There is something truly comforting and satisfying about a bowl of soup filled with hearty ingredients and rich flavors, and that is exactly what you’ll find with this Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe. This dish combines savory Italian sausage, tender ditalini pasta, fresh greens, and a luscious Parmesan-infused creaminess that makes every spoonful a delicious experience. Whether it’s a chilly evening or you just want to treat yourself to a bowl of warm goodness, this recipe delivers a perfect balance of texture, taste, and heartwarming comfort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step toward creating this irresistible soup. Each component is straightforward yet essential, contributing unique flavors and textures that come together beautifully in this Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe.
- Italian sausage (1 lb): Choose sweet or spicy based on your heat preference; it provides the savory backbone of the soup.
- Ditalini pasta (1 cup): Small, tube-shaped pasta that adds a pleasant chewiness and soaks up the creamy broth.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): Adds luxurious richness and smooth texture to the soup’s base.
- Vegetable broth (4 cups): The flavorful liquid foundation that keeps this soup light yet hearty.
- Onion (1 medium, chopped): Provides sweetness and depth of flavor when sautéed.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Offers a fragrant kick that permeates every bite.
- Spinach or kale (2 cups, chopped): Fresh greens that add a vibrant color and nutrition boost.
- Parmesan cheese (1 cup, freshly grated): Brings that unmistakable nutty and savory essence to the dish.
- Fresh basil and parsley (for garnish): Bright, herbal notes that finish the soup beautifully.
- Olive oil: Needed for sautéing, enhancing the aroma and flavor of the onions and garlic.
How to Make Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
Start by heating a splash of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook gently until it becomes soft and translucent, creating a slightly sweet base for the soup. Then, toss in the minced garlic and stir for about a minute until it releases its fragrant aroma. This simple step lays the foundation of the soup’s depth of flavor.
Step 2: Brown the Italian Sausage
Next, crumble in the Italian sausage. Let it cook evenly, stirring every now and then, until it’s beautifully browned and no longer pink. The caramelization here adds a savory richness, elevating the entire dish.
Step 3: Add Broth and Simmer
Pour in the vegetable broth and scrape the bottom of the pot to lift up any delicious browned bits left behind from the sausage and aromatics — this technique adds extra flavor to the soup. Bring everything to a gentle simmer; this is where the flavors start to meld together wonderfully.
Step 4: Cook the Ditalini Pasta
Stir in the ditalini pasta and let it cook until just al dente, which usually takes around 8 to 10 minutes. The small pasta shape is perfect because it captures broth and cheese beautifully, adding delightful texture to the soup.
Step 5: Stir in Cream and Parmesan
Lower the heat and slowly stir in the heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese melts fully and the soup transforms into a velvety, creamy masterpiece. This is when the dish gets its signature indulgent texture.
Step 6: Add Greens and Fresh Herbs
Finally, mix in the chopped spinach or kale along with some fresh basil and parsley. Let the greens wilt gently into the soup, bringing a fresh, slightly earthy contrast to the rich cream and sausage.
How to Serve Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Presentation makes every meal feel special, and this soup is no exception. Top your bowl with extra freshly grated Parmesan cheese for that added savory punch. A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or basil adds a pop of color and freshness, enhancing both the look and flavor.
Side Dishes
This creamy soup pairs beautifully with a range of sides. Crusty garlic bread or a warm baguette is perfect for dipping into the luscious broth. A simple mixed greens salad dressed with a light vinaigrette can offer a refreshing balance to the soup’s richness.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving this soup for guests, consider ladling it into small, individual soup crocks and placing a Parmesan crisp on top for a delightful texture contrast. Or serve alongside a small platter of antipasto for an Italian-inspired feast that feels both casual and elegant.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your delicious Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe, any leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep in mind that the pasta may soften further as it sits, so storing the soup separately from the pasta isn’t necessary for this recipe but is an option if you prefer a firmer texture later.
Freezing
This soup freezes well, making it a great candidate for batch cooking and meal prep. Cool it completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. It will keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the fridge to preserve the creamy texture and fresh flavors.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the cream from separating. If the soup has thickened too much, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up. Avoid using high heat to keep the texture smooth and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of Italian sausage?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be a leaner alternative, but you might want to add extra Italian herbs or a bit of chili flakes to keep the bold, savory flavor that Italian sausage brings to this soup.
Is it necessary to use heavy cream?
Heavy cream adds the signature creamy texture and rich flavor, but you could substitute half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cream for a lighter version. Just be mindful that the soup won’t be as thick and indulgent.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Of course! Replace the Italian sausage with hearty mushrooms or a plant-based sausage alternative and use vegetable broth to maintain the richness. The Parmesan cheese still provides great umami depth unless you want a vegan version, in which case a dairy-free cheese substitute would work.
What type of pasta works best besides ditalini?
Ditalini is perfect because of its size and shape, but small pasta shapes like orzo, small shells, or elbow macaroni also work well. Just adjust cooking time accordingly.
How do I prevent the pasta from overcooking if I want leftovers?
You can cook the pasta separately and add it to individual bowls when serving, or slightly undercook the pasta by a minute during the cooking process to keep it from getting mushy when reheated.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe is truly one of those cozy, memorable dishes that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. It’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner but special enough to share with loved ones. If you’re looking for comfort food that delivers on flavor, texture, and goodness, this soup is your new go-to. Dive in and enjoy every spoonful!
Print
Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup is a comforting, hearty dish perfect for any season. Featuring savory Italian sausage, tender ditalini pasta, fresh greens, and a rich creamy broth infused with Parmesan cheese and aromatic herbs, this soup offers a delicious blend of flavors and textures. Ready in just 45 minutes, it makes an ideal weeknight dinner that the whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients
Sausage & Vegetables
- 1 lb Italian sausage (sweet or spicy)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups spinach or kale, chopped
- Fresh herbs (basil and parsley) for garnish
Liquid & Dairy
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
Pasta
- 1 cup ditalini pasta
Other
- Olive oil (for sautéing, approximately 1 tablespoon)
Instructions
- Sauté onions and garlic: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it becomes soft and translucent. Then add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
- Cook Italian sausage: Crumble the Italian sausage into the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until it is fully browned and cooked through.
- Add broth and simmer: Pour in the vegetable broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits for extra flavor. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Cook the pasta: Add the ditalini pasta to the simmering broth and cook until al dente, which should take about 8 to 10 minutes.
- Add cream and cheese: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Incorporate greens and herbs: Mix in the chopped spinach or kale along with fresh basil and parsley. Cook until the greens are wilted and incorporated into the soup.
- Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can use either sweet or spicy Italian sausage to adjust the heat level of the soup.
- Ditalini pasta is best because its small size complements the soup well, but you can substitute with other small pasta shapes like elbow macaroni.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream and Parmesan with coconut cream and nutritional yeast, respectively.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, simmer a few extra minutes after adding the cream and cheese.
- The soup can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stove.
