If you are craving a cozy, comforting bowl of soup that manages to be both hearty and indulgently rich, then you are absolutely going to love this Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe. It’s a delightful medley of savory Italian sausage, tender ditalini pasta, and a creamy broth infused with fresh Parmesan that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. Whether you’re making it for family dinner or to impress friends on a casual night in, this soup delivers layers of flavor and satisfying textures that make it an instant favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started is a breeze with a handful of wholesome, simple ingredients that work together to create a remarkably flavorful and creamy soup. Each component plays its part, whether it’s the savory sausage providing a meaty base, the diced vegetables adding texture and freshness, or the Parmesan adding depth and richness.
- 1 lb ground Italian sausage: This is the star protein, bringing savory seasoning and a little spicy kick.
- 1 cup ditalini pasta: Small, tube-shaped pasta that perfectly soaks up broth and offers a delightful chew.
- 4 cups chicken broth: Creates the flavorful, comforting liquid base for the soup.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Adds luscious creaminess that rounds out the broth beautifully.
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Essential for that signature umami-rich cheesy flavor.
- 1 medium onion, diced: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth when sautéed.
- 2 carrots, chopped: Provides natural sweetness and a pleasant bite.
- 2 celery stalks, chopped: Adds aromatic crunch and balances the richness.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a wonderful fragrant boost and savory nuance.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential to enhance and balance all the flavors.
How to Make Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by heating a large pot over medium heat and adding the ground Italian sausage. Allow it to brown thoroughly, stirring occasionally, until cooked through and beautifully caramelized, about 5 to 7 minutes. Once browned, carefully drain any excess grease, which will prevent the soup from feeling too oily, then set the sausage aside for the next step.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pot, toss in your diced onion, chopped carrots, celery, and minced garlic. Using the flavorful drippings left behind by the sausage, sauté these vegetables until they are softened and aromatic—around 4 to 5 minutes. This step builds the essential flavor base that will support every spoonful of your soup.
Step 3: Add Broth and Cook Pasta
Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. This is where the magic happens—stir in the ditalini pasta and let it cook until it’s just al dente, usually about 8 minutes. The pasta’s small size makes it quick to cook and ensures it mingles perfectly with the soup’s other components.
Step 4: Stir in Cream and Parmesan
Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer, then add the heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese melts into the soup, creating a smooth, creamy texture that’s exquisitely rich but balanced. At this stage, the soup transforms into a luxurious, silky comfort food treat.
Step 5: Season and Serve
Give your soup a taste test, then add salt and pepper as needed to elevate all the flavors. Once seasoned just right, ladle the soup into bowls. For an extra special touch, you can sprinkle fresh Parmesan on top or serve it alongside crusty bread that’s perfect for dipping.
How to Serve Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of extra grated Parmesan can brighten up the dish visually and add a fresh, herby note. A little cracked black pepper on top always adds an inviting burst of aroma and flavor when served.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with warm, crusty Italian bread or garlic bread to soak up every drop of that creamy broth. A simple side salad with a tangy vinaigrette also complements the richness, helping to balance the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For entertaining, serve the soup in rustic bread bowls for a fun and edible presentation. You can also offer a “build-your-own garnish” station with extra Parmesan, crushed red pepper flakes, or a drizzle of good olive oil for guests to tailor each bowl to their taste.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe reheats beautifully. Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors even deepen after resting overnight, making it an easy choice for next-day meals.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, this soup freezes well but with a small caveat. To maintain the best texture, freeze the soup without pasta, adding freshly cooked ditalini when reheating. Store the frozen soup in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Reheating
When ready to enjoy again, thaw if frozen and warm the soup gently on the stovetop over low-medium heat, stirring frequently. If needed, add a splash of broth or cream to refresh the consistency and toss in some freshly cooked pasta to complete the dish.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Absolutely! While Italian sausage is traditional and packed with flavor, you can substitute with sweet or spicy sausage varieties, or even turkey sausage for a leaner option. Just adjust the seasoning accordingly.
What other pasta shapes can I use?
Ditalini is ideal because of its size, but small pasta shapes like mini shells, elbow macaroni, or orzo also work perfectly and soak up the broth just as well.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, swap heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative, and use a vegan Parmesan substitute. The texture and taste may shift slightly but it will still be delicious.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Traditional ditalini pasta contains gluten, but you can use gluten-free pasta varieties to keep the soup safe for gluten-sensitive eaters.
How thick should the soup be?
The soup should be creamy but still broth-like—not too thick like a stew. The cream and cheese create a velvety texture that coats the pasta and sausage without feeling heavy.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe is more than just a bowl of soup—it’s a little celebration of flavor, texture, and comfort all in one. It’s straightforward to make, satisfying, and perfect for a cozy night in or sharing with loved ones. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and watch it quickly become one of your go-to recipes for nourishing, delicious meals.
Print
Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup is a comforting and hearty dish combining savory Italian sausage, tender ditalini pasta, and a rich, creamy Parmesan broth. Perfect for a cozy meal, it balances vegetables, cheese, and sausage in a flavorful chicken broth base.
Ingredients
Sausage
- 1 lb ground Italian sausage
Vegetables
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Soup Base
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Pasta
- 1 cup ditalini pasta
Seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage: In a large pot over medium heat, brown the ground Italian sausage for 5-7 minutes until fully cooked. Drain any excess grease and set the sausage aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: Using the same pot, add diced onions, chopped carrots, celery, and minced garlic. Cook for 4-5 minutes until the vegetables soften and become fragrant.
- Add Broth and Pasta: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Stir in the ditalini pasta and cook for about 8 minutes until the pasta is al dente.
- Add Cream and Parmesan: Lower the heat to simmer and stir in the heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheese melts completely and the soup becomes creamy and smooth.
- Season and Serve: Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as desired. Serve hot, optionally adding extra Parmesan cheese or bread on the side.
Notes
- For a thicker soup, reduce the chicken broth to 3 cups and add an extra 1/2 cup of heavy cream.
- Use mild or spicy Italian sausage depending on your heat preference.
- To make it gluten free, substitute ditalini pasta with a gluten-free pasta alternative.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- Adding fresh parsley or basil as garnish enhances freshness and flavor.
