Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta Soup
Cozy, hearty, and bursting with Italian flavor, this Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta Soup is the kind of one-pot meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Loaded with savory Italian sausage, tender pasta, and a rich, comforting broth, it's perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you want big flavor with minimal effort.
There's something about a big pot of soup bubbling on the stove that instantly makes a day feel cozier, and this Italian Sausage Pasta Soup delivers that feeling by the spoonful. It's packed with savory sausage, tender pasta, and a rich, tomato-kissed broth that tastes like it simmered all day (even though it didn't).
This is the kind of hearty, no-fuss meal that works just as well for busy weeknights as it does for slow Sunday dinners, and it's guaranteed to bring everyone back for seconds. Serve it with some crusty bread and you've got pure comfort in a bowl, Italian-style.
Looking for other soups with Italian Sausage? Check out my Butternut Squash Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup, Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup, and Sausage Lentil Soup!
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Filled with Flavor - from savory Italian sausage and a richly seasoned broth
- One Pot - this recipe only requires one pot, which makes it easy cooking and even easier cleanup
- Hearty and Filling - this soup has tender pasta that makes it a full meal.
- Weeknight Winner - perfect for a busy weeknight as it is ready in under an hour
- Great for Leftovers - this tastes even better the next day.
- Customizable with different veggies, pasta shapes, or spice levels
- Comfort food vibes without being heavy or fussy
Ingredients
Italian Sausage - The star of the soup, adding rich, savory flavor and hearty protein to make the dish satisfying and full-bodied.
Small Shaped Pasta - Bite-sized pasta (like rings, ditalini or small shells) that makes the soup filling and perfectly spoonable.
Onion - Adds a subtle sweetness and aromatic base that builds depth of flavor as it cooks.
Garlic - Brings bold, savory warmth that enhances the overall Italian-inspired taste.
Carrots - Add natural sweetness, color, and a tender texture that balances the richness of the sausage.
Kale - A hearty green that adds freshness, texture, and a boost of nutrients to the soup.
Diced Tomatoes - Provide a bright, slightly tangy tomato base that gives the broth body and classic Italian flavor.
Chicken Broth - Forms the flavorful liquid base of the soup, tying all the ingredients together.
Cream - Adds a smooth, velvety richness that softens the acidity of the tomatoes and makes the soup extra comforting.
Parmesan Cheese - Brings salty, nutty depth and a savory finish, especially when sprinkled on top before serving.
Italian Seasoning - A blend of dried herbs that infuses the soup with classic Italian flavor and aroma.
Salt and Black Pepper - these enhance the flavors of the soup.
Variations
Add Beans - stir in a can of drained cannellini beans or chickpeas for added protein and a heartier texture. If you love beans, check out my Sausage Lentil Soup, and Lentil Bean Soup.
Different Greens - instead of kale, you could add in chopped spinach or Swiss chard.
More Veggies - you can add some different vegetables to this soup like diced celery, zucchini, red bell pepper, or mushrooms.
Add Pesto - swirl a spoonful of basil pesto into each serving for a fresh, herby flavor boost. I also love pesto in my No Boil Chicken Pesto Pasta.
Make it Spicy - if you like things on the spicier side, you can use hot Italian sausage or add a large pinch of red pepper flakes.
Step by Step Instructions
Photo 1. Heat a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it into smaller pieces as it cooks.
Photo 2. Add the diced onion and chopped carrots and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
Photo 3. Add the Italian seasoning and garlic, and stir well to combine.
Photo 4. Add the diced tomatoes and stir to combine .
Photo 5. Add the pasta and broth. Stir and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium low and simmer for 5-7 minutes, until the pasta is softened, stirring often to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Photo 6. Stir in the chopped kale.
Photo 7. Cook another 1-2 minutes until the kale is wilted.
Photo 8. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and heavy cream. Serve and enjoy!
Expert Tips
Storage - store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4-5 days.
Leftovers - I recommend cooking the pasta separately and adding it when you reheat, if you know you are going to be eating this as leftovers. This ensures the pasta does not get too soggy. Of course, I've reheated this with the pasta already in it and it is still delicious! I just add a splash of water or broth to thin it out a bit.
Recipe FAQs
Both mild and spicy Italian sausage work well, it just depends on how spicy you want your soup. You can also use chicken or turkey sausage for a lighter option.
You can freeze the soup, but it's best to freeze it without the pasta. Freeze the broth and sausage base, then add freshly cooked pasta when you're ready to serve.
Small pasta shapes like ditalini, rings, rotini, shells, or elbows hold up well and are easy to eat in a soup.
Other Cozy Soup Recipes To Consider
If you make this recipe, please let me know! Leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating on this recipe below and leave a comment, or take a photo and tag me on Instagram with #greensnchocolate.
Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta Soup
Ingredients
- 1 lb mild Italian sausage
- 3 carrots peeled and diced
- 1 onion chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 14 ounces diced tomatoes
- 5 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups chopped kale
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese plus more for topping
Instructions
- Heat a large soup pot over medium-high heat.
- Add the sausage, breaking into smaller pieces as it browns.
- Add the onion and carrots, season with salt, and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the garlic and Italian seasoning and cook another minute.
- Add the diced tomatoes and broth, and stir to combine. Bring to a simmer.
- Add the pasta and cook for 5-7 minutes, until cooked.
- Add the chopped kale and cook another 1-2 minutes.
- Finally stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, and stir well to combine.
- Serve topped with more grated Parmesan. Enjoy!
