A rich, comforting soup made with Italian sausage, ditalini pasta, tomatoes, and a creamy Parmesan broth. It’s the kind of meal I turn to when I want something hearty, warming, and deeply satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. With just one pot and a handful of simple ingredients, this dish quickly becomes a favorite for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. Creamy Sausage and Parmesan Pasta Soup

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this soup delivers the flavor of a comforting pasta dish in spoonable form. The Italian sausage infuses the broth with rich, savory flavor, while the Parmesan and cream cheese create a velvety, creamy texture that’s incredibly indulgent. Ditalini pasta makes every bite satisfying, and everything comes together in just over 30 minutes. Plus, it’s easy to customize with veggies or spice if I’m in the mood to switch things up.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups chicken broth
1 (14.5 oz) can petite diced tomatoes
8 oz ditalini pasta
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

I start by browning the Italian sausage in a large pot over medium heat, breaking it up with a spoon until it’s no longer pink. Then I drain off any extra fat.
I add the diced onion and sauté it for 2 to 3 minutes until softened.
Next, I stir in the garlic and Italian seasoning and cook it for about 1 minute until fragrant.
I pour in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes (with juices), and ditalini pasta. I bring everything to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for 6 to 8 minutes until the pasta is just al dente.
Reducing the heat further, I stir in the softened cream cheese, Parmesan, and heavy cream. I keep stirring until the cheeses are fully melted and the soup turns beautifully creamy.
I season the soup with salt and pepper to taste, and then garnish each bowl with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Servings and timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 6 servings

Variations

I like to change things up based on what I have in the fridge. Sometimes I add baby spinach or sliced mushrooms during the simmer step for extra veggies. When I’m in the mood for heat, I’ll use hot Italian sausage or toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes. For a lighter version, I swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or even whole milk. And if I want to cut carbs a bit, I reduce the pasta or replace it with zucchini noodles added near the end.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The pasta tends to soak up the broth as it sits, so when I reheat it, I usually stir in a bit more broth or water to bring back the soup’s creamy consistency. Reheating works best over the stovetop on medium-low heat, but the microwave is fine too—just make sure to stir occasionally for even warming.

FAQs

How can I make this soup spicier?

I add crushed red pepper flakes while sautéing the onions and garlic, or I use hot Italian sausage for extra heat.

Can I freeze this soup?

I don’t recommend freezing it with the pasta, since it tends to get mushy. If I want to freeze it, I make the soup without the pasta and add freshly cooked pasta when reheating.

What can I use instead of ditalini pasta?

Small pasta shapes like elbow macaroni, small shells, or even orzo work well if I’m out of ditalini.

How do I make this soup lighter?

I replace the heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, and I use less cream cheese or a lower-fat version to cut down the richness.

Can I add vegetables to this soup?

Absolutely. I like adding spinach, kale, mushrooms, or diced bell peppers for more nutrition and flavor.

Conclusion

This creamy sausage and Parmesan pasta soup is the kind of recipe I keep coming back to—it’s easy, rich, and perfect for when I want a cozy meal without a lot of fuss. With plenty of room to customize and simple ingredients, it’s a one-pot wonder that always delivers. Whether I’m feeding the family or just treating myself, this soup hits the spot every time.