Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe

If you’re looking for a heartwarming dish that wraps you in comfort and flavor, then this Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe is just what you need! This soup is like a warm hug on a chilly evening, combining rich, creamy Parmesan with the savory goodness of Italian sausage and tender ditalini pasta. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want to whip up something delightful or for family gatherings where everyone can enjoy a cozy bowl together.

Every spoonful of this soup is packed with flavor and goodness, making it a consistent favorite at our table. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or simply treating yourself to a comforting meal, this recipe is sure to bring smiles all around!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: In just about an hour, you can have a delicious pot of soup ready to serve.
• Family-Friendly: With its creamy texture and delightful flavors, everyone will love this dish—even the picky eaters!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: This soup stores well in the fridge, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers.
• Flavorful & Satisfying: Combining Italian sausage with creamy Parmesan creates a rich taste that warms your soul.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these simple, wholesome ingredients is half the fun! Each one contributes to the comforting and delicious nature of this soup. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, depending on preference)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium carrot, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 4 cups chicken broth (preferably low-sodium)
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 ½ cups ditalini pasta (uncooked)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative with your ingredients. Here are some fun ideas to mix things up:

• Swap the protein: Try using ground turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter option without sacrificing flavor.
• Add more veggies: Toss in some spinach or kale towards the end of cooking for added nutrition and color.
• Make it spicy: If you love heat, add red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage as your base.
• Creamy alternatives: For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based cream alternative.

How to Make Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Italian Sausage

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage—whether you choose mild or spicy depends on your taste buds! Break it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Browning it for about 6-8 minutes ensures that all those delicious flavors develop beautifully. Once cooked through, remove the sausage from the pot and set it aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pot, add in your diced onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté these veggies for about 5-7 minutes until they start to soften. Stir occasionally so they don’t burn! Once softened, introduce the minced garlic and let it cook for another minute or two until fragrant—the aroma will fill your kitchen!

Step 3: Add the Broth and Tomatoes

Pour in the chicken broth along with the undrained diced tomatoes. Stir everything together and bring it to a simmer over medium-high heat. As it simmers, sprinkle in dried Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Letting this mixture bubble away for about 10-15 minutes melds all those lovely flavors while tenderizing the vegetables.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Now it’s time to add in your uncooked ditalini pasta! Stir it into the soup so that it’s evenly distributed throughout. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer for another 10-12 minutes until the pasta is tender—don’t forget to stir occasionally so nothing sticks!

Step 5: Add the Cream and Parmesan

Once your pasta is perfectly cooked, reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream until everything looks creamy and smooth. Then add grated Parmesan cheese; stirring until it’s melted creates that velvety richness we crave in soups!

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Return that deliciously cooked Italian sausage back into the pot. Give it all another gentle simmer for about five minutes—this warms everything through beautifully. Taste your creation and adjust seasoning if needed; maybe a little more salt or pepper? Ladle this scrumptious soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for that pop of color! Serve hot alongside crusty bread or a fresh green salad.

Enjoy every bite of this Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe—it’s sure to become one of your favorites too!

Pro Tips for Making Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe

Making this delightful soup is a breeze, and with a few pro tips, you can elevate it to the next level!

• Use fresh herbs: Fresh parsley or basil can add a vibrant flavor that dried herbs simply can’t match. Just sprinkle them on top before serving for a fragrant finish.
• Adjust the creaminess: If you prefer a lighter soup, reduce the amount of heavy cream or substitute it with half-and-half. This allows you to enjoy the creamy texture while cutting down on calories.
• Experiment with veggies: Don’t hesitate to add your favorite vegetables like spinach or kale for extra nutrition. They will wilt nicely into the soup and boost its health benefits.
• Cook pasta separately (optional): For an even heartier version, cook your ditalini pasta separately and add it to each bowl when serving. This prevents the pasta from soaking up too much broth as leftovers.
• Make it ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day! Prepare it in advance and let it sit overnight in the fridge. Reheat gently before serving to enhance the flavors.

How to Serve Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe

Serving this creamy soup can make all the difference in your dining experience. Here are some ideas to present it beautifully and deliciously!

Garnishes

• Fresh parsley: A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds color and a burst of flavor that complements the rich broth.
• Cracked black pepper: A pinch of freshly cracked black pepper enhances the overall taste with a subtle kick.
• Parmesan shavings: A few shavings of additional Parmesan cheese on top provide an exquisite finishing touch that emphasizes the cheesy goodness of the soup.

Side Dishes

• Crusty bread: Serve with slices of warm crusty bread for dipping. The bread acts like a sponge, soaking up every bit of that creamy broth.
• Simple green salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a vinaigrette can balance out the richness of the soup while adding freshness.
• Garlic knots: These buttery, garlicky knots are perfect for pairing with soup; they’re great for mopping up any leftover broth!
• Roasted vegetables: Seasoned roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or carrots provide a delicious contrast to the creamy texture of the soup while adding more nutrients to your meal.

With these tips and serving suggestions in mind, you’re ready to enjoy a comforting bowl of Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup! Happy cooking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This creamy Parmesan Italian sausage ditalini soup is perfect for meal prep! It not only tastes delicious but also stores well, making it convenient for busy weeknights.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• When storing, keep the pasta separate if you want to maintain its texture; add it back in when reheating.

Freezing

• Let the soup cool completely before freezing.
• Use freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space at the top as the soup will expand when frozen.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. To make thawing easier, consider portioning into smaller containers.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of broth or cream if needed to reach your desired consistency.
• You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave; stir halfway through for even heating.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this recipe!

Can I use a different type of pasta in the Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe?

Absolutely! While ditalini is perfect for this soup, you can substitute with other small pasta shapes like elbow macaroni or mini shells. Just adjust cooking times as necessary.

How can I make the Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the sausage and replace it with veggie crumbles or sautéed mushrooms for added flavor. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Can I add more vegetables to the soup?

Yes! Feel free to get creative and add your favorite vegetables such as spinach, kale, or bell peppers. Just remember to adjust cooking times accordingly so they remain tender but not mushy.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup! It’s not just a recipe; it’s a warm hug in a bowl that brings comfort and satisfaction. Perfect for cozy evenings or when you need a little pick-me-up. Enjoy every spoonful, and don’t hesitate to share this delightful dish with family and friends!