Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe

Cozy Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe

Comfort arrives in a steaming bowl of this creamy parmesan Italian sausage ditalini soup that warms every sense with rich, hearty flavors.

Robust Italian sausage mingles perfectly with tender ditalini pasta, creating a luxurious texture.

Chunks of savory meat blend seamlessly with soft pasta and velvety broth.

parmesan cheese adds a delightful tang that elevates each spoonful to something extraordinary.

Herbs and seasonings dance through the soup, promising a meal that satisfies deep hunger.

Fragrant and filling, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a culinary experience you’ll want to savor slowly.

Grab a ladle and prepare for a soul-warming journey through Italian-inspired comfort.

Creamy Parmesan Sausage Ditalini Soup Special Features

  • A hearty soup that wraps you in warmth with its rich, creamy texture and robust Italian sausage flavors.
  • One-pot meal that minimizes kitchen cleanup and requires minimal cooking skills, perfect for busy home cooks.
  • Flexible recipe that lets you adjust ingredients based on what's in your pantry, making it adaptable for different taste preferences.
  • Packed with protein and satisfying ingredients that appeal to both kids and adults, ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients for Parmesan Ditalini Soup

Protein Base:
  • Italian Sausage: A flavorful meat that adds richness and depth to the soup.
  • Chicken Broth: Creates the liquid foundation and provides savory background flavor.
Dairy and Cream Components:
  • Heavy Cream, Parmesan Cheese: Contribute creamy texture and a rich, tangy cheese flavor that makes the soup luxurious and comforting.
Aromatic and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Onion, Garlic: Provide a classic aromatic base that builds the soup's fundamental flavor profile.
  • Diced Tomatoes: Add moisture and bright, slightly acidic undertones to balance the creamy elements.
  • Dried Basil, Dried Oregano: Introduce traditional Italian herb notes that complement the sausage and enhance overall taste.
Pasta Component:
  • Ditalini Pasta: A small, short pasta that creates perfect bites and absorbs the soup's flavors well.
Cooking Essentials:
  • Olive Oil: Helps sauté ingredients and prevents sticking.
  • Salt, Pepper: Seasonings that adjust and balance the soup's final taste.
Garnish:
  • Fresh Parsley: Adds a bright, fresh finish and visual appeal to the soup.

Tools for Ditalini Soup Perfection

  • Large Pot: Essential for cooking the entire soup, allowing ample space for sautéing and simmering ingredients.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for breaking up sausage and stirring ingredients without scratching the pot.
  • Cutting Board: Needed for chopping onions and preparing fresh parsley for garnish.
  • Sharp Knife: Used to dice onions and mince garlic with precision.
  • Measuring Cups: Helps accurately measure broth and other liquid ingredients.
  • Ladle: Ideal for serving the soup into individual bowls smoothly.

Making Creamy Parmesan Ditalini Soup

Step 1: Brown Sausage Goodness

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Crumble the Italian sausage into the pot, breaking it apart as it sizzles and turns golden brown.

Once fully cooked, transfer the sausage to a separate plate, keeping those delicious drippings behind.

Step 2: Aromatic Veggie Base

In the same pot, toss in:
  • Diced onions
  • Minced garlic

Sauté these fragrant ingredients until the onions become soft and translucent, releasing their sweet aroma throughout the kitchen.

Step 3: Build Flavor Foundation

Pour in the following ingredients:
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Chicken broth
  • Dried basil
  • Dried oregano

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, letting the herbs infuse their Mediterranean magic into the liquid.

Step 4: Pasta Performance

Drop the ditalini pasta directly into the bubbling broth.

Let it cook until perfectly tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Creamy Transformation

Lower the heat and introduce:
  • Heavy cream
  • Shredded Parmesan cheese

Stir gently, watching the soup transform into a luxuriously smooth and rich mixture as the cheese melts completely.

Step 6: Final Reunion

Return the crispy browned sausage back to the pot.

Stir to distribute evenly and season with salt and pepper to your preferred taste.

Step 7: Serve With Style

Ladle the steaming soup into bowls.

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for a bright, fresh finish.

Serve immediately and enjoy the comforting warmth.

Tips to Nail Parmesan Ditalini Soup

  • Cut sausage into uniform, bite-sized pieces for even cooking and better distribution throughout the soup.
  • Undercook ditalini slightly during initial boiling, as it will continue to soften in the hot broth, preventing mushy pasta.
  • Add heavy cream slowly and stir continuously to prevent separation and ensure a smooth, creamy consistency.
  • Toast dried herbs briefly in the pot before adding liquid to intensify their aromatic qualities and depth of taste.
  • Taste the soup before final salt and pepper addition, as Parmesan cheese already provides significant saltiness.

