Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe

Warm up with this Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe, a delightful blend of rich, savory flavors and small pasta that brings comfort and satisfaction to every spoonful. This hearty soup combines the spicy kick of Italian sausage with the smooth creaminess of Parmesan cheese and tender ditalini pasta, creating a perfect balance of texture and taste. Whether you’re craving a quick weekday dinner or a cozy weekend treat, this recipe promises warmth and fullness in each bowl.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and Flavorful: The Italian sausage infuses the broth with a robust, meaty depth that pairs perfectly with creamy Parmesan.
• Hearty and Filling: Tender ditalini pasta adds substance that satisfies your hunger without weighing you down.
• Comfort in a Bowl: This soup offers a creamy texture that feels like a warm hug on chilly days.
• Simple and Quick: Easy-to-find ingredients and straightforward steps make it perfect for busy cooks.
• Versatile and Adaptable: Customize it with your favorite vegetables or swap proteins to suit your taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this soup lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients that each play a key role in developing the final flavor and texture. From spicy sausage to savory cheese and pasta, every component adds an essential note to the dish.

• Italian Sausage: Use mild or spicy sausage depending on your preferred heat level, finely crumbled.
• Ditalini Pasta: Small tubular pasta that cooks quickly and holds the soup in every bite.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated for the best creamy, salty finish.
• Onion and Garlic: Aromatics that form the flavorful base of the soup.
• Chicken Broth: Adds richness and depth to the soup’s liquid foundation.
• Heavy Cream: Gives the soup its luscious creamy texture without overpowering the other flavors.
• Olive Oil: For sautéing the sausage and veggies, adding a subtle fruity note.
• Fresh Herbs: Thyme or parsley for brightness and a fresh finish.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasoning to balance all the flavors.

Variations for Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe

This soup is a fantastic canvas for personalization—whether you want to add more veggies, switch up the protein, or adjust it for dietary preferences, it’s a breeze to adapt.

• Veggie Boost: Add chopped kale, spinach, or mushrooms for extra nutrition and color.
• Protein Swap: Substitute Italian sausage with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
• Dairy-Free Version: Use coconut cream or cashew cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan.
• Spicy Kick: Incorporate red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a hotter soup.
• Make it Gluten-Free: Substitute ditalini with gluten-free pasta or small rice pasta to enjoy without gluten worries.

How to Make Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Sausage and Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it into small crumbles as it cooks until browned and cooked through. Once done, remove sausage from the pot and set aside, leaving the flavorful drippings behind. Add diced onion and minced garlic to the same pot and sauté until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 2: Build the Soup Base

Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Return the cooked sausage to the pot. Add dried herbs like thyme and season with salt and pepper. Let the broth simmer for 10 minutes to marry the flavors.

Step 3: Cook the Ditalini Pasta

Carefully add the ditalini pasta to the pot and simmer until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Add Cream and Parmesan

Reduce heat to low. Slowly stir in the heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and fully incorporated. This will give the soup a silky, creamy texture. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 5: Final Touches

Add chopped fresh herbs like parsley for brightness. Remove from heat and let the soup rest a few minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle beautifully.

Pro Tips for Making Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe

• Choose Quality Sausage: The heart of the flavor comes from the sausage, so pick a good-quality Italian sausage for the best result.
• Fresh Parmesan Is Key: Always grate your own Parmesan to ensure optimal creaminess and flavor.
• Don’t Overcook Pasta: Cook the ditalini until just al dente to maintain texture after soaking in the soup.
• Simmer Gently: Keep the heat low when adding cream to prevent curdling and maintain smoothness.
• Customize Seasonings: Taste throughout cooking and adjust salt, pepper, and herbs to your liking.

How to Serve Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or basil on top for vibrant color and fresh aroma. Add an extra grind of black pepper or a drizzle of good-quality olive oil to elevate each bowl.

Side Dishes

Serve with crusty bread or garlic knots to soak up the creamy broth. A light mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the richness of the soup.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve in rustic bowls with a small ramekin of extra Parmesan on the side, letting guests customize their cheese level. For a cozy dinner, set the soup alongside a cheese board featuring Italian cheeses and cured meats.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer leftover soup to airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The pasta will continue to absorb the broth, so you might want to add a splash of broth or water when reheating.

Freezing

This soup freezes well without the cream—freeze before adding cream, then stir in fresh cream after thawing and reheating. Freeze in portion-sized containers for easy meals later.

Reheating

Warm leftovers gently over low heat, stirring often. Add a little broth or water to loosen the soup and fresh Parmesan if desired to revive the creaminess.

FAQs

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes! Simply substitute Italian sausage with plant-based sausage or omit the sausage altogether and add more vegetables like mushrooms and beans for protein.

What is ditalini pasta?

Ditalini are small, short tubular pasta often used in soups because they hold broth well and cook quickly to a tender bite.

Can I use pre-shredded Parmesan?

Freshly grated Parmesan is best as pre-shredded cheese often contains additives that prevent smooth melting and can affect texture.

Is this soup spicy?

It depends on the sausage you choose; mild Italian sausage will make a less spicy soup, while hot Italian sausage will add a nice kick.

How long does this soup take to make?

You can have this soup ready in about 30-40 minutes from start to finish, making it great for busy weeknights.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe is a delightful way to bring familiar Italian flavors into a comforting, easy-to-make soup. Its rich, hearty nature makes it an instant favorite for lunches or dinners, perfect for sharing with friends and family. Give it a try and enjoy the cozy, creamy goodness in every spoonful!

Related Posts

• Italian Meatball Soup
• Better Than Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
• Crockpot Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

Print