If you are looking for a rich, comforting bowl of soup that perfectly balances creamy indulgence with savory notes, you absolutely have to try this Sausage Parmesan Cream Cheese Soup Recipe. It’s a luscious blend of tender Italian sausage, silky cream cheese, sharp Parmesan, and aromatic herbs all coming together in a way that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing addition to your next family gathering, this soup delivers big on flavor and satisfaction.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Sausage Parmesan Cream Cheese Soup Recipe calls for straightforward ingredients that each bring their own magic—whether it’s the rich creaminess, the hearty textures, or the subtle depth of flavor. Every item plays a key role to create a harmonious and delicious soup that’s surprisingly easy to whip up.
- 1 pound Italian sausage: Provides a robust and savory base with a little spicy kick depending on the variety.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a smooth, fruity undertone for sautéing your sausage and onions.
- 1 small onion, chopped: Brings sweetness and texture when softened.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Offers an aromatic punch that lifts the whole dish.
- 4 cups chicken broth: Serves as the flavorful liquid foundation binding all elements.
- 8 ounces cream cheese, cubed: Gives luxurious creaminess and slight tanginess to the soup.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Enhances creaminess, making every spoonful silky smooth.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Infuses a nutty, salty depth that makes the soup irresistible.
- 1 cup baby potatoes or 1 cup small pasta shells (optional): Adds heartiness, making the soup more filling and fun to eat.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Introduces a mild earthiness and subtle color contrast.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for balancing and highlighting flavors.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: Sprinkles of freshness and color to finish.
How to Make Sausage Parmesan Cream Cheese Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Begin by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook it until it’s beautifully browned, breaking it apart into bite-sized pieces. Browning the sausage not only develops flavor but also adds texture. Once cooked, remove the sausage and set it aside, preparing the pot for the next flavorful layer.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same pot, toss in the chopped onions and cook them until they become translucent, releasing their natural sweetness. Then stir in the minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds to awaken its fragrance without letting it burn. This step builds the aromatic backbone of your Sausage Parmesan Cream Cheese Soup Recipe.
Step 3: Add the Broth
Pour in the chicken broth, carefully scraping the bottom of the pot to lift all those delicious browned bits left from the sausage and onions. Those browned bits are little flavor goldmines you want to keep in your soup. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing all the flavors to begin melding together.
Step 4: Stir in the Creamy Ingredients
Next, add the cubed cream cheese and stir until it completely melts into a velvety smooth base. Once melted, mix in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until all the cheese is fully incorporated and the soup looks rich and silky, a signature texture of this recipe.
Step 5: Combine and Simmer
Return the cooked sausage to the pot. If you’re adding baby potatoes or small pasta shells, toss them in now. Let everything simmer together until the potatoes soften or the pasta is tender, about 10 to 12 minutes. This step ensures every bite is comforting and satisfying with varied textures.
Step 6: Season and Garnish
Finally, season your soup with paprika, salt, and pepper to taste. The paprika adds a subtle warmth and color, rounding out the rich flavors. Before serving, sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley for a hit of freshness and gorgeous color contrast.
How to Serve Sausage Parmesan Cream Cheese Soup Recipe
Garnishes
The best way to finish this soup is with a little extra love on top. A few sprigs of fresh parsley, a small handful of grated Parmesan, or even a drizzle of high-quality olive oil can add elegance and flavor. Crispy croutons or a light sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes offer texture and a little heat if you like.
Side Dishes
This Sausage Parmesan Cream Cheese Soup Recipe is satisfying on its own but pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad to add crunch and brightness. Garlic bread or crusty baguette slices are perfect for dipping and scooping up every last creamy drop. For a heartier meal, roasted vegetables or a simple pasta salad can complement the rich flavors beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this soup in rustic bowls for a cozy vibe, or go upscale with white porcelain to contrast the soup’s creamy texture and colors. For a fun twist, hollow out small round bread loaves to make edible bowls, turning your soup into a showstopper perfect for entertaining. Adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs or edible flowers on top can make a simple bowl feel special and gift-worthy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftover Sausage Parmesan Cream Cheese Soup Recipe into airtight containers and store them in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. This makes it a convenient and delicious grab-and-go meal for busy days when you need comfort and nourishment fast.
Freezing
Because of the dairy content, freezing this soup is a bit tricky but doable. Freeze it in meal-sized portions without garnishes. When you reheat, do it gently to avoid curdling—slowly warming on low heat with occasional stirring will keep the texture creamy and smooth.
Reheating
Reheat your Sausage Parmesan Cream Cheese Soup Recipe on the stovetop over low to medium heat. Stir frequently to ensure even warming and prevent the cream from separating. If it looks too thick after cooling, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to restore the perfect consistency.
FAQs
Can I use turkey sausage instead of Italian sausage?
Absolutely! Turkey sausage offers a leaner alternative that still provides plenty of flavor. Just adjust any added seasoning since turkey sausage can be milder than pork Italian sausage.
Is it possible to make this soup without cream cheese?
Cream cheese is key to the soup’s unique creamy texture and slight tang. If needed, you can substitute it with mascarpone or a blend of cream and milk thickened with a roux, but the flavor and texture will be a bit different.
Can I prepare this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can brown the sausage and sauté the onion and garlic first, then combine everything in a slow cooker, cooking on low for 3-4 hours. Add cream cheese and Parmesan at the end, stirring until melted and combined.
What can I use instead of baby potatoes or pasta shells?
If you prefer, diced regular potatoes or even rice work well. Just adjust cooking time to make sure the starch is tender. Spiralized vegetables or cauliflower rice can be low-carb options, though they change the soup’s texture.
How spicy is this soup?
The heat level depends on the type of Italian sausage and how much paprika you use. If you like it milder, choose sweet Italian sausage and reduce the paprika. For more kick, add crushed red pepper flakes or use a spicy sausage variety.
Final Thoughts
This Sausage Parmesan Cream Cheese Soup Recipe is one of those dishes you’ll want to make again and again. It’s hearty yet creamy, simple yet full of layered flavors, and perfect for warming you up inside and out. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience just how satisfying homemade soup can be!
Print
Sausage Parmesan Cream Cheese Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This creamy and comforting Sausage Parmesan Cream Cheese Soup combines savory Italian sausage with rich cream cheese and Parmesan for a flavorful meal. Enhanced with baby potatoes or small pasta shells, this hearty soup is perfect for a cozy dinner and comes together in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
Meat and Dairy
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 8 ounces cream cheese, cubed
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Produce and Aromatics
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Other
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup baby potatoes or 1 cup small pasta shells (optional)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Brown the sausage: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces. Remove from the pot and set aside.
- Sauté onions and garlic: In the same pot, sauté chopped onions until translucent, then add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add broth and simmer: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Add cream cheese and dairy: Stir in the cubed cream cheese until it melts smoothly. Add the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until fully blended into the soup.
- Combine sausage and optional starch: Return the browned sausage to the pot. Add baby potatoes or small pasta shells if using, and continue to simmer until they are tender, about 10–12 minutes.
- Season and garnish: Season the soup with paprika, salt, and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute baby potatoes with small pasta shells or other small pasta shapes for variety.
- For a thicker soup, use less chicken broth or simmer longer to reduce.
- Adjust salt and pepper seasoning according to your taste.
- Fresh parsley adds a bright finish, but you can substitute with dried parsley if needed.
