Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe

If you’re in the mood for a hearty, comforting bowl of soup that delivers layers of flavor, Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup might just be what you’re looking for. This recipe is the perfect balance of savory, creamy, and satisfying, and it’s incredibly easy to whip up. Whether you’re looking for something to warm you up on a chilly evening or a dish that feels like a cozy hug in a bowl, this soup checks all the boxes. The star of the show is the rich, creamy broth infused with the flavorful Italian sausage, complemented by the subtle bite of the ditalini pasta. With every spoonful, you get a burst of herby goodness, cheese, and just enough spice to make your taste buds dance. It’s one of those soups that makes you feel like a seasoned chef, even if you’re still learning the ropes.

Ready to dive into this delicious recipe? Let’s get cooking!

Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe

Here’s the breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need, followed by the easy steps to get you to your delicious soup in no time. Get your apron on and let’s do this!

Ingredients Needed

Before you start, take a look at what you’ll need. These ingredients come together to create a hearty soup with incredible depth of flavor. Here’s your shopping list:

• Italian Sausage – 1 pound of your favorite Italian sausage (spicy or mild, depending on your preference). The sausage is the backbone of the soup, adding a savory richness that will carry the whole dish.
• Ditalini Pasta – 1 cup of this tiny, tube-shaped pasta. Ditalini is perfect because it absorbs the creamy broth without getting mushy. You can swap it with another small pasta like orzo or elbow macaroni if needed.
• Heavy Cream – 1 cup for that luxurious creamy texture. The cream ties everything together, making the soup feel indulgent and smooth.
• Chicken Broth – 4 cups. This is your base liquid, which complements the sausage and cream perfectly. Chicken broth brings a subtle depth that balances the richness of the sausage and cream.
• Parmesan Cheese – ½ cup, freshly grated. Parmesan adds an earthy, nutty flavor that enhances the savory profile of the soup and makes it even creamier.
• Garlic – 2 cloves, minced. Garlic brings an aromatic punch, infusing the soup with its irresistible fragrance.
• Yellow Onion – 1 medium, diced. The onion adds sweetness and savory notes, forming the base of the flavor profile when sautéed.
• Spinach – 2 cups, fresh. This adds a touch of greenery and freshness to cut through the richness of the soup. You can also use kale or other leafy greens.
• Olive Oil – 1 tablespoon for sautéing. Olive oil provides a nice, smooth base for cooking the sausage and veggies.
• Seasonings – Salt, black pepper, dried basil, and red pepper flakes. These will help you season the soup perfectly, adjusting the balance of heat and earthiness to your liking.

Cooking Instructions

Now, let’s get down to the actual cooking process. Don’t worry, it’s simple and pretty quick!

1. Cook The Sausage

   • Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once it’s hot, crumble the sausage into the pot and cook until browned and fully cooked through. Use a spoon to break up the sausage as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes.

2. Sauté The Aromatics

   • Add the diced onion to the sausage and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. The sausage will release its fat, which will help cook the onions and garlic.

3. Add Liquids

   • Pour in the chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.

4. Cook The Pasta

   • Add the ditalini pasta to the pot and cook it in the simmering broth for about 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente. Be sure to stir occasionally so the pasta doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pot.

5. Make It Creamy

   • Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream, stirring to incorporate. Then add the grated Parmesan cheese and let it melt into the soup. Stir occasionally to ensure the cheese blends smoothly into the broth.

6. Add Spinach

   • Stir in the spinach and cook until wilted, which will only take a couple of minutes. This adds color, freshness, and some extra nutrients to the dish.

7. Season To Taste

   • Taste the soup and season with salt, pepper, dried basil, and red pepper flakes. Adjust these according to your preference. If you like a bit of heat, feel free to add more red pepper flakes. If you want a richer flavor, add more Parmesan.

8. Serve

   • Ladle the soup into bowls, and maybe sprinkle a little extra Parmesan on top. Serve hot, and enjoy the comforting warmth!

Ingredient Insights

Let’s take a moment to dive deeper into some of the ingredients that really make this soup stand out.

• Italian Sausage: This is the heart and soul of the dish. The combination of herbs like fennel, garlic, and sometimes red pepper flakes in the sausage gives the soup its unique flavor. You can choose between mild or spicy sausage, but the key is to get one with a good balance of seasoning.
• Heavy Cream: This makes the soup so rich and velvety. While some soups use milk or half-and-half, heavy cream gives it that indulgent texture without being overly greasy.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan is a game-changer. It adds an unmistakable savory, umami punch and blends seamlessly into the soup, creating a creamy, cheesy depth. Pre-grated cheese doesn’t melt as well and can have a grainy texture.
• Spinach: Besides the obvious health benefits (hello, vitamins!), spinach adds a wonderful contrast in flavor and texture. It wilts beautifully in the soup, adding a pop of green that balances the richness.

Expert Tips

• Choosing Sausage: When buying Italian sausage, opt for a high-quality brand. If you’re unsure, you can always ask the butcher for recommendations. Also, consider buying sausage that isn’t in a casing, as it will be easier to crumble and cook.
• Pasta Cooking Tip: To prevent the pasta from getting too soft or soggy, make sure to cook it just until al dente. Overcooking the pasta in the soup can lead to a mushy texture that can affect the overall mouthfeel.
• Creaminess Tip: For an even creamier texture, you can add a splash of half-and-half in addition to the heavy cream. If you prefer a lighter version, you can reduce the amount of cream or even use milk, but it won’t be quite as rich.
• Make Ahead: This soup actually gets better the next day! If you’re planning to make it in advance, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just be sure to reheat gently on the stove to avoid overcooking the pasta.

Recipe Variations

If you feel like getting creative with your soup, here are a few variations that can shake things up:

• Spicy Kick: Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for some more heat. If you love spicy food, you could even use spicy sausage to amp up the flavor.
• Vegetarian Version: Skip the sausage and opt for some roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms. You could also use a plant-based sausage to maintain the texture and savory notes.
• Different Greens: Instead of spinach, you could try kale, Swiss chard, or arugula. They all add unique flavors and textures to the soup.
• Add Beans: For extra protein and fiber, toss in a can of white beans or cannellini beans. They add a creamy texture that complements the rest of the soup beautifully.

Final Words

This Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup is a true crowd-pleaser, offering a rich, comforting bowl of goodness that’s perfect for any season. Whether you’re making it for yourself on a lazy day or serving it to guests, it’s a dish that feels both cozy and impressive. The best part? It’s easy enough for weeknight dinners, yet satisfying enough to make you feel like you’ve prepared something special.