Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe

If you’re craving a soul-warming meal with Italian flair, you’re going to fall in love with Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup. This dish is pure comfort food—a velvety, cheesy broth loaded with savory sausage, tender pasta, and just the right hit of herbs. It’s quick to make, easy to customize, and so incredibly satisfying on those chilly nights when all you want is a big bowl of coziness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup lies in its approachable, pantry-friendly list of ingredients. Each one brings something special—richly savory sausage, aromatic garlic and onion, and just the right pasta and cheese for comfort in every spoonful.

• Italian sausage (1 lb, casings removed): The star of the show. Go for mild or spicy depending on your preference—both work beautifully here!
• Olive oil (1 tbsp): Adds richness and lends the base extra depth as you brown the sausage and sauté the veggies.
• Onion (1 small, chopped): Sweetness and savoriness to boost your broth.
• Garlic (2 cloves, minced): For a classic Italian flavor kick. Freshly minced is best!
• Diced tomatoes (1 can, 14.5 oz): Brings a hint of acidity and color; don’t drain for full flavor.
• Chicken stock (2 quarts): The liquid foundation that carries all these flavors; opt for low-sodium if you prefer.
• Heavy cream (1/2 cup): What takes this soup from delicious to downright dreamy, adding rich creaminess.
• Ditalini pasta (1 cup): These adorable little tubes soak up broth and flavor, giving every bite some texture. Any small pasta works in a pinch.
• Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup, grated): For deeply savory, cheesy goodness. Fresh-grated is absolutely worth it if you can!
• Dried basil & oregano (1/2 tsp each): Classic Italian herbs for an instant boost of herby aroma.
• Salt and pepper: Adjust to taste, depending on the sausage you select and your own preferences.
• Fresh parsley: For a simple pop of color and freshness just before serving.

Variations

The best part about Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup is how easy it is to make your own. Don’t hesitate to swap out ingredients or change things up to fit your pantry, spice level, or family’s dietary needs!

• Try Different Sausages: Use chicken or turkey sausage for a lighter spin, or go with spicy Italian sausage if you like a little heat.
• Mix Up the Greens: Throw in a handful of spinach or chopped kale toward the end for a pop of color and extra nutrients.
• Dairy Free Version: Substitute coconut cream and your favorite plant-based Parmesan to make it entirely dairy free without losing creaminess.
• Gluten Free Option: Use a gluten-free small pasta or even chickpea ditalini for a celiac-friendly bowl.

How to Make Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Start by heating your olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Break up the Italian sausage as it cooks, browning it until it’s deeply golden and fully cooked. Remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set it aside—leaving all those flavorful bits in the pot is key for amping up the next step.

Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic

Add your chopped onion right into the same pot. Cook until it’s soft and translucent, then toss in the minced garlic. Give it about a minute—just until fragrant—so it doesn’t burn, filling your kitchen with irresistible Italian aromas.

Step 3: Simmer with Tomatoes, Stock, and Herbs

Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juices), chicken stock, dried basil, dried oregano, and your cooked sausage. Bring everything up to a gentle simmer, letting the flavors marry and deepen. It’s already smelling incredible!

Step 4: Add the Ditalini Pasta

Now toss in the ditalini pasta. Let it cook right in the bubbling soup, absorbing all those wonderful flavors—follow the pasta package for timing, but check a minute early to keep it perfectly al dente.

Step 5: Stir in the Cream and Parmesan

Lower the heat, then pour in the heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the cheese melts and the soup transforms into a golden, creamy dream. Taste and adjust with salt and black pepper as needed. Sprinkle with fresh parsley right before serving for a burst of color and freshness.

How to Serve Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup

Garnishes

I love to shower this soup with a flurry of freshly shaved Parmesan right as it hits the bowl. A scattering of chopped parsley or basil not only looks gorgeous but adds a fresh and herby finish. For a little heat, a quick pinch of cracked black pepper or red pepper flakes takes it to the next level.

Side Dishes

This Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup makes a meal on its own, but a good loaf of crusty Italian or sourdough bread is practically non-negotiable for sopping up every last drop. A simple green salad with a zesty vinaigrette balances out the richness, or go all-in with a tray of roasted veggies on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party or family gathering, ladle the soup into individual mini tureens or wide mugs and set out a DIY garnish bar with cheeses, fresh herbs, and artisan breadsticks. For a rustic touch, serve straight from the pot at the center of your table—let everyone help themselves for that cozy, Italian countryside feel.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors only get better as they meld, making it a fantastic next-day lunch or fast weeknight dinner.

Freezing

Freezing is possible, but keep in mind that the pasta may soften slightly when thawed. For best results, cook the soup base and freeze it before adding the pasta, cream, or cheese. When reheating, simply add freshly cooked ditalini, cream, and cheese right before serving.

Reheating

Gently reheat the soup on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often so the creamy base stays smooth. If the soup thickens up in the fridge, add a splash of chicken stock or milk as you warm it to bring it back to your perfect consistency.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to pull out your soup pot and treat yourself (and your loved ones) to this Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup. It’s one of those recipes that delivers big comfort from the very first spoonful—classic Italian coziness in a bowl. Try it soon and let it become your new forever favorite!

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