Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe
If you’re craving a comforting bowl of pure coziness, Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup is about to become your new favorite recipe. This soup brings together tender ditalini pasta, savory Italian sausage, fresh veggies, and a luscious Parmesan creaminess that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. Every spoonful bursts with flavor and texture, making it a guaranteed hit for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or when you need a little extra comfort in your life.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This soup is proof that simple, fresh ingredients can create something truly special. Each component adds its own magic, from the rich sausage to the vibrant spinach, creating layers of flavor and the ultimate comfort food experience.
- Olive oil: Adds a subtle fruity base for sautéing veggies and sausage, enhancing overall flavor.
- Italian sausage (mild or spicy): The heart of the soup, bringing savory depth and a hint of spice if you like it bold.
- Onion: Gives a gentle sweetness and aromatic backbone to the broth.
- Garlic: Infuses the soup with irresistible, classic Italian aroma and taste.
- Carrots: Offer a touch of sweetness and vibrant orange color for visual and flavor balance.
- Celery: Adds a fresh, herbal crunch to round out the veggie base.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that ties all the flavors together in true Italian style.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): For a gentle kick of heat—add more or less depending on your spice preference.
- Chicken broth: Forms the savory, hearty base that brings all the ingredients together beautifully.
- Ditalini pasta: Perfectly bite-sized, ensuring each spoonful gets a bit of everything.
- Heavy cream: Delivers the dreamy creaminess that makes this soup so comforting.
- Parmesan cheese (grated): Melts into the broth, adding salty, nutty richness and silkiness.
- Fresh spinach: Brings a pop of color and freshness—just wilted enough to be tender.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning everything to perfection.
How to Make Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by heating the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. You want it browned and cooked through, with crispy bits for maximum flavor. If there’s extra grease, feel free to spoon it off for a lighter finish.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Next, toss in the diced onion, minced garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté the veggies for about 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re soft and aromatic. This step builds the flavor base that makes Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup so irresistible.
Step 3: Add Seasonings
Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning and, if you’re feeling adventurous, a pinch of red pepper flakes. Stir to combine, letting the herbs bloom and the soup take on that signature Italian warmth.
Step 4: Pour in the Broth
Pour the chicken broth into the pot, scraping up any flavorful bits from the bottom. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, which will meld all the flavors beautifully.
Step 5: Add Pasta and Simmer
Stir in the ditalini pasta and let it cook in the bubbling broth for about 8 to 10 minutes, or until al dente. The pasta soaks up all those savory flavors, making every bite extra delicious.
Step 6: Make It Creamy
Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Watch them melt together into a silky, dreamy broth that’s pure comfort in a bowl.
Step 7: Add Spinach and Finish
Finally, toss in the chopped spinach and let it wilt for 2 to 3 minutes. Give the soup a taste, then season with salt and black pepper as needed. Ladle it into bowls and serve hot, topped with extra Parmesan if you crave even more cheesy goodness.
How to Serve Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup
Garnishes
For that final flourish, sprinkle a generous handful of freshly grated Parmesan over each bowl. A drizzle of good olive oil, a dash of cracked black pepper, or a few ribbons of fresh basil can also add stunning flavor and color. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your toppings—this soup welcomes a little extra flair!
Side Dishes
Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup is hearty enough to shine all on its own, but it’s also a dream with a crusty loaf of Italian bread or garlic knots for dunking. Pair it with a simple green salad dressed in tangy vinaigrette, or serve alongside roasted vegetables for an even more satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Impress your guests by serving the soup in bread bowls or small crocks topped with extra cheese and broiled until bubbly. For a family-style dinner, ladle the soup into a large tureen and let everyone help themselves. Mini soup shooters make it a fun starter at parties—just don’t forget extra Parmesan on the side!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup stores beautifully in the fridge. Transfer cooled soup to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The flavors deepen over time, making your next bowl even more delicious!
Freezing
If you’d like to freeze the soup, do so before adding the pasta and cream for the best texture. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to two months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge, reheat, then stir in freshly cooked pasta, cream, and spinach for that just-made taste.
Reheating
To reheat, pour the soup into a pot and warm gently over medium-low heat. If the soup has thickened (which it often does!), add a splash of chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency. Stir well and heat until steaming, but avoid boiling to keep the cream smooth.
FAQs
Can I use turkey sausage instead of pork?
Absolutely! Turkey sausage is a great way to lighten up Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup without sacrificing flavor. Just use it exactly as you would the traditional sausage for a slightly leaner but still satisfying bowl.
How do I make this soup gluten-free?
Simply swap in your favorite gluten-free ditalini or other small pasta shape. All the other ingredients in the recipe are naturally gluten-free, so you won’t miss out on any of the rich, creamy goodness.
What can I use instead of spinach?
Kale is a fantastic substitute and holds up well in the creamy broth. Just chop it finely and add a few extra minutes to the simmer time so it becomes tender but not mushy.
Can I make Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup ahead of time?
Definitely! The soup can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the fridge. The flavors actually improve overnight. Wait to add the pasta, cream, and spinach until just before serving for the best texture.
Is this soup spicy?
It can be as mild or as spicy as you like! Use mild Italian sausage and skip the red pepper flakes for a gentle flavor, or go bold with spicy sausage and an extra pinch of heat if you love a kick.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about a big pot of Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup simmering on the stove. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together and warms you from the inside out. I hope you give this recipe a try—you might just find yourself reaching for seconds every time!
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Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup is a hearty and comforting Italian-American classic that combines savory Italian sausage, tender vegetables, and ditalini pasta in a rich, creamy Parmesan broth. Perfect for chilly days, this soup is easy to make on the stovetop and can be customized with spinach or kale for added greens.
Ingredients
Meat and Aromatics
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Vegetables and Seasonings
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Liquids and Cheese
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Other
- 1 cup ditalini pasta
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
Instructions
- Cook the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add Italian sausage and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Remove excess grease if needed to avoid a greasy soup base.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add diced onion, minced garlic, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté for 5–6 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Add Seasonings: Stir in Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes if using, allowing the flavors to meld for a minute.
- Simmer Broth and Pasta: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Add ditalini pasta and cook according to package instructions, about 8–10 minutes, until pasta is al dente.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and the soup is creamy.
- Add Spinach: Stir in chopped fresh spinach and simmer for 2–3 more minutes until the spinach wilts and incorporates into the soup.
- Season and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed. Serve hot, optionally garnished with extra Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- Substitute kale for spinach for a more robust leafy green texture.
- Use turkey sausage for a lighter, lower-fat alternative.
- The soup thickens as it sits; add extra chicken broth when reheating to loosen consistency.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free ditalini pasta.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
