On cozy nights when comfort food is a must, this Sausage Parmesan Cream Cheese Soup brings a warm, rich, and ultra-satisfying hug in a bowl. Every spoonful is filled with the savory goodness of Italian sausage, the creamy tang of cream cheese, and the deep, nutty depth of Parmesan. It’s the kind of meal that feels indulgent but is surprisingly simple to put together.

Whether you’re fighting off a chill, hosting guests, or just in the mood for something hearty yet velvety smooth, this soup ticks every box. With the perfect blend of spices, tender sausage chunks, and creamy broth, it’s guaranteed to earn a permanent spot in your rotation of go-to recipes.

What Kind of Sausage Should I Use?

For the most flavor-packed result, go for spicy or sweet Italian sausage. You can use ground sausage or sausage links with the casing removed. Pork sausage offers the most depth, but chicken or turkey sausage works great too if you’re leaning lighter. Browning the sausage first builds flavor at the base of the soup, and from there, it only gets better.

Ingredients for the Sausage Parmesan Cream Cheese Soup

Italian Sausage: This is the star of the show, adding bold, meaty flavor. Choose between spicy or sweet depending on your mood.

Cream Cheese: This melts into the soup for an ultra-creamy texture and a subtle tang that balances the richness.

Parmesan Cheese: Adds saltiness and umami. Freshly grated is best for melting smoothly.

Chicken Broth: Forms the flavorful base of the soup and blends beautifully with the cheeses.

Onions & Garlic: The aromatic foundation that gives depth to every bite.

Heavy Cream: For that silky, luscious finish that makes the soup feel indulgent.

Potatoes or Pasta Shells (Optional): Adds heartiness. Tiny pasta like shells or gnocchi are excellent here.

Parsley: A fresh contrast to all the creamy richness and a final touch of color.

Salt, Pepper & Paprika: Just a pinch of seasoning to bring everything into balance.

How To Make the Sausage Parmesan Cream Cheese Soup

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

In a large pot over medium heat, cook your sausage until it’s browned and cooked through. Use a wooden spoon to break it into bite-sized pieces. Remove and set aside, leaving a bit of fat in the pot for flavor.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Add chopped onions and minced garlic to the pot. Cook until the onions turn translucent and the garlic is fragrant, about 2–3 minutes.

Step 3: Add Broth & Simmer

Pour in the chicken broth and bring everything to a simmer. Scrape up any browned bits at the bottom of the pot for maximum flavor.

Step 4: Stir in Creamy Elements

Add cubed cream cheese and stir until completely melted and smooth. Then whisk in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese.

Step 5: Return Sausage & Add Extras

Return the sausage to the pot and stir well. If using potatoes or pasta shells, add them now and simmer until tender.

Step 6: Season & Serve

Finish with a sprinkle of salt, pepper, and paprika to taste. Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.

Serving and Storing This Creamy Soup

Serve this comforting soup hot with a hunk of crusty bread or a side salad. It also pairs well with garlic knots or a grilled cheese for a cozy dinner.

To store, let the soup cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, stirring occasionally. Avoid boiling to preserve the creamy texture. This soup also freezes well—just hold off on adding pasta or potatoes if you plan to freeze it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use pre-cooked sausage?

Yes, but browning raw sausage builds deeper flavor. If you use pre-cooked, give it a quick sear in the pot before proceeding.

Is this soup gluten-free?

Yes—as long as you skip the pasta or use a gluten-free variety.

Can I substitute cream cheese?

You can use mascarpone or even a bit of sour cream, but cream cheese gives the best balance of tang and richness.

What pasta works best in this soup?

Mini pasta like shells, ditalini, or gnocchi hold up well and give a satisfying bite.

How do I make it spicier?

Use spicy Italian sausage and add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce while cooking.

Can I make it dairy-free?

This soup is heavy on the dairy, but you could experiment with plant-based cream cheese, dairy-free cream, and vegan Parmesan for a similar feel.

Want More Savory Soup Ideas?

If you love this creamy bowl of comfort, check out some of my other soul-warming creations:

Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna for seafood meets cheese dreams.
Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage if you’re in the mood for a slow-cooked favorite.
Zesty Tuscan Artichoke Soup when you want bright and savory in one spoonful.
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli for an easy dinner soup hybrid.
Creamy Shrimp Chowder if you love that silky seafood finish.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest soup board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go with pasta or potatoes? Did you add extra spice?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook smarter and cozier.

You can also find more creamy and savory recipes on my Pinterest Life with Nina.

Sausage Parmesan Cream Cheese Soup

Author: Nina Johnson
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Soups & Stews
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

Description

This Sausage Parmesan Cream Cheese Soup is rich, hearty, and perfect for cozy nights. Italian sausage, cream cheese, and Parmesan melt into a creamy, savory base that wraps you in comfort. Serve it with crusty bread or enjoy solo—either way, it’s deeply satisfying and full of flavor.

Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces. Remove from the pot and set aside.

2. In the same pot, sauté chopped onions until translucent, then add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

3. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping any browned bits from the bottom. Bring to a gentle simmer.

4. Stir in the cream cheese until melted and smooth. Add heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until fully blended.

5. Return the sausage to the pot. Add potatoes or pasta shells if using, and simmer until tender, about 10–12 minutes.

6. Season with paprika, salt, and pepper to taste. Garnish with parsley before serving.