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This Creamy Sausage Soup fills the kitchen with an incredible aroma and somehow always draws everyone to the table before it is even ladled into bowls. It is my go-to when cozy comfort is on the menu and delivers that perfect balance of savory broth silkiness and hearty sausage with every bite.
I first cooked this after a chilly autumn soccer game and now my family begs for it whenever the weather dips. It is one of those dishes you can count on for both weeknight ease and weekend comfort.
Ingredients
- Italian sausage: gives the soup its bold hearty base so choose fresh with plenty of visible herbs
- Diced onion: adds sweetness and body select firm onions with tight skin
- Minced garlic: deepens the classic Italian notes go with fresh over jarred
- Italian seasoning: creates the signature flavor profile look for blends with oregano and basil
- Salt: brings all the ingredients together use fine kosher for better distribution
- Ground black pepper: provides warmth give it a fresh grind if possible
- Chicken broth: makes the backbone of the soup opt for low sodium if you want to control seasoning
- Petite diced tomatoes: add a little acidity and color choose quality canned with no extra salt
- Ditalini pasta: soaks up flavor and is perfectly bite sized
- Cream cheese: melts into the broth making the soup silky smooth be sure it is fully softened
- Grated Parmesan cheese: adds nutty depth freshly grated is best
- Fresh basil: finishes everything with bright herbal lift
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage:
- Cook the Italian sausage in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Use a wooden spoon to break it up as it cooks. Let it brown deeply so the fond builds on the bottom. Drain any excess grease carefully but keep those tasty browned bits.
- Build the Aromatic Base:
- Add the diced onion Italian seasoning salt and pepper right into the sausage. Stir and cook for 1 to 2 minutes so the onions soften. Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for another minute until the house smells incredible.
- Simmer with Pasta and Tomatoes:
- Pour in the petite diced tomatoes with their juices and the chicken broth. Add the ditalini pasta. Stir to combine and make sure the pasta is covered by the liquid. Bring to a brisk boil and cook uncovered for about 8 minutes until the pasta is just al dente.
- Make it Creamy:
- Lower the heat to medium and add softened cream cheese and grated Parmesan. Let them slowly melt into the broth stirring often. This takes around 5 minutes. Scrape the bottom to keep anything from sticking and wait until the soup is glossy and smooth.
- Finish and Serve:
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Ladle into bowls and top each with a flurry of fresh basil so every spoonful gets a burst of herbal brightness.
For me the fresh basil is the crown jewel. It brightens the richness and I always add extra because my kids love the pop of green. The soup itself became a family ritual whenever cousins visit and somehow there are never leftovers.
Storage Tips
Let leftovers cool fully before transferring to containers. The soup keeps well in the fridge for up to three days and only gets creamier as it sits. If freezing leave out the pasta since it softens on thawing and simply add fresh cooked pasta when reheating.
Ingredient Substitutions
Use turkey or chicken sausage if you prefer something lighter. Gluten free pasta works perfectly in place of ditalini. You can add baby spinach or kale in the last few minutes for more greens. For a vegetarian version swap the sausage for well seasoned meatless crumbles and use vegetable broth.
Serving Suggestions
I love serving this soup with a crusty baguette or simple side salad. For extra indulgence top each bowl with more Parmesan or even a drizzle of good olive oil. It pairs well with a bold red wine or a sparkling water with lemon.
Cultural Spotlight
This creamy sausage soup draws inspiration from classic Italian comfort foods especially the use of sausage and tomatoes with pasta and cheese. It brings together the best of Italian American home cooking with each ingredient adding bold flavors and satisfying texture.
Seasonal Adaptations
In spring add fresh peas for sweetness. In summer swap basil for torn fresh mint. In winter add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for gentle heat.
Success Stories
A friend made this with spicy sausage for a potluck and it disappeared in less than ten minutes. Someone always asks for the recipe. The leftovers taste even better the next day making it perfect for packed lunches or easy dinners.
Freezer Meal Conversion
Prepare the base without pasta and dairy and freeze in a heavy duty bag or container. When ready to serve reheat gently and add pasta and cheeses at the end so the textures stay creamy and the pasta holds up.
This soup delivers on all the cozy vibes and is just as good for leftovers. Cozy up with a bowl and enjoy how simple comfort can be full of flavor.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of sausage works best?
Italian sausage adds the most flavor, but you can use spicy or sweet varieties based on your preference.
- → Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes, small shapes like elbow macaroni or small shells also work well in this soup.
- → How can I make it less rich?
Substitute half the cream cheese with low-fat cream cheese or add extra broth to lighten the dish.
- → Is it possible to freeze leftovers?
Yes, but pasta may soften further. Consider reheating gently and adding fresh basil when serving.
- → What garnishes complement this soup?
Fresh basil, extra parmesan, or a drizzle of olive oil make perfect finishing touches.