If you are searching for a comforting meal that wraps you in warmth and flavor, this Cozy Ditalini Soup with Creamy Parmesan and Italian Sausage Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a beautiful blend of hearty Italian sausage, tender ditalini pasta, and a luxuriously creamy Parmesan broth that feels like a hug in a bowl. Every spoonful promises a balance of richness, spice, and subtle herbaceous notes that will quickly make this soup your go-to for chilly evenings or anytime you crave a soulful, satisfying dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this soup so special starts with the ingredients, each playing a vital role in creating its comforting profile. The sausage adds a savory punch, ditalini pasta brings a fun bite-sized texture, and the creamy Parmesan base gives it that irresistible smoothness and depth.
- 1/2 lb Italian sausage: Removing the casing allows the sausage to crumble and brown evenly, building the soup’s rich foundation.
- 1 cup ditalini pasta: This tiny tube pasta perfectly nests in each spoonful, absorbing the flavors beautifully.
- 4 cups chicken broth: The savory liquid base that keeps the soup light yet flavorful.
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated: Adds a nutty, creamy character that defines this soup’s signature taste.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Introduces luscious creaminess without overwhelming the other ingredients.
- 1 onion, chopped: Offers natural sweetness and depth when sautéed gently.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Brings aromatic warmth and a hint of pungency to the broth.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs like oregano and basil that ties all the flavors together.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for balancing and enhancing every layer of flavor.
How to Make Cozy Ditalini Soup with Creamy Parmesan and Italian Sausage Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Begin by cooking the Italian sausage in a large pot over medium heat. Break it apart as it cooks so it browns evenly, releasing its flavorful oils. This step not only adds a savory backbone but also creates a wonderful aroma that promises something great is coming.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic directly to the pot with the sausage. Let them cook together until the onion softens and becomes translucent, about three minutes. This melds their flavors perfectly, building a savory base with a touch of sweetness that complements the sausage.
Step 3: Add the Broth and Bring to Simmer
Pour in the chicken broth to the pot and bring everything to a gentle simmer. This step allows the flavors to marry, and the broth starts soaking up all the wonderful goodness from the browned sausage and sautéed aromatics.
Step 4: Cook the Ditalini Pasta
Once simmering, stir in the ditalini pasta. Let it cook for about 10 minutes or until tender but still with a slight bite. The pasta is the perfect shape and size to hold onto the broth, so it becomes wonderfully satisfying with every mouthful.
Step 5: Stir in Parmesan and Cream
Lower the heat and mix in the grated Parmesan cheese and heavy cream. The Parmesan melts smoothly into the soup, enhancing its creamy texture and adding that distinctive cheesy depth, while the cream softens the broth, making it velvety and rich.
Step 6: Season and Simmer
Finish by seasoning with Italian seasoning, salt, and freshly ground pepper. Let the soup simmer for an additional five minutes to thicken slightly and allow the flavors to deepen and harmonize. It’s now ready to warm you up from the inside out!
How to Serve Cozy Ditalini Soup with Creamy Parmesan and Italian Sausage Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your soup experience, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or basil on top just before serving. A few extra shavings of Parmesan add a lovely finishing touch and a burst of fresh cheese flavor. If you like a hint of heat, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes is a fantastic addition.
Side Dishes
This soup shines when paired with crusty Italian bread or garlic breadsticks. They are perfect for dipping into the creamy broth. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette also provides a refreshing contrast to the soup’s richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming presentation, serve the soup in rustic bowls with a drizzle of good quality olive oil or a swirl of extra cream. You can also offer Parmesan crisps on the side — they’re made by baking thin layers of grated Parmesan until crispy and add a delightful crunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any Cozy Ditalini Soup with Creamy Parmesan and Italian Sausage Recipe left, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep beautifully for up to three days, making it perfect for a quick, nutritious meal the next day.
Freezing
This soup freezes well but consider leaving out the cream if you plan to freeze it, adding that fresh when reheating. Freeze the soup in portions in freezer-safe containers for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat the soup slowly on low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the cream and cheese from separating. Adding a splash of broth or water can help restore the soup’s original consistency. Finish with a quick taste test to adjust seasoning if needed.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Absolutely! While Italian sausage gives this soup its signature flavor, you can use turkey sausage or even a spicy chorizo for a different but equally delicious twist.
Is ditalini pasta necessary, or can I substitute it?
Ditalini works great because of its size and shape, but you can substitute with any small pasta like elbow macaroni or small shells without affecting the texture too much.
How can I make this soup vegetarian?
Skip the sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add hearty vegetables like mushrooms or lentils to keep the soup filling and flavorful.
Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Yes, simply swap out the heavy cream for coconut milk or a dairy-free alternative and use a vegan Parmesan substitute to enjoy a creamy finish without dairy.
What’s the best way to reheat without curdling the cream?
Reheat the soup gently over low heat, stirring frequently and avoiding boiling. Adding a bit of extra broth helps maintain a smooth texture, ensuring the cream stays silky.
Final Thoughts
This Cozy Ditalini Soup with Creamy Parmesan and Italian Sausage Recipe is a shining example of how simple ingredients come together to create magic. It’s creamy, hearty, and so delicious that it feels like a special occasion in every bowl. I truly hope you give it a try and let this soup become a beloved staple in your kitchen, bringing comfort and joy one warm spoonful at a time.
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Cozy Ditalini Soup with Creamy Parmesan and Italian Sausage Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Cozy Ditalini Soup features hearty Italian sausage, tender ditalini pasta, and a creamy Parmesan-infused broth. It’s a comforting and flavorful soup perfect for a quick weeknight meal, combining savory sausage with aromatic Italian seasoning and a touch of creaminess from Parmesan cheese and heavy cream.
Ingredients
Sausage and Vegetables
- 1/2 lb Italian sausage, removed from casing
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids and Dairy
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Pasta and Seasonings
- 1 cup ditalini pasta
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Sausage: In a large pot, cook the Italian sausage over medium heat until browned, about 5 minutes, breaking it up as it cooks for even browning.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot with the sausage and cook for an additional 3 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
- Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth, stir well, and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer on medium heat.
- Cook the Pasta: Add the ditalini pasta to the simmering soup and cook until tender, approximately 10 minutes.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and heavy cream, blending thoroughly to create a creamy texture.
- Season and Finish: Incorporate the Italian seasoning and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the soup simmer gently for another 5 minutes to meld flavors, then serve hot.
Notes
- Use mild or spicy Italian sausage depending on your heat preference.
- Grate fresh Parmesan cheese for the best flavor impact.
- If thicker soup is desired, allow it to simmer slightly longer to reduce.
- Substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth for a different subtle flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat gently on the stovetop.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
