If you’re looking for a soup that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, this Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. Combining the rich, savory flavors of Italian sausage with tender ditalini pasta, creamy Parmesan cheese, and vibrant greens, this dish is a beautiful balance of indulgence and wholesomeness. It’s perfect for cozy dinners, impressing your loved ones, or simply treating yourself to something comforting and delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this soup shine, you only need a handful of simple ingredients, each bringing its own magic. The Italian sausage adds deep, savory notes while the ditalini pasta provides just the right bite. Cream and Parmesan create that luxurious creamy base, and fresh greens add brightness and color to complete the bowl.
- Italian sausage: Choose sweet or spicy depending on your preference; it’s the soul of this soup’s flavor.
- Ditalini pasta: Small and tubular, perfect for capturing broth in every bite.
- Heavy cream: Adds silky richness that makes the soup decadently smooth.
- Vegetable broth: A flavorful, light base that balances the creamy elements.
- Onion: Provides a sweet, aromatic foundation when sautéed.
- Garlic: Freshly minced for that irresistible savory punch.
- Spinach or kale: Adds vibrant color and nutrients, plus a pleasant leafy texture.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated for the best melt and maximum flavor.
- Fresh herbs (basil and parsley): For garnish, these elevate and freshen the finished soup beautifully.
- Olive oil: Needed for sautéing the onion and garlic to golden perfection.
How to Make Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it softens and becomes translucent. This releases a natural sweetness that forms the delicious base of your soup. Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook just until it’s fragrant, making sure it doesn’t burn. This step is where the aroma begins to fill your kitchen and draw everyone to the stove.
Step 2: Brown the Italian Sausage
Drop the Italian sausage into the pot, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Brown it thoroughly, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking. This browning step is crucial because it deepens the sausage’s flavors and adds a wonderful meaty richness that will permeate the entire dish.
Step 3: Add the Broth and Simmer
Pour in the vegetable broth, using your spoon to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. These bits pack serious flavor and will enrich the soup’s broth. Bring everything to a gentle simmer, allowing all those combined flavors to meld together beautifully before adding the pasta.
Step 4: Cook the Ditalini Pasta
Add the ditalini pasta to the simmering broth. Let it cook until just al dente, which usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. The pasta will soak up the flavors in the broth while maintaining a fun, bite-sized texture that’s perfect for a soup like this.
Step 5: Stir in Cream and Parmesan
Lower the heat, then slowly add the heavy cream followed by the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir gently but continuously until the cheese melts fully and the soup develops its signature creamy richness. This is what transforms the dish into the luscious Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe that you’ll keep coming back to.
Step 6: Add Greens and Herbs
Finally, fold in your choice of chopped spinach or kale along with fresh basil and parsley. Allow the greens to wilt just until tender, lending freshness and a beautiful pop of green that balances the creamy texture.
Step 7: Serve Hot and Enjoy
Ladle the soup into bowls and serve immediately. If you’re feeling indulgent, sprinkle extra Parmesan on top and maybe a few fresh herb leaves. That’s the perfect finish to this comforting classic.
How to Serve Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a handful of chopped fresh basil or parsley instantly elevate the presentation and add bursts of flavor. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes can add a delightful finishing touch too.
Side Dishes
Crusty garlic bread or a warm baguette pairs beautifully, perfect for dipping into the creamy broth. A simple mixed green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette can also balance the richness with a bright, crisp contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this soup in charming rustic bowls for a cozy vibe or in clear glass mugs for casual entertaining. Garnishing each serving with a small sprig of fresh herb gives it a restaurant-quality touch that feels thoughtful and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This soup keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making next-day leftovers even better. Just give it a good stir before reheating.
Freezing
You can freeze the soup, but note that the cream and pasta may change texture slightly. For best results, freeze before adding the cream and cheese, then add those fresh when you reheat the soup.
Reheating
Gently reheat on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent the dairy from separating. Add a splash of broth or cream if the soup thickens too much during reheating.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of Italian sausage?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be a leaner alternative. Just add Italian herbs or mild spices to mimic the sausage’s flavor since it won’t be as seasoned on its own.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Traditional ditalini pasta contains gluten, but you can swap it for a gluten-free small pasta shape to make the recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
Can I substitute the heavy cream with a lighter alternative?
You can try using half-and-half or coconut milk for a lighter or dairy-free version, but the soup won’t be quite as rich and creamy as intended.
How long does it take to make this soup from start to finish?
This soup typically takes about 30 to 40 minutes, including prep and cooking time — perfect for a weeknight meal that doesn’t feel rushed.
Can I prepare this soup vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the sausage and increase the amount of vegetables or add a plant-based sausage alternative for a vegetarian option that still packs plenty of flavor.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a bowl of Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe that feels both satisfying and effortlessly elegant. It’s the kind of dish that invites you to slow down, savor every spoonful, and share with people you care about. Give this recipe a go — I promise it will become one of your favorite go-to comfort foods.
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Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup is a comforting and hearty meal perfect for any season. Featuring savory Italian sausage, tender ditalini pasta, and a rich blend of heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan, this soup combines robust flavors with nutritious greens like spinach or kale. Garnished with fresh basil and parsley, it delivers a delightful Italian-inspired taste that’s easy to prepare on the stovetop.
Ingredients
Sausage and Vegetables
- 1 lb Italian sausage (sweet or spicy)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups spinach or kale, chopped
Liquids and Dairy
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
Pasta
- 1 cup ditalini pasta
Garnish
- Fresh herbs: basil and parsley for garnish
- Olive oil (for sautéing)
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Cook Sausage: Crumble the Italian sausage into the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through, approximately 7-8 minutes.
- Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in the vegetable broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot to add flavor. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Cook Pasta: Add the ditalini pasta to the simmering broth. Cook until the pasta is al dente, about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan cheese until the cheese melts completely and the soup turns creamy and smooth.
- Incorporate Greens and Herbs: Mix in the chopped spinach or kale along with fresh basil and parsley. Stir until the greens are wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
- You can substitute kale with spinach for a milder flavor or use a mix of both greens.
- For a lower-fat version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Adjust the level of spiciness by choosing sweet or spicy Italian sausage based on your preference.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently to prevent curdling.
- To make this soup gluten-free, substitute ditalini pasta with a gluten-free pasta alternative.
