Italian Sausage Soup with Cream Recipe

If you’re craving something cozy, creamy, and packed with flavor, you’re in for a real treat with my Italian Sausage Soup with Cream Recipe. This soup is one of those recipes that just warms you up from the inside out, and it’s surprisingly easy to pull together on a weeknight. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll want to make it again and again.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient here plays an important role— from the savory Italian sausage that adds a ton of flavor, to the cream that gives the soup its luscious texture. I always recommend using good quality sausage and fresh garlic for maximum flavor.

• Italian sausage: I prefer spicy for a little kick, but sweet sausage works well too.
• Olive oil: Adds a subtle fruitiness when sautéing the aromatics.
• White onion: Provides a mild sweetness and base flavor.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic really brightens up the soup.
• Crushed red pepper: Controls the heat—add less for mild or more if you like it spicy.
• Salt & black pepper: Enhances all the other flavors perfectly.
• Low-sodium chicken broth: Keeps things balanced without too much salt.
• Diced tomatoes: Adds acidity and a bit of texture contrast.
• Short pasta (casarecce used here): Holds the soup beautifully; rigatoni or ditalini work well too.
• Heavy cream: Room temperature to avoid curdling and to give the soup that silky finish.
• Fresh basil and parmesan cheese: Ideal finishing touches for an extra pop of flavor.

Variations

I love making this Italian Sausage Soup with Cream Recipe my own by tweaking the heat level or swapping out pasta shapes. Feel free to experiment; you might find your new favorite version!

• Mild Version: I sometimes skip the crushed red pepper or swap spicy sausage for mild to suit kids’ palates.
• Vegetable Boost: Adding chopped kale or spinach towards the end makes it a green powerhouse without changing the flavor much.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and double-check the sausage ingredients for an allergy-friendly bowl.
• Extra Creamy: Stir in a little mascarpone cheese at the end for a decadent twist that my family goes crazy for.

How to Make Italian Sausage Soup with Cream Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Sausage Perfectly

Start by crumbling the Italian sausage into a large soup pot and cook it over medium heat until the sausage is nicely browned and cooked through. This step is key because it builds the foundation for all the flavors to come. Don’t rush it—getting that golden brown color adds so much depth. Once it’s done, drain the fat to keep things from getting greasy, then scoop the sausage out and set it aside in a bowl.

Step 2: Sauté Onions & Garlic

Using the same pot, add olive oil and toss in your diced onion. Cook it gently until it turns translucent, about 3 minutes—this makes the onions sweet and soft without overpowering the soup. Stir in the minced garlic, crushed red pepper, salt, and black pepper, cooking just until fragrant (about 30 seconds). This quick step unleashes the aromatics that make the soup sing.

Step 3: Bring to a Boil with Broth and Tomatoes

Turn the heat up to high and pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes. Bring everything to a boil—that’s when the magic starts and the flavors start melding. This also prepares the perfect liquid base to cook your pasta right in the pot.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta until Perfectly Al Dente

Add your short pasta straight into the boiling broth and cook according to the package directions—I usually aim for al dente so it has just the right bite and doesn’t get mushy as the soup simmers. Depending on the pasta type, this will take between 7 to 15 minutes. Keep an eye on it and stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Stir in Sausage and Cream, then Simmer

When the pasta is just right, turn the heat down to low. Gently stir the cooked sausage back into the pot followed by the heavy cream. Let everything simmer together for about 2 minutes to meld the flavors and heat the cream without boiling it—this keeps it velvety smooth and prevents curdling.

Step 6: Serve with Fresh Basil and Parmesan

Ladle the soup into bowls and top with fresh torn basil leaves and freshly grated parmesan cheese. These last touches brighten and elevate the flavors beautifully. I promise you’ll love the creamy broth with that burst of fresh herbs and cheesy goodness.

How to Serve Italian Sausage Soup with Cream Recipe

Garnishes

I always reach for lots of freshly torn basil—it gives the soup a fresh aroma and pretty pop of green. And freshly grated parmesan cheese is a must; it melts just enough into the warm soup for that perfect cheesy finish. Sometimes I throw on a pinch of red pepper flakes for an extra kick if we’re feeling bold.

Side Dishes

This soup loves company! I usually pair it with a crusty garlic bread or buttery dinner rolls so you can sop up every last drop. A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette keeps the meal balanced and fresh.

Creative Ways to Present

For entertaining, I like serving this soup in mini bread bowls—it’s fun and feels special. Alternatively, garnish each bowl with a basil sprig, a drizzle of olive oil, and a little parmesan crisp for a restaurant-worthy touch that’s actually easy at home.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and it keeps beautifully for up to 4 days. I’ve found the pasta softens a bit with time, so if you want to keep it firmer, cook the pasta separately next time and add it fresh when reheating.

Freezing

I’ve successfully frozen this soup without the cream ahead of time. Once thawed, stir in fresh cream before warming. This keeps the soup’s texture silky rather than grainy after freezing.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring often to prevent sticking. If soup feels too thick, add a splash of broth or water. If you froze the soup without cream, stir in fresh cream just before serving to revive that luscious texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Italian Sausage Soup with Cream Recipe has become a dinner table favorite in my home because it’s comforting, flavorful, and so easy to make. I genuinely look forward to sharing this with friends and family, knowing everyone will go crazy for its creamy broth and savory sausage. If you want a recipe that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, this is definitely it—give it a try and I bet it will become a staple in your kitchen too!

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