If you are craving a comforting bowl that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, look no further than this Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe. It perfectly blends savory Italian sausage with tender ditalini pasta, fresh vegetables, and a luscious creamy Parmesan broth that will have you savoring every spoonful. This soup is a wonderful balance of hearty and delicate textures, brilliantly marrying rich flavors in just about 30 minutes, making it a go-to weeknight winner and an absolute crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe calls for ingredients that are straightforward yet essential to building its delightful flavor profile. Each one adds a unique contribution — from the rich, savory sausage to the creamy cheese that finishes the soup with velvety smoothness.
- 1 lb ground Italian sausage: Provides bold, spiced savoriness that’s the star protein.
- 1 cup ditalini pasta: Small tubular pasta that soaks up the broth perfectly without overpowering the soup.
- 4 cups chicken broth: Creates a flavorful base for the soup and adds a comforting warmth.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Brings luscious creaminess and balances the spices beautifully.
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a deep, umami-rich finish and thickens the broth.
- 1 medium onion, diced: Offers sweetness and depth when sautéed.
- 2 carrots, chopped: Adds subtle sweetness and vibrant color.
- 2 celery stalks, chopped: Lends an aromatic, fresh crunch and essential texture contrast.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the broth with its unmistakable, warming flavor.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that bring out and balance all the other flavors.
How to Make Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Begin by heating a large pot over medium heat and browning the ground Italian sausage. This not only cooks the meat through but also develops a beautiful caramelized flavor as the edges crisp up. Once browned, carefully drain off any excess grease to keep the soup from becoming too oily, then set the sausage aside for later.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pot, add the diced onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté these until they become tender and aromatic, about 4 to 5 minutes. This soft vegetable base is what builds the soul of the soup, releasing sweet and savory notes that complement the sausage perfectly.
Step 3: Add Broth and Cook Pasta
Pour in the chicken broth and bring it all to a rolling boil. Stir in the ditalini pasta and cook it until just al dente, about 8 minutes. The small pasta shape is perfect here because it doesn’t overwhelm the soup but still provides that lovely bite and heartiness.
Step 4: Finish with Cream and Parmesan
Turn the heat down to low and stir in the heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. As the cheese melts into the broth, the soup transforms into a silky, creamy delight that clings lovingly to every piece of sausage and pasta. Keep stirring until the soup is smooth and luscious.
Step 5: Season and Serve
Before serving, taste the soup and adjust with salt and pepper as needed. This final step tailors the soup perfectly to your palate, allowing the flavors to shine just right. Serve the soup hot for the best comforting experience.
How to Serve Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Adding the right garnishes can elevate your bowl tremendously. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese and a dusting of freshly ground black pepper make a classic finish. For a touch of fresh herbaceous brightness, try a handful of chopped parsley or basil, which contrast beautifully with the creamy base.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs marvelously with crusty bread or garlic breadsticks, perfect for sopping up every last bit of that heavenly broth. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing balance if you want to keep your meal light but satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy family dinner, serve the soup in rustic bowls with a drizzle of olive oil on top. If entertaining, ladle it into elegant soup cups and accompany it with parmesan crisps for a fun textural twist. Using colorful ceramic bowls can make the vibrant orange carrots and creamy soup pop visually, creating a welcoming table presence.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftover soup to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep beautifully for up to 3 days, giving you the option to enjoy this comforting dish without having to cook it again from scratch.
Freezing
This soup freezes well, but keep in mind that the cream and cheese might slightly separate upon thawing. Freeze your soup in freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving a bit of room for expansion. It will stay good for up to 2 months—perfect for a quick, hearty meal later on.
Reheating
When ready to reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen. Warm the soup gently over low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally to help recombine the cream and cheese. Avoid high heat, which can cause curdling. Adding a splash of broth or cream during reheating can restore the soup’s luscious texture.
FAQs
Can I use turkey sausage instead of Italian sausage?
Absolutely! Turkey sausage works as a leaner alternative and will still impart great flavor. Just choose a seasoned variety that matches the Italian style for the best results.
Is ditalini pasta essential or can I use another shape?
Ditalini is ideal because of its size and shape, but you can substitute other small pastas like elbow macaroni or small shells without any issues.
Can this soup be made dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free creamer, and use a vegan Parmesan alternative. Keep in mind the flavor and texture will change, but it will still be delicious!
How spicy is the soup, and can I adjust the heat?
This soup is generally mild due to the sausage; however, if you prefer more heat, adding crushed red pepper flakes during the sausage browning step adds a nice kick.
Can I add more vegetables to this soup?
Definitely! Feel free to throw in spinach, kale, or even zucchini to boost the nutrition and freshness while keeping the cozy flavor intact.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe is truly one of those dishes that brings warmth and joy to your table. With its hearty ingredients and rich, comforting flavors, it’s a recipe worth making again and again. Give it a try, and I promise it will become a favorite in your recipe rotation!
Print
Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A rich and comforting Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup featuring flavorful Italian sausage, tender ditalini pasta, and a creamy Parmesan-infused broth with sautéed vegetables. Perfect for a hearty weeknight meal ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Meat
- 1 lb ground Italian sausage
Pasta
- 1 cup ditalini pasta
Broth & Dairy
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Vegetables
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Brown the sausage: Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground Italian sausage and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess grease and set the sausage aside.
- Sauté vegetables: In the same pot, add the diced onion, chopped carrots, celery, and minced garlic. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant, about 4-5 minutes.
- Add broth and pasta: Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, stir in the ditalini pasta. Reduce heat slightly and cook the pasta for about 8 minutes until it reaches an al dente texture.
- Create creamy base: Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and stir in the heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Mix thoroughly until the cheese has melted and the soup is creamy and smooth.
- Season and serve: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to your preference. Serve the soup hot, optionally garnished with extra Parmesan cheese or accompanied