If you have been searching for a comforting, hearty soup that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, I have just the thing for you. This Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe is an absolute kitchen treasure, blending savory Italian sausage with tender pasta and vibrant veggies all swimming in a rich, cheesy broth. It’s the kind of dish that satisfies the soul while keeping things fresh and wholesome. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend treat, this soup hits every note for flavor and comfort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and how every ingredient plays a crucial role. From the savory sausage to the fresh spinach, these essentials come together to create the perfect balance of taste, texture, and color.
- 1 lb Italian sausage: Use pork or a leaner turkey or chicken sausage as a great alternative to keep it lighter without sacrificing flavor.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing and adding a subtle fruity richness.
- 1 small onion, diced: Builds a flavorful aromatic base.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced: Adds just the right punch of savory depth.
- 2 medium carrots, sliced: Bring natural sweetness and color.
- 2 celery stalks, chopped: Offers a fresh, slightly crisp texture.
- 4 cups chicken broth: The nourishing liquid that carries all the flavors.
- 1 cup Ditalini pasta: Tiny tube-shaped pasta perfect for soups, adding fun bite-sized morsels.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano: Classic Italian herb for an earthy touch.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil: Introduces a sweet, fragrant note.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Makes the soup decadently creamy without overpowering.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Infuses a nutty, salty richness that melts perfectly into the broth.
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped: Adds a pop of green and a boost of nutrition.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for balancing all the flavors.
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional): A lovely way to brighten and freshen the finished dish.
How to Make Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Italian Sausage
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up into small crumbles with your spatula. Cooking it thoroughly until browned is key to building the robust flavor foundation for your soup. Once browned, remove the sausage from the pot and set it aside — we will bring it back in later to soak up all the lovely creamy flavors.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Using the same pot to capture every bit of flavor, toss in the diced onions, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and chopped celery. Sauté these until they soften and become fragrant, about five minutes. This step is so important as the softened veggies provide a subtle sweetness and textural contrast that make this soup a true delight.
Step 3: Add Broth and Herbs
Pour in the chicken broth and sprinkle in the dried oregano and basil. These herbs are what give the Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe its signature Italian vibes. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil to combine all those flavors beautifully.
Step 4: Cook the Ditalini Pasta
Once boiling, stir in the Ditalini pasta and cook for about eight minutes. You want the pasta perfectly tender yet still holding its shape for that lovely bite in every spoonful. This pasta shape is ideal because it catches the broth in just the right way.
Step 5: Stir in Sausage, Cream, and Parmesan
Lower the heat to medium and add the cooked sausage back to the pot along with the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Simmer the soup for five minutes, letting it thicken slightly and the cheese melt into a luscious, creamy base that makes this dish irresistibly comforting.
Step 6: Add Fresh Spinach and Season
Last but definitely not least, stir in the fresh chopped spinach until it wilts gently into the soup. Finish with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting until the balance is just right. This final touch of vibrant greens brightens the hearty soup and adds a fresh, healthful twist.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Ladle the soup into bowls, sprinkle with fresh parsley if you like, and dive into a bowl of pure comfort. This moment is all about enjoying every velvety, flavorful spoonful of your homemade Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe.
How to Serve Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe
Garnishes
While parsley is a classic garnish here, don’t be afraid to get creative. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan or a drizzle of good quality olive oil can elevate the presentation and flavor. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a delightful spicy kick if you want to jazz it up a bit.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs beautifully with some crusty garlic bread or a simple Caesar salad for a complete, satisfying meal. The creamy texture of the soup contrasts wonderfully with crunchy or fresh sides, making every bite interesting and balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy dinner party, serve this soup in small, rustic bowls and top each with a Parmesan crisp or a thin slice of toasted baguette. You can even serve it in mini bread bowls for a charming and edible serving vessel that impresses every time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover soup stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors tend to deepen, so it may even taste better the next day. Just keep the spinach fresh for best texture — you can stir in extra greens when reheating if desired.
Freezing
You can freeze this soup, but it’s best to leave out the cream and spinach when freezing and add them fresh when reheating. Freeze in portion-sized containers for easy meals later on, and this Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe will always be ready to warm your soul.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup thickens too much, just add a splash of broth or water to get the perfect consistency. Add fresh spinach and Parmesan at this stage for that fresh, vibrant finish.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While Ditalini works perfectly for this recipe, small pasta shapes like mini shells, elbow macaroni, or orzo can be used as substitutes. Just keep an eye on cooking times to avoid overcooking.
Is there a vegetarian version of this soup?
Yes! Simply swap the Italian sausage for plant-based sausage or hearty vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and it will still be rich, creamy, and oh-so satisfying.
Can I make this soup dairy-free?
To make this dairy-free, replace the heavy cream with coconut cream or a cashew cream, and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative. The soup will remain creamy and delicious with these easy swaps.
How spicy is the sausage?
Italian sausage comes in mild and spicy varieties. You can choose based on your preference. Mild keeps the flavors more mellow, while spicy sausage adds a nice kick—perfect if you like a little heat.
How thick does the soup get after simmering?
The soup thickens slightly during the final simmer but remains more on the brothy side with a creamy texture. If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can simmer a little longer or add a small cornstarch slurry to thicken it up.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about the way this Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe brings together comfort and elegance in one bowl. It’s perfect for warming up a cold day, impressing guests, or simply savoring a hearty, wholesome meal at home. Trust me, once you make it, this soup will become one of your go-to favorites. Give it a try—you won’t regret it!
Print
Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for any day. Packed with flavorful Italian sausage, tender Ditalini pasta, fresh vegetables, and a creamy Parmesan broth, it offers a rich and satisfying meal that is easy to prepare in under 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Meat
- 1 lb Italian sausage (turkey or chicken sausage as a pork alternative)
Vegetables
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Liquids and Dairy
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Pantry and Seasonings
- 1 cup Ditalini pasta
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Sausage: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it into small crumbles, and cook until browned. Remove the sausage from the pot and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, add diced onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and chopped celery. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add Broth and Seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth, then stir in the dried oregano and dried basil. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Cook the Pasta: Add the Ditalini pasta to the boiling broth. Cook for about 8 minutes, or until the pasta is tender but still firm to the bite.
- Combine Cream and Sausage: Lower the heat to medium. Stir in the cooked sausage, heavy cream, and grated Parmesan cheese. Simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the soup to thicken slightly.
- Add Spinach and Season: Stir in the fresh spinach until it wilts into the soup. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm for a cozy, delicious meal.
Notes
- You can substitute pork sausage with turkey or chicken sausage for a leaner option.
- For a richer flavor, use homemade chicken broth if possible.
- Adjust the cream quantity to make the soup lighter or creamier depending on preference.
- Fresh spinach can be swapped with kale or Swiss chard for variation.
- To reduce sodium, choose low-sodium chicken broth.
- Make sure not to overcook the pasta to avoid mushy texture.
