Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup

If you’re looking for a bowl of comfort that combines rich, creamy flavors with a touch of savory goodness, then Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup is your new best friend. Picture this: tender, flavorful Italian sausage, soft ditalini pasta, and a creamy Parmesan-infused broth that’s both hearty and satisfying. It’s the kind of soup you crave when you want something comforting yet packed with flavor, whether it’s a chilly night in or a cozy dinner with friends. Plus, it’s easy to make, and it tastes even better the next day (if there are any leftovers, that is!). Trust me, you won’t be able to stop at just one bowl.

Why You’ll Love Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup

Rich & Creamy: The Parmesan cheese in this soup adds a deep, umami-packed richness that takes this soup to the next level. Every spoonful is a creamy, cheesy hug in a bowl.

Savory Sausage: The Italian sausage gives this soup a burst of bold flavor, balanced perfectly with the creamy base. The sausage really shines, especially if you choose a flavorful spicy variety.

Hearty & Satisfying: The ditalini pasta adds just the right amount of bite and texture, making this soup more than just a side dish. It’s hearty enough to be a full meal, and it pairs beautifully with crusty bread for dipping.

Easy to Make: This soup comes together quickly and easily with just a handful of ingredients. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty and comforting without spending hours in the kitchen.

Perfect for Leftovers: The flavors actually deepen and meld the next day, making this an excellent choice for meal prep. If you manage to have any leftovers, you’ll be looking forward to the next day’s lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

Here’s what you need to create this creamy, savory masterpiece:

• Italian Sausage (spicy or mild): The star of the show. You’ll want a flavorful sausage to give the soup its base note of savory goodness.
• Ditalini Pasta: Small, tubular pasta that soaks up the creamy broth perfectly. If you can’t find ditalini, small elbow macaroni works just as well.
• Heavy Cream: For that rich, creamy texture that makes every bite luxurious.
• Chicken Broth: The base for your soup. You can use low-sodium broth if you prefer to control the salt content.
• Parmesan Cheese: The key to the creamy, cheesy richness. Freshly grated Parmesan will give the best flavor.
• Onion and Garlic: For the base aromatics that create depth and savory fragrance.
• Carrots and Celery: These vegetables add a touch of sweetness and freshness to balance the richness of the cream and sausage.
• Spinach or Kale (optional): For a pop of color and a bit of extra nutrients, adding spinach or kale is a great option.
• Olive Oil: For sautéing the vegetables and sausage.
• Salt and Pepper: To season and bring all the flavors together.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Making this soup is super simple and quick! Here’s how you do it:

Brown the Sausage:

Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage (breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks) and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until it’s nicely browned and cooked through. Remove the sausage from the pot and set it aside for now.

Sauté the Vegetables:

In the same pot, add a little more olive oil if needed and sauté the onion, carrots, and celery for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and fragrant. Add the garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant.

Add Broth and Cream:

Now, pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir everything together to combine and bring it to a simmer. Let the soup simmer for about 10 minutes, giving the vegetables a chance to soften and the flavors to meld together.

Add the Pasta:

Add the ditalini pasta to the pot and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes. Keep an eye on it to make sure the pasta doesn’t overcook, as it will continue to cook a little after you remove it from the heat.

Add the Sausage and Spinach:

Once the pasta is cooked and tender, return the cooked sausage to the pot. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and spinach (if using) and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the spinach has wilted.

Final Touches:

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to your liking. If the soup is too thick, you can add a little extra broth or water to thin it out to your desired consistency.

Serve & Enjoy:

Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. You can top it with a little extra Parmesan cheese and some fresh cracked pepper for extra flavor. Enjoy with a slice of crusty bread for dipping—because, let’s be real, that’s one of the best parts of any soup!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: ~400-500 calories (depending on the ingredients and portion size)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Total Time: 30-35 minutes

How to Serve Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup

This soup is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but here are a few ideas to make it even more irresistible:

With Garlic Bread: You can never go wrong with a side of garlic bread. It’s perfect for dipping in the creamy broth!

Fresh Salad: Pair the soup with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette for a balanced meal that will satisfy all your cravings.

Extra Cheese: Add a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese on top of each serving for an even richer, cheesier bite.

Crusty Rolls: Soft, warm, crusty rolls make the perfect accompaniment for sopping up every drop of this creamy, flavorful soup.

Additional Tips

Here are a few tips to make this soup even better:

Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: While pre-grated Parmesan will work, freshly grated cheese has a far more robust and fresh flavor, making a noticeable difference in this soup.

Add More Veggies: If you want to sneak in even more vegetables, you can add zucchini, bell peppers, or even mushrooms. Just sauté them with the other veggies for added flavor.

Don’t Overcook the Pasta: To keep the pasta from getting too soft and mushy, be sure to add it near the end of cooking and monitor the time closely.

Make it Spicy: If you love a little heat, try using spicy Italian sausage or adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the soup.

Make Ahead: This soup can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for 2-3 days. The flavors meld beautifully over time, making it a great choice for meal prep. Just be sure to reheat gently to avoid overcooking the pasta.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make this soup ahead of time?
A1: Yes! This soup actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. You can make it ahead and store it in the fridge for 2-3 days.

Q2: Can I freeze this soup?
A2: While the soup can be frozen, I’d recommend freezing the soup base (without the pasta) and adding freshly cooked pasta when reheating. This will help maintain the best texture for the pasta.

Q3: Can I use a different type of sausage?
A3: Absolutely! If you prefer a different type of sausage, feel free to use chicken sausage or turkey sausage. Just make sure it’s a flavorful variety to add depth to the soup.

Q4: How can I make this soup vegetarian?
A4: To make this soup vegetarian, omit the sausage and substitute it with extra vegetables or a plant-based sausage. You could also add beans (like cannellini or chickpeas) for extra protein.

Q5: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A5: Yes, you can substitute ditalini with any small pasta like orzo, mini shells, or small elbow macaroni.

Q6: Can I make this soup dairy-free?
A6: Yes, you can use coconut cream or cashew cream in place of the heavy cream and nutritional yeast for the Parmesan flavor.

Q7: How can I thicken the soup if it’s too thin?
A7: If the soup is too thin, you can add a little extra cream or let the soup simmer a little longer to thicken it up. You can also make a slurry with flour and water and stir it in.

Q8: How can I make this soup spicier?
A8: If you like more heat, use spicy Italian sausage or add a pinch of red pepper flakes while the soup is simmering. You can also add some hot sauce or **jalapeños

**.

Q9: How do I store leftovers?
A9: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop to avoid overcooking the pasta.

Q10: Can I double the recipe?
A10: Absolutely! If you have a larger crowd or want extra for leftovers, you can double the recipe. Just be sure to adjust the size of your pot and cooking times accordingly.

Conclusion

This Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup is a cozy, comforting bowl of happiness that’s bound to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Whether you’re enjoying it on a quiet night or sharing it with friends and family, it’s the kind of soup that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Simple, creamy, and packed with flavor—it doesn’t get much better than this!

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