Soups

Sausage Parmesan Cream Cheese Soup

When it comes to hearty, cozy meals, Sausage Parmesan Cream Cheese Soup stands in a league of its own. This soup combines the richness of Italian sausage, the creamy indulgence of cream cheese, and the bold, nutty flavor of Parmesan into one irresistibly comforting bowl.

It’s thick, velvety, and bursting with savory depth, making it perfect for chilly evenings or when you need a soul-satisfying dish. Each spoonful is packed with flavor, from the seasoned sausage to the creamy broth infused with garlic and herbs.

What makes it even better is its versatility—served with crusty bread, over pasta, or even on its own, it’s guaranteed to impress family and friends. Whether you’re cooking for a quick weeknight dinner or preparing a dish that feels restaurant-worthy, this soup is indulgent yet simple to make, ensuring it becomes a staple in your recipe collection.

Why We Love This Recipe

We love this recipe because it perfectly balances comfort and flavor. The sausage provides a hearty, savory bite, while the cream cheese and Parmesan transform the broth into a luxuriously smooth, cheesy base. It’s easy to make with minimal ingredients, yet it tastes like something you’d order at a high-end Italian bistro. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile—you can keep it simple or load it up with vegetables and pasta.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This is a must-try dish because it delivers restaurant-level comfort food at home with little effort. It’s ideal for busy nights, meal prepping, or impressing guests. The flavor combination is indulgent yet balanced, making it appealing to adults and kids alike. If you love creamy soups with bold, cheesy notes, this one’s for you.

Recipe Information:

  • Preparation Time: 10 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Servings: 6 servings
  • Calories: ~390 per serving

Ingredients

For the Soup:

  • 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (if needed)
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes (optional for added depth)
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened and cubed
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups fresh spinach or kale (optional, for freshness)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For Serving:

  • Fresh parsley, chopped
  • Extra Parmesan cheese
  • Crusty bread or garlic bread

Directions

Step-by-Step Preparation Method:

  1. Cook the Sausage: In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, brown the Italian sausage over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess grease if needed.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: Add onion and garlic to the pot and sauté until softened and fragrant, about 3–4 minutes.
  3. Add Broth and Seasoning: Stir in chicken broth, diced tomatoes (if using), Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle boil.
  4. Add Creaminess: Reduce heat to low. Stir in cubed cream cheese until melted and fully combined.
  5. Finish with Dairy: Pour in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, stirring until smooth and creamy.
  6. Add Greens: Stir in spinach or kale and cook for another 2–3 minutes until wilted.
  7. Adjust & Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot with fresh parsley and crusty bread.

How to Serve

Serve in deep bowls with a sprinkle of Parmesan and fresh parsley on top. Pair with warm crusty bread, garlic knots, or a side salad for a complete meal. It can also be served over cooked pasta or rice for extra heartiness.

Tips for this Recipe:

  • Use spicy Italian sausage if you want extra heat.
  • Soften cream cheese at room temperature to avoid clumps.
  • Add Parmesan gradually, stirring constantly to prevent graininess.
  • For an extra flavor boost, deglaze the pot with a splash of white wine before adding broth.

Variations:

  • Low-Carb Version: Skip tomatoes and serve as is with extra greens.
  • With Pasta: Add small pasta shapes (like ditalini or shells) to make it heartier.
  • Vegetable Boost: Add mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
  • Bacon Twist: Stir in crispy bacon for a smoky, salty kick.

Freezing and Storage

  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
  • Freezing: This soup freezes well without the cream and cheese. Freeze the sausage and broth base for up to 2 months, then add cream cheese, Parmesan, and cream after reheating.

Special Equipment Needed

  • Large soup pot or Dutch oven
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Ladle

FAQ:

Q1: Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of sausage?
Yes, though sausage provides more flavor. Add extra seasoning if using lean meats.

Q2: Can I make this ahead?
Yes, it reheats beautifully. Just add a splash of broth or cream if it thickens too much.

Q3: Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?
Yes, but the soup will be slightly less rich.

Q4: How do I prevent cheese from clumping?
Make sure the soup is on low heat when adding cheese, and stir continuously.

Conclusion

Sausage Parmesan Cream Cheese Soup is the ultimate comfort dish—rich, creamy, and bursting with bold flavors. It’s hearty enough to stand alone yet versatile enough to pair with bread, pasta, or rice. Easy to prepare, family-friendly, and indulgent without being overly complicated, this recipe is guaranteed to become a favorite in your kitchen. Every spoonful brings warmth and satisfaction, making it perfect for weeknights, gatherings, or anytime you crave something cozy and delicious.

Sausage Parmesan Cream Cheese Soup

Course: SoupsDifficulty: Easy
Servings

6

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

30

minutes
Total time

40

minutes

When it comes to hearty, cozy meals, Sausage Parmesan Cream Cheese Soup stands in a league of its own. This soup combines the richness of Italian sausage, the creamy indulgence of cream cheese, and the bold, nutty flavor of Parmesan into one irresistibly comforting bowl.

Ingredients

  • For the Soup:
  • 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)

  • 1 tbsp olive oil (if needed)

  • 1 medium onion, diced

  • 3 garlic cloves, minced

  • 4 cups chicken broth

  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes (optional for added depth)

  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning

  • ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened and cubed

  • 1 cup heavy cream

  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • 2 cups fresh spinach or kale (optional, for freshness)

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

  • For Serving:
  • Fresh parsley, chopped

  • Extra Parmesan cheese

  • Crusty bread or garlic bread

Directions

  • Cook the Sausage: In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, brown the Italian sausage over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess grease if needed.
  • Sauté Aromatics: Add onion and garlic to the pot and sauté until softened and fragrant, about 3–4 minutes.
  • Add Broth and Seasoning: Stir in chicken broth, diced tomatoes (if using), Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle boil.
  • Add Creaminess: Reduce heat to low. Stir in cubed cream cheese until melted and fully combined.
  • Finish with Dairy: Pour in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, stirring until smooth and creamy.
  • Add Greens: Stir in spinach or kale and cook for another 2–3 minutes until wilted.
  • Adjust & Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot with fresh parsley and crusty bread.