Whenever I need pure comfort in a bowl, I turn to this cozy Italian sausage soup. The combination of creamy broth, perfectly spiced sausage and tender pasta just warms my soul. I've spent years perfecting this recipe and my family begs for it on chilly evenings. The best part? Everything comes together in one pot which means less cleanup for me.
What Makes This Soup So Special
I adore this recipe because it's like a warm hug in soup form. The rich creamy broth wraps around each spoonful of pasta and sausage. My kids even ask for seconds which any mom knows is the ultimate win. Plus cooking everything in one pot means I can focus on relaxing with my family instead of cleaning up a messy kitchen.
Everything You Need from Your Kitchen
- Italian Sausage: I remove the casings first for perfect crumbles throughout the soup.
- Onion: Half a large onion finely diced adds such wonderful sweetness.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic creates an amazing flavor base.
- Chicken Broth: This forms the heart of our soup though vegetable broth works too.
- Petite Diced Tomatoes: I always keep cans of these in my pantry.
- Pasta: Small shapes like ditalini are perfect here.
- Cream Cheese: The secret to that luxurious texture.
- Parmesan Cheese: Fresh grated melts like a dream.
- Seasonings: Italian herbs salt and pepper bring everything together.
- Optional: Fresh herbs make such a pretty garnish.
Let's Make Some Soup
- Start with the Sausage
- Brown your sausage in a big pot and drain off any extra fat.
- Add the Aromatics
- Toss in those diced onions and let them get soft and fragrant. Then add garlic and all your seasonings.
- Time for Liquid Gold
- Pour in your broth and tomatoes then add the pasta. Let everything bubble away until the pasta is just tender.
- Make it Creamy
- Turn down the heat and stir in both cheeses until they melt into silky perfection. Give it 5 more minutes to come together.
- The Final Touch
- Ladle into bowls top with extra cheese and herbs then serve with crusty bread for dipping.
My Kitchen Secrets
- Watch That Pasta: Keep it just tender since it'll keep cooking in the hot soup.
- Cream Cheese Tip: Cut it into little cubes so it melts like a dream.
- Quick Fix: A splash of cream or broth thins things out if needed.
Make It Your Own
- Spice Things Up: Sometimes I use spicy tomatoes or add red pepper for kick.
- Pasta Play: Any small pasta shape works beautifully here.
- Extra Veggies: Toss in whatever vegetables you love.
- Switch the Protein: Ground beef or turkey work just as well.
Keeping It Fresh
This soup stays perfect in the fridge for about 4 days. Just warm it up slowly on the stove or in the microwave. A little splash of broth keeps it creamy and delicious. You can even freeze it for up to 3 months just let it thaw overnight before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use different sausage?
Absolutely any ground sausage you love will work here.
- Can I make it ahead?
This soup actually gets better the next day.
- How to thicken the soup?
A little cornstarch mixed with water works wonders.
- Can I add heavy cream?
Go ahead and add a splash of heavy cream for extra creaminess.