Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage has become my go-to for a comforting weeknight meal that tastes like it took hours to prepare. I remember the first time I made it; the aroma of savory sausage, garlic, and simmering broth filled my kitchen, promising something truly special. This Italian sausage with Parmesan cream sauce is rich, deeply satisfying, and surprisingly simple. It’s my secret weapon for a delicious and easy creamy Parmesan Italian sausage that the whole family adores. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage
This dish is a winner for so many reasons! Get ready to fall in love with its incredible flavor and ease.
- Unbeatable Flavor: The savory Italian sausage combined with a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce creates a taste sensation you won’t forget.
- Quick Prep Time: You can have this delicious meal on the table in about 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Hearty & Satisfying: Packed with protein and fiber, this soup is a complete meal that will keep you full and happy.
- Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will ask for seconds of this comforting and flavorful creamy Italian sausage Parmesan dish.
- Budget-Conscious: Using simple, accessible ingredients makes this a fantastic, affordable meal option.
- Versatile: This creamy Italian sausage Parmesan dish is easily adaptable with different vegetables or spice levels.
- Cozy Comfort: There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of this soup on a chilly evening.
Ingredients for Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage
Gathering these simple ingredients is the first step toward creating a truly delicious creamy Parmesan Italian sausage soup. The magic of this Italian sausage with Parmesan cream sauce comes from the quality of each component.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – for sautéing the aromatics and sausage
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed) – the savory foundation of our dish
- 1 medium onion (chopped) – adds a sweet base flavor
- 2 cloves garlic (minced) – for that essential aromatic punch
- 2 carrots (diced) – brings a touch of sweetness and color
- 2 celery stalks (diced) – adds a subtle savory note and texture
- 4 cups chicken broth – the liquid base for our soup
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices) – for a hint of acidity and body
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning – infuses classic Italian herbs
- 1 cup heavy cream – key for achieving that luxurious, creamy texture and rich Parmesan cream sauce for sausage
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese – the star that makes it wonderfully cheesy and savory
- 2 cups fresh spinach (or kale) – adds a boost of nutrition and wilts beautifully
- Salt and pepper to taste – to enhance all the flavors
- Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional) – for a pop of freshness and color
How to Make Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage
Crafting this delicious creamy Italian sausage skillet is easier than you might think! Follow these simple steps to create a homemade creamy Parmesan Italian sausage that tastes like it came from a gourmet restaurant. We’ll build layers of flavor, starting with browning the sausage and ending with a velvety smooth sauce.
Step 1: Heat Oil and Cook Sausage
Begin by heating 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add 1 pound of Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until it’s beautifully browned and cooked through, usually about 5-7 minutes. Drain off any excess fat.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables
Now, stir in 1 medium chopped onion and 2 cloves minced garlic. Sauté them with the sausage for about 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant. Next, add 2 diced carrots and 2 diced celery stalks, cooking for another 3-4 minutes until they start to soften.
Step 3: Simmer the Base
Pour in 4 cups of chicken broth and the contents of 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, including their juices. Stir in 1 teaspoon of dried Italian seasoning, along with salt and pepper to your liking. Bring this mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 10 minutes.
Step 4: Achieve Creaminess
Slowly pour in 1 cup of heavy cream while stirring constantly. This is where the magic happens, transforming the broth into a luscious base. Gradually add 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until it’s completely melted and the soup is wonderfully creamy. This step is crucial for that signature creamy Italian sausage Parmesan dish texture.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Finally, stir in 2 cups of fresh spinach until it just wilts, which takes about 2 minutes. Give the soup a final taste and adjust seasonings with more salt and pepper if needed. Serve your delicious homemade creamy Parmesan Italian sausage hot, garnished with extra Parmesan or fresh parsley if you like!
Pro Tips for the Best Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage
Want to elevate your creamy Parmesan Italian sausage game? I’ve picked up a few tricks over the years that make all the difference in creating a truly exceptional dish.
- Always use good quality Italian sausage; the flavor really shines through.
- Don’t skip browning the sausage well – that’s where a lot of the savory depth comes from.
- For an extra rich flavor, consider using half-and-half instead of just heavy cream.
- Taste and adjust seasoning at the end; every sausage and broth is different.
What’s the secret to perfect Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage?
The real secret to the best creamy Parmesan Italian sausage is building flavor from the start by properly browning the sausage and not overcooking the vegetables. A good quality chicken broth also makes a noticeable difference. For more tips on building flavor in your cooking, check out this guide on homemade seasoning mixes.
Can I make Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage ahead of time?
Yes! You can absolutely make this creamy Italian sausage Parmesan dish a day in advance. Prepare it completely, let it cool, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It reheats beautifully on the stovetop.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage?
A common mistake is not browning the sausage enough, which impacts flavor. Another pitfall is adding the cream too quickly or at too high a heat, which can cause it to curdle. Make sure to add it slowly over medium-low heat.
