If you’re after a bowl of pure comfort that’s equal parts hearty and irresistibly creamy, Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup is about to become your new favorite recipe. This Italian-American classic brings together savory sausage, tender pasta, vibrant veggies, and a luxurious, cheesy broth—all in under an hour. Whether it’s a chilly evening or just a day that needs a delicious pick-me-up, this soup promises flavor, coziness, and plenty of “Mmm, can I have seconds?” moments.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the makings for this Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup is a breeze. Each ingredient has its own shining role: some bring bold flavor, some provide creamy richness, while others add color, freshness, or a hint of spice. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:
- Olive oil: The start of great soup flavor, this oil helps develop those rich, caramelized bits from the sausage and veggies.
- Italian sausage (mild or spicy): The foundation for the entire dish—choose your spice level for either gentle warmth or a real kick.
- Yellow onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the base of your soup.
- Garlic: Essential for true Italian flavor; just two cloves create aromatic magic.
- Carrots: They bring a touch of sweetness and signature color to each bite.
- Celery: Classic for texture and balanced flavor in soups and stews.
- Dried Italian seasoning: An easy way to infuse that traditional herbaceous flavor without opening five jars.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): For those who love a tingly hint of heat in their bowl.
- Salt and black pepper: Season to taste and bring all the flavors into harmony.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Luscious, savory liquid that marries everything together without overpowering the delicate cheese.
- Ditalini pasta: These cute pasta tubes are classic for Italian soups and perfect for catching all that creamy broth.
- Heavy cream: The secret to that dreamy, velvety texture everyone goes wild for.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Nutty, salty, and melts right in—don’t skimp on the real deal here.
- Fresh spinach: Added at the end for a burst of color and gentle earthy flavor.
How to Make Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. You want those little bits nice and brown, as the caramelization brings a deep, savory flavor to the soup. This step takes about 6–8 minutes, and it’s where the magic begins! If there’s excess grease, just spoon it off before moving on.
Step 2: Soften the Veggies
Toss in the diced onion, carrots, and celery right into the same pot with your beautifully browned sausage. Allow everything to sauté together for about 5 minutes, giving the veggies time to soften and soak up any flavorful browned bits left behind. You’ll know it’s ready when your kitchen starts to smell amazing.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Seasonings
Stir in the minced garlic, dried Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), and a generous pinch of salt and black pepper. Give everything a good stir and let it cook for a minute or so. This is the secret step that infuses the soup base with those classic Italian aromatics and a gentle, lingering heat if you opted for the flakes.
Step 4: Pour in the Broth and Cook the Pasta
Pour in the chicken broth and bring the whole pot to a lively boil. Once it’s bubbling, add your ditalini pasta and cook uncovered for 8–10 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente. The pasta soaks up that flavorful broth as it cooks, becoming tender pockets of flavor in every bite.
Step 5: Make it Creamy & Cheesy
Turn the heat down to low and slowly stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. The cheese will melt and swirl into the soup, making the broth rich, velvety, and packed with umami. This is where the “creamy” part of Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup really shines!
Step 6: Finish with Spinach
Last but not least, add the chopped fresh spinach. Simmer for 2–3 more minutes, just until the greens are wilted and bright. Taste for seasoning, adjusting salt and pepper if needed. Ladle up and serve this comfort in a bowl, hot and fragrant.
How to Serve Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup
Garnishes
Garnishing adds that final wow factor. For Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup, nothing beats a generous snowing of extra grated Parmesan, a sprinkle of fresh cracked pepper, and maybe even a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. If you want to really impress, toss a few fresh basil leaves or a pinch of chopped parsley on top for a fresh, herby finish.
Side Dishes
Pairing this soup with a rustic hunk of crusty bread is a must—it’s perfect for mopping up every last drop of that cheesy, creamy broth! For a heartier meal, serve alongside a crisp Caesar salad or roasted vegetables. Even a simple caprese salad pairs beautifully, adding a pop of bright flavor that balances the richness of the soup.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the soup in small mugs or vintage teacups for a cozy appetizer at your next gathering. If you’re making it for lunch or a potluck, ladle portions into thermoses or jars—perfect for grab-and-go comfort. For a showstopping dinner, top each bowl with crunchy garlic croutons or a twist of lemon zest to really elevate your Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftover soup to airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3–4 days. You’ll notice the soup thickens as it rests in the fridge, thanks to the pasta soaking up more of that delicious broth. Don’t worry—just add a splash of extra chicken broth when reheating to bring it back to that perfect creamy texture.
Freezing
You can freeze Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup, although the pasta may soften a bit upon reheating. To freeze, let the soup cool completely, then pack into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving a little room at the top for expansion. For the best texture, try freezing before you add the spinach and cheese—add these fresh when you reheat the soup later.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally and adding more broth as needed to thin. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too—just heat in 1–2 minute bursts, stirring in between. If you froze the soup, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Soup
Absolutely! Feel free to swap in turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter version, or try a spicy andouille for a Southern twist. Just make sure it’s well seasoned—the sausage is the backbone of flavor in Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup.
How can I make this soup gluten-free?
Simple swap: use your favorite gluten-free small pasta (like gluten-free ditalini or elbows). The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so you’re set!
Can I add more vegetables?
You sure can. Zucchini, kale, peas, or even small broccoli florets all work beautifully. Add hardy veggies with the carrots and celery, and delicate greens just before serving.
What if I don’t have heavy cream?
No cream? No problem! Half-and-half is a great substitute, or try a splash of whole milk, though the soup will be a bit less rich. You could even use an extra dollop of ricotta or mascarpone if you have some on hand.
How spicy is this soup?
It’s all in your hands! If you love heat, use spicy Italian sausage and toss in the red pepper flakes. For a milder, family-friendly soup, use mild sausage and skip the flakes altogether.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to ladle up a bowl of Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup and experience the soul-soothing magic yourself. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just need a taste of pure comfort, this recipe never fails to delight. Give it a try—you just might find yourself making it on repeat!
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Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a bowl of comforting Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup that’s bursting with flavors of sausage, vegetables, pasta, and creamy Parmesan goodness. This hearty soup is a perfect meal for chilly evenings.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
Vegetables:
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Additional:
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup uncooked ditalini pasta
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large pot, cook sausage until browned.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add onion, carrots, celery, cook until softened. Stir in garlic, seasonings.
- Add Broth and Pasta: Pour in chicken broth, bring to a boil. Add pasta, cook until al dente.
- Finish Soup: Stir in cream, Parmesan, spinach. Simmer until creamy and spinach is wilted.
- Adjust and Serve: Taste, adjust seasoning, and serve hot with extra Parmesan.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- This soup thickens upon standing; add extra broth when reheating.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
