There is something truly comforting and satisfying about a warm bowl of soup that feels like a hug from the inside. The Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe is exactly that kind of dish—a luscious blend of savory Italian sausage, tender ditalini pasta, and bright fresh spinach, all brought together in a rich, creamy Parmesan-infused broth. It’s a perfect combination that delivers layers of flavor and texture, making it a definite weeknight favorite that you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the straightforward ingredients that each add their magic to the dish. From the flavorful Italian sausage to the hearty pasta, every component plays an important role in creating the perfect balance of taste, texture, and color in the soup.
- 1 lb Italian sausage: Choose your favorite pork, turkey, or chicken sausage for a flavorful and juicy base.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a subtle richness while sautéing the sausage and vegetables.
- 1 small onion, diced: Brings sweetness and depth to the broth.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced: Infuses the soup with aromatic warmth.
- 2 medium carrots, sliced: Provide a slight natural sweetness and a pop of color.
- 2 celery stalks, chopped: Adds a fresh, crisp flavor that complements the sausage.
- 4 cups chicken broth: Forms the savory liquid base bursting with flavor.
- 1 cup Ditalini pasta: Small pasta that cooks perfectly in soup and soaks up all the delicious flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano: Offers a classic Italian herb flavor that blends beautifully here.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil: Adds fragrant herbal notes that brighten the soup.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Gives the soup a luxuriously creamy texture and rich taste.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Introduces a salty, nutty flavor that harmonizes every ingredient.
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped: Provides a healthy green touch that wilts nicely into the warmth.
- Salt and pepper to taste: To enhance and balance all the flavors.
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional): Adds a vibrant, fresh finish to the dish when served.
How to Make Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Italian Sausage
Start by warming the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon so it browns evenly. Cook until the sausage is nicely browned and cooked through, then remove it from the pot and set aside. This step builds the hearty, savory foundation of the soup and infuses the oil with deep flavors.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics and Vegetables
In the same pot, toss in the diced onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and chopped celery. Cook these veggies until they’re soft and aromatic, about five minutes. This layer of softened vegetables adds subtle sweetness and complexity while soaking up the sausage-infused oil.
Step 3: Add Broth and Herbs
Pour the chicken broth into the pot and sprinkle in the dried oregano and basil. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. These herbs provide a warm, earthy background that complements the richness of the sausage and cream.
Step 4: Cook the Ditalini Pasta
Once the broth is boiling, add the Ditalini pasta. Cook it for about eight minutes, or until the pasta is tender yet still slightly firm to the bite. The small, tube-shaped pasta holds onto the broth, making each bite wonderfully satisfying.
Step 5: Stir in Sausage, Cream, and Parmesan
Reduce the heat to medium. Reintroduce the cooked sausage to the pot, then pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese. Let the soup simmer gently for five minutes, thickening beautifully and allowing all the flavors to meld together into a creamy, cheesy delight.
Step 6: Add Fresh Spinach and Season
Finally, stir in the chopped fresh spinach and cook just until it wilts into the soup, adding vibrant color and a fresh, leafy texture. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste, rounding out the flavors perfectly.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and dig in while warm. This tastes just like a cozy Italian kitchen hug in a bowl.
How to Serve Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley adds not only a lovely green color but a refreshing herbaceous note that cuts through the richness. You could also sprinkle a little extra grated Parmesan on top for an indulgent finishing touch. A twist of cracked black pepper adds texture and a pop of spice.
Side Dishes
Pair this soup with a crunchy, buttery garlic bread or warm crusty Italian bread for that perfect dipping experience. A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette can also add a bright contrast to the creamy soup, balancing the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a convivial dinner, serve the soup in mini bread bowls or hollowed-out sourdough rolls to make it feel extra special. You could also offer a Parmesan crisp on the side for a textural surprise or even swirl in a drizzle of pesto for a herby, unexpected flavor boost.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This soup keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to three days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve the flavors and prevent it from absorbing other odors. Give it a good stir before reheating.
Freezing
While creamy soups can sometimes separate when frozen, this recipe does fairly well thanks to the hearty ingredients. Freeze in a sealed container for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently to maintain the creaminess.
Reheating
Warm the soup on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If it thickens too much, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the texture. Avoid boiling to keep the cream smooth and luscious.
FAQs
Can I use a different pasta if I don’t have Ditalini?
Absolutely! Small pasta shapes like elbow macaroni, or small shells work wonderfully as substitutes. Just keep an eye on the cooking time so it doesn’t get mushy.
Is turkey sausage a good alternative to pork sausage?
Definitely. Turkey or chicken sausage will reduce the fat content and keep the dish lighter, while still providing plenty of savory flavor. Just choose a variety with Italian seasoning for the best taste.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the Italian sausage with sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based sausage alternative. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and it will still be deliciously hearty and creamy.
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Whole milk can work, but the soup will be less rich and creamy. For the best silky texture, heavy cream or half-and-half is recommended.
Is it okay to add the Parmesan cheese all at once?
Yes, stirring it in towards the end allows the cheese to melt smoothly into the soup, enriching the broth and adding great depth of flavor.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a soup that’s both hearty and comforting with a delightful creamy touch, the Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe is ready to win your heart. It’s a wonderful way to turn simple ingredients into a flavorful, cozy meal that feels made just for sharing with loved ones. Trust me, once you try it, it will become one of your go-to soups for chilly evenings!
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Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4.4 servings 1x
Description
This creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for any season. Packed with flavorful Italian sausage, tender ditalini pasta, fresh vegetables, and finished with a rich cream and Parmesan cheese blend, this soup offers a perfect balance of savory and creamy textures. Easy to prepare, it’s a delightful meal that warms you from the inside out.
Ingredients
Meat
- 1 lb Italian sausage (turkey or chicken sausage as a pork alternative)
Vegetables
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
Liquids & Dairy
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Pantry & Spices
- 1 cup Ditalini pasta
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Sausage: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it into small crumbles, and cook until browned. Remove the sausage from the pot and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add diced onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and chopped celery. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add Broth and Herbs: Pour in the chicken broth, then stir in the dried oregano and dried basil. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Cook the Pasta: Add the ditalini pasta to the boiling broth. Cook for about 8 minutes, or until the pasta is tender but still firm.
- Add Dairy and Sausage: Lower the heat to medium. Stir in the cooked sausage, heavy cream, and grated Parmesan cheese. Simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the soup to thicken slightly.
- Add Spinach and Season: Stir in the fresh chopped spinach until it wilts into the soup. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and enjoy warm!
Notes
- You can substitute turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter alternative to pork sausage.
- Ditalini pasta can be replaced with other small pasta shapes like orzo or small elbow macaroni.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and omit Parmesan or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on stovetop.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper according to your taste preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