Best Ways to Serve Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage
This rich and satisfying creamy Parmesan Italian sausage is incredibly versatile. It’s delicious on its own, but also pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. For a complete and hearty meal, I love serving it with crusty bread for dipping into that luscious sauce. It’s also fantastic spooned over pasta or rice. If you’re looking for a lighter option, a simple side salad with a vinaigrette complements the richness perfectly. And for an extra boost of goodness, consider a side of steamed or roasted creamy Italian sausage with vegetables!

Nutrition Facts for Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage
This hearty soup is surprisingly balanced, offering a good dose of protein and flavor without too many compromises. Here’s a breakdown of approximate nutritional values per serving of this delicious creamy Parmesan Italian sausage dish:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 850mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used in your homemade creamy Parmesan Italian sausage.
How to Store and Reheat Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage
Properly storing your leftover creamy Parmesan Italian sausage is key to enjoying its deliciousness later. Once you’ve finished your meal, let the soup cool down slightly on the counter for about 30 minutes. Don’t leave it out for too long, though! Transfer it into airtight containers. This helps maintain flavor and prevent spoilage, ensuring your creamy Italian sausage bake is just as tasty when reheated. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, consider freezing it. This recipe freezes well, though it’s best to freeze it without the cream, as it can sometimes separate upon thawing. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if the soup has thickened too much. If frozen without cream, add it back in during the reheating process.
Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Absolutely! While Italian sausage is traditional for this creamy Italian sausage Parmesan dish, you can certainly experiment. Mild or spicy pork Italian sausage is classic, but chicken or turkey Italian sausage also works well, though they might yield a slightly different flavor profile. Just remove the casings and proceed as instructed for how to make creamy Parmesan Italian sausage.
What can I serve with this Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage?
This dish is incredibly versatile! For a hearty meal, serve it over pasta like fettuccine or penne, or alongside crusty bread for dipping. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness. You could also serve it with rice or even as a filling for baked potatoes. It’s a truly adaptable creamy Italian sausage bake.
How do I make this Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage spicier?
If you love a kick, there are a few ways to amp up the heat! Use spicy Italian sausage instead of mild. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the garlic and onions in Step 2. For an even bolder heat, consider adding a diced jalapeño or serrano pepper along with the other vegetables. This spicy creamy Parmesan Italian sausage variation is a favorite for heat lovers!
Can I make this a creamy Italian sausage bake instead of a soup?
While this recipe is designed as a soup, you could adapt it into a bake. After Step 4, you could transfer the mixture to a baking dish, top it with extra Parmesan and perhaps some breadcrumbs, and bake at 375°F (190°C) until bubbly and golden, about 20-25 minutes. You might need to reduce the liquid slightly before baking to achieve a thicker consistency suitable for a bake.
Variations of Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage You Can Try
This creamy Italian sausage Parmesan dish is wonderfully adaptable. Whether you’re looking for a different dietary approach or a flavor twist, there’s a variation for you! I love experimenting with different ways to enjoy this comforting meal.
- Spicy Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage: For those who love a little heat, start with spicy Italian sausage and add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño when sautéing the onions and garlic in Step 2. This creates a wonderfully zesty creamy Italian sausage bake.
- Lighter Version: Use ground chicken or turkey Italian sausage instead of pork, and substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream. This still provides a lovely creamy texture while reducing fat content.
- Vegetarian Option: Omit the sausage and sauté your vegetables in olive oil. Add plant-based Italian sausage crumbles or extra vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini for heartiness. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Pasta Bake Adaptation: Cook your favorite pasta al dente. Combine the creamy sauce mixture with the cooked pasta and pour into a baking dish. Top with extra Parmesan and bake until bubbly for a delicious creamy Parmesan Italian sausage pasta dish.
Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage: Delicious 30-Min Meal
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup is a hearty and flavorful dish. It combines savory Italian sausage, creamy broth, and fresh vegetables. This soup is perfect for a cozy dinner and can be made in under 30 minutes, making it a great weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
- 1 medium onion (chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 carrots (diced)
- 2 celery stalks (diced)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach (or kale)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Heat Oil: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Cook Sausage: Add the Italian sausage to the pot. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add Onions and Garlic: Stir in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until the onion is translucent.
- Add Carrots and Celery: Add the diced carrots and celery. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
- Add Broth and Tomatoes: Add the chicken broth and diced tomatoes (with their juices) to the pot.
- Season: Stir in the dried Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer the Soup: Once boiling, reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Add Cream: Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine.
- Add Parmesan: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the soup is creamy.
- Add Greens: Stir in the fresh spinach (or kale) and cook until wilted (about 2 minutes).
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Garnish: Serve hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- For added protein and fiber, consider adding a can of white beans or chickpeas.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick if you like heat.
- Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if the soup thickens too much.
- You can prepare the soup in advance and reheat it when ready to serve.
- While you can freeze the soup, it is best to freeze it without the cream, as it may separate upon thawing. Add the cream when reheating.
- This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread, a side salad, or garlic bread for a complete meal!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/6 of recipe)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Protein: 20g
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