Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe
If you’re searching for a comforting, flavor-packed meal, Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup is the answer you’ve been waiting for. This one-pot wonder brings together the zesty bite of Italian sausage, tender ditalini pasta, sweet vegetables, and fresh spinach, all swirled into a rich, creamy broth fortified with loads of Parmesan cheese. Every spoonful is like a cozy Italian hug, whether you’re feeding your family on a chilly night or impressing guests with rustic, homestyle flair.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the joys of making Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup is how each simple ingredient transforms into something extraordinary. The fresh vegetables, hearty sausage, and Italian seasonings all work in harmony to create a soup that’s both reassuringly familiar and downright irresistible.
- Italian sausage (1 pound, mild or hot): The backbone of savoriness and a touch of comforting spice—choose your preferred heat level for maximum flavor.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Just enough to help brown the sausage and coax out its rich flavor.
- Onion (1 medium, diced): Adds a natural sweetness and depth to your soup base you don’t want to skip.
- Carrots (2, diced): Their gentle sweetness works magic against the savory sausage and tangy tomatoes.
- Celery ribs (2, diced): Essential for that classic Italian soup backbone—classic flavor and color!
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Bring on the aromatics for a gorgeously fragrant kitchen while you cook.
- Chicken broth (6 cups): Lays the perfect foundation for every single flavor to shine.
- Diced tomatoes (1 can, 14.5 ounces): Brightens the soup with juicy bursts of tomato flavor in every bite.
- Ditalini pasta (1 cup): These cute little tubes soak up all that flavor—don’t swap for anything else if you can help it!
- Dried basil (1 teaspoon): Adds a gentle, herby warmth that’s so classically Italian.
- Dried oregano (1 teaspoon): Another herby staple, for a layered Italian flavor profile.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (1/2 teaspoon, optional): For those who love a subtle, warming kick.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): Makes the soup lush and velvety without being too heavy.
- Parmesan cheese (1 cup, freshly grated): The star of the show—loads of nutty, salty goodness that melts right in.
- Fresh spinach (3 cups): Stirred in at the end for color, nutrients, and a flash of green vibrance.
- Salt and black pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning every layer, don’t forget to taste as you go.
- Extra Parmesan (for garnish): There’s no such thing as too much cheese—sprinkle with abundance!
How to Make Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup
Step 1: Brown the Italian Sausage
Begin by heating the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven set over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage (be sure the casings are removed), and break it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Let it sizzle and brown for about 6 to 8 minutes, infusing your kitchen with a hearty, savory aroma. If there’s excess grease, just spoon it off carefully—this keeps your soup perfectly balanced and never too heavy.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatic Veggies
Next, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery right into the pot with your browned sausage. Stir and let everything mingle, cooking for roughly 5 minutes until the veggies start to soften and release their sweetness. Now stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for just a minute—just long enough for that irresistible garlicky fragrance to bloom.
Step 3: Build the Broth & Simmer
Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes (including all their juices). Give everything a hearty stir, then sprinkle in the dried basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes if you’re feeling spicy. Bring the mixture to a boil, which will bring all the flavors together beautifully.
Step 4: Add the Ditalini Pasta
Once the soup is bubbling, stir in the ditalini pasta. Let it cook uncovered for about 8 to 10 minutes, until the pasta is just al dente. Keep an eye on it—ditalini cooks quickly and soaks up plenty of that delicious broth!
Step 5: Stir in Cream, Parmesan & Spinach
Finally, lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Add the heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until everything has melted into a dreamy, creamy soup. Pile in the spinach and stir until just wilted—this only takes a minute or two. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed, then serve your Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup piping hot.
How to Serve Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup
Garnishes
For a stunning finish, shower each bowl of Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper. A pinch of chopped fresh basil or parsley never hurts, either. For spice lovers, a few red pepper flakes on top add color and zip.
Side Dishes
This rich, hearty soup loves simple sides. Serve with warm, crusty Italian bread or garlicky breadsticks to mop up every delicious drop. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette offers a bright contrast and rounds out the meal beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to wow your guests, ladle the Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup into deep, wide-rimmed bowls and top each with a swirl of cream and a towering heap of shaved Parmesan. You can also serve in small cups as a cozy starter for an Italian dinner party.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool any remaining Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. Remember, the pasta will soak up liquid, so you may need to add a splash of broth when reheating.
Freezing
If you need to freeze leftovers, it’s best to do so before adding the cream, Parmesan, and spinach for best texture. Freeze for up to three months in a freezer-safe container, leaving a little space at the top for expansion. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating and stirring in the finishing ingredients.
Reheating
To reheat, pour the soup into a pot over low to medium heat, stirring often. Add a bit of extra broth or even a splash of milk if the soup looks too thick. Heat gently until steamy and hot, but avoid boiling once the cream is in—this helps keep everything silky smooth.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Soup
Absolutely! While ditalini is classic for Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup, small shapes like elbow macaroni, small shells, or even orzo work well. Just know the cooking times will vary, so check the package instructions and keep an eye on your soup.
Is there a lighter alternative to heavy cream?
Definitely. For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half or even whole milk. The soup will be a little less rich, but still creamy and satisfying.
What’s the best way to add more veggies?
This soup is incredibly flexible—feel free to toss in chopped zucchini, extra spinach, or even kale (add with the broth so it cooks down nicely). Peas, bell peppers, or small broccoli florets are also wonderful additions.
Is Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup spicy?
It can be as mild or spicy as you like. Using mild Italian sausage and omitting the red pepper flakes will keep things mellow, while hot sausage and a pinch of pepper flakes crank up the heat.
Can this soup be made gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use your favorite gluten-free short pasta, and double-check that your sausage and chicken broth are certified gluten-free to keep everything safe and delicious.
Final Thoughts
Few things say comfort quite like a bowl of Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup—it’s a recipe you’ll want to have on repeat all year round. It’s cozy, full of flavor, and easy enough for even a weeknight dinner. You truly have to taste it to believe just how satisfying it is, so gather your ingredients and enjoy a big steaming bowl soon!
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Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a comforting bowl of Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup, a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. This soup features the rich flavors of Italian sausage, creamy Parmesan cheese, and tender spinach, all simmered together in a delicious broth.
Ingredients
Italian Sausage:
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or hot), casings removed
Vegetables:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery ribs, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Broth and Seasonings:
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup ditalini pasta
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Creamy Finish:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cups fresh spinach
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Extra Parmesan for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Sausage: In a large pot, heat olive oil and cook the sausage until browned.
- Add Vegetables: Add onion, carrots, and celery; cook until softened. Stir in garlic.
- Simmer: Pour in broth and tomatoes, add seasonings, and bring to a boil. Add pasta and cook until tender.
- Finish Soup: Reduce heat, stir in cream, Parmesan, and spinach. Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Soup thickens as it sits, add more broth when reheating.
- Kale can be substituted for spinach.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 1020mg
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
