🍲 Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup

This rich and comforting soup is filled with savory Italian sausage, tender pasta, tomatoes, and a creamy parmesan finish. It’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for chilly days when you want something warm and satisfying on the table fast.

✅ Ingredients

1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1/2 teaspoon ground fennel (optional)
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
4 cups chicken broth
1 can (14.5 ounces) petite diced tomatoes
8 ounces pasta such as ditalini
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
4 ounces cream cheese, softened or warmed
1/2 cup heavy cream
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Brown the sausage and onion
In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the Italian sausage and diced onion over medium heat. Break the sausage into small pieces as it cooks. Once the sausage is fully browned and the onion is softened, drain any extra grease if needed.

2. Add garlic and seasonings
Stir in the chopped garlic, ground fennel, and red pepper flakes. Cook for about 1 minute, just until fragrant.

3. Simmer the soup
Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes. Add the pasta and Italian seasoning. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 6–8 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.

4. Make it creamy
Stir in the grated Parmesan, cream cheese, and heavy cream. Cook for another 3–5 minutes, stirring gently, until the cheeses melt and the soup becomes smooth and creamy.

5. Finish and serve
Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir in chopped parsley if using, then ladle into bowls and serve hot.