.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Italian Sausage & Pasta Soup is proof that simple ingredients can create big, comforting flavors.
Whether you serve it on a busy weeknight or at a cozy dinner gathering, it’s guaranteed to warm hearts and bellies.
Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup
Ingredients
Method
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned.
- Remove sausage and set aside, leaving the drippings in the pot.
- Add diced onion and garlic to the pot, sautéing for 3–4 minutes until soft and fragrant.
- Stir in the drained tomatoes, chicken stock, basil, and oregano.
- Return sausage to the pot and bring to a gentle simmer for 10 minutes.
- See full steps with tips & photos → https://theboatshedcafe.com/parmesan-italian-sausage-soup/
Notes
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Spinach or kale can be added during the last few minutes of cooking for extra greens.
- This soup thickens as it sits—add more stock if reheating leftovers.
My name is Isabella, and this space was born from years of stirring sauces at sunset, baking cookies while the kids played on the porch, and finding comfort in a homemade meal after long, busy days. Here you’ll find delicious, reliable recipes made with simple ingredients, plus easy step-by-step photos and videos to help you cook confidently at home.