Fun Variations for Ditalini Soup Lovers

  • Gluten-Free Version: Replace ditalini pasta with gluten-free rice pasta or quinoa shells. Use certified gluten-free chicken broth to ensure dietary compliance.
  • Vegetarian Adaptation: Swap Italian sausage with plant-based sausage crumbles or roasted mushrooms. Add extra herbs like thyme and rosemary for deeper flavor complexity.
  • Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute pasta with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. Reduce chicken broth quantity and increase cream for richer consistency.
  • Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. Replace Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternative for similar umami profile.

Ways to Dish Up Parmesan Ditalini Soup

  • Cozy Family Dinner Companion: Pair this hearty soup with crusty garlic bread for dipping and soaking up every delicious drop of creamy broth.
  • Weekend Comfort Feast: Serve alongside a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy soup and add fresh texture.
  • Cheese Lover's Dream: Sprinkle extra shredded Parmesan on top and add a few red pepper flakes for those who enjoy a spicy kick and more cheesy goodness.
  • Quick Meal Upgrade: Pack leftovers in a thermos for a warming lunch at work or school, ensuring a delightful midday comfort meal.

Storing Parmesan Ditalini Soup Properly

  • Store leftover soup in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover the surface with plastic wrap to prevent skin formation.
  • Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Freeze for 2-3 months. Avoid freezing dairy-based soups for best texture.
  • Warm soup in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture and prevent scorching. Heat until steaming and reach 165°F internal temperature.
  • Transfer soup to a microwave-safe bowl. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.

FAQs

  • Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute ditalini with small pasta shapes like small shells, orzo, or small elbow macaroni that cook quickly and hold up well in soup.

  • Is this soup spicy?

The soup’s spice level depends on the Italian sausage you choose. If you want less heat, select mild Italian sausage; for more kick, use hot Italian sausage.

  • How can I make this soup healthier?

Reduce the heavy cream and use half-and-half or whole milk. Choose lean Italian sausage and add extra vegetables like spinach or zucchini to boost nutrition.

  • Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Replace the Italian sausage with plant-based sausage or crumbled firm tofu. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to maintain a similar flavor profile.

Print
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Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe

Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe


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4.5 from 11 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty parmesan italian sausage ditalini soup warms winter evenings with rich Mediterranean flavors. Robust ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a comforting meal you will savor to the last spoonful.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) Italian sausage, casings removed

Vegetables and Aromatics:

  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14.5 ounces/411 grams) diced tomatoes, drained

Liquids and Dairy:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream

Pasta and Cheese:

  • 1 cup small pasta (ditalini or elbow)
  • 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Herbs and Seasonings:

  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Garnish:

  • Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Brown the Italian sausage in a large pot with olive oil over medium heat, breaking it into crumbles until fully cooked and golden. Transfer the sausage to a separate plate.
  2. Using the same pot, sauté diced onions and minced garlic until the onions become translucent and fragrant, approximately 3-4 minutes.
  3. Pour in drained diced tomatoes, chicken broth, dried basil, and dried oregano. Increase heat and bring the liquid to a rolling boil.
  4. Add ditalini pasta to the boiling mixture, stirring occasionally and cooking for 8-10 minutes until the pasta reaches an al dente texture.
  5. Reduce heat to medium-low and slowly incorporate heavy cream and shredded Parmesan cheese, gently stirring until the cheese melts and creates a smooth, creamy consistency.
  6. Reintroduce the reserved cooked sausage into the soup, mixing thoroughly to distribute evenly. Season with salt and pepper according to personal taste preferences.
  7. Carefully ladle the hot soup into serving bowls, garnishing with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant finishing touch.

Notes

  • Swap sausage with plant-based alternatives like crumbled tofu or vegetarian sausage for a meat-free version that keeps the rich, hearty flavor profile.
  • Control sodium levels by using low-sodium chicken broth and monitoring salt added during seasoning to make the soup heart-friendly.
  • Enhance protein content by adding white beans or lentils, which blend seamlessly with the creamy texture and provide extra nutritional value.
  • Achieve maximum flavor by browning sausage thoroughly and using freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead of pre-packaged varieties for a more robust taste experience.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 502
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 950 mg
  • Fat: 37 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 27 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 23 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
Clara Thompson

Clara Thompson

Recipe Developer & Food Educator

Expertise

Plant-based and vegetarian recipe development, Nutritional analysis and meal planning, Culinary education and workshop facilitation, Content writing with a focus on healthy living​

Education

Diploma in Culinary Arts, Mt. San Jacinto College, CA
Focus: Comprehensive culinary training with an emphasis on sustainable cooking practices.

Certificate in Nutrition and Healthy Living, Cornell University (Online Program)
Focus: Understanding the principles of nutrition to create balanced and health-conscious recipes.


Clara lives where fresh ideas and fresh ingredients meet. She pairs her culinary know-how with her passion for healthy, planet-friendly cooking.
For Clara, good food should taste great, nourish your body, and feel easy to make. Her recipes highlight whole foods, colorful produce, and a deep respect for seasonal eating.

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