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Easiest Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup

final product of soup in nice white bowls

If you’re looking for a delicious, homemade, one-pot meal that’s family-friendly and ready in 30 minutes, this tuscan-style Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup is it! Packed with rich flavors, creamy texture, and tender tortellini, this is the kind of meal that everyone will love—and it couldn’t be easier to make.

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ingredients laid out on table

Ingredients

  • Italian sausage, casing removed – Adds rich, savory flavor and protein
  • Onion – Provides sweetness and depth
  • Olive oil – Enhances flavor and helps sauté ingredients
  • Garlic – Boosts aroma and adds a bold taste
  • Italian seasoning – Infuses classic Italian herbs and warmth
  • Chicken broth – Creates a flavorful, savory base
  • Cannellini beans – Adds creaminess, fiber, and protein
  • Can of tomatoes – Contributes acidity and richness
  • Tortellini – A fun pasta that makes the soup hearty and satisfying
  • Heavy cream – Brings creaminess and a velvety texture
  • Spinach – Adds color, nutrients, and freshness
  • Parsley and parmesan, for garnish – Finishes with brightness and umami

How to Make Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup

1. Sauté the sausage: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. Remove excess grease if needed.

2. Sauté aromatics: Add the onion and cook until soft, about 3 minutes. Stir in the garlic and Italian seasoning, cooking for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

3. Simmer the base: Pour in the beans, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth. Bring to a gentle boil.

4. Cook the tortellini: Add the tortellini and cook according to package instructions (typically 5-7 minutes).

5. Make it creamy: Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Simmer for 2 minutes.

6. Add the greens: Stir in the spinach and let it wilt. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

7. Serve: Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan.

Variations

  • Make it spicy: Use spicy Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes.
  • Lighten it up: Swap ground turkey for sausage and Greek yogurt or blended cottage cheese instead of heavy cream.
  • Add more veggies: Potatoes, sweet potatoes, carrots, kale, or celery all complement the flavors.
  • Extra creamy: Stir in cream cheese for a thicker, richer soup.
  • Low-carb: Omit the pasta and add diced potatoes instead.
  • Vegetarian: Omit the sausage and add some additional beans for a balanced vegetarian meal.

Storage and Tips for Success

  • Brown your sausage well for extra flavor.
  • Don’t overcook the tortellini—add it in at the last step for about 5 minutes, then turn off the heat.
  • For leftovers, add a little extra broth before reheating since the pasta will absorb some liquid over time.
  • Want to use a slow cooker? Follow the same steps but wait to add the tortellini until 5-10 minutes before serving.

Equipment :

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FAQs

Can I freeze Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup?

Yes, you can freeze Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup, but it’s best to do so before adding the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, as dairy can separate when frozen. To prevent this, freeze the soup without the dairy, then thaw it in the fridge overnight and stir in the cream and cheese when reheating.

Can I make this gluten-free?

To make this soup gluten-free, swap out the regular tortellini for gluten-free pasta and ensure your Italian sausage and chicken broth are certified gluten-free. 

How to make this dairy-free?

If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, use coconut milk or almond milk instead of heavy cream and replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese. Choose a regular pasta instead of tortellini.
final product of soup in nice white bowls

Easiest Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup

If you’re looking for a delicious, homemade, one-pot meal that’s family-friendly and ready in 30 minutes, this tuscan-style Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup is it! Packed with rich flavors, creamy texture, and tender tortellini, this is the kind of meal that everyone will love—and it couldn’t be easier to make.
Print Pin Rate
Course: Dinner, leftovers, Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian, Mediterranean
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
0 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 436kcal
Author: Caroline Thomason

Equipment

  • Dutch Oven
  • Mixing spoons
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients

  • 1 lb Italian sausage mild or spicy, casings removed
  • 2 tbsp Olive oil
  • 1 medium Onion diced
  • 3 cloves Garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 can Diced tomatoes
  • 4 cups Chicken broth
  • 1 package Refrigerated cheese tortellini
  • 2 cups Fresh spinach or kale
  • 1/2 cup Heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup Grated parmesan cheese plus more for garnish
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  • Sauté the sausage: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. Remove excess grease if needed.
  • Sauté aromatics: Add the onion and cook until soft, about 3 minutes. Stir in the garlic and Italian seasoning, cooking for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Simmer the base: Pour in the beans, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth. Bring to a gentle boil.
  • Cook the tortellini: Add the tortellini and cook according to package instructions (typically 5-7 minutes).
  • Make it creamy: Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Simmer for 2 minutes.
  • Add the greens: Stir in the spinach and let it wilt. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Serve: Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan.

Notes

Read the tips for storage and variations/simple swaps to make this recipe your own above. Leave a comment if you make it and try something new!

Nutrition

Calories: 436kcal | Carbohydrates: 54g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 44mg | Sodium: 614mg | Potassium: 1481mg | Fiber: 11g | Sugar: 18g

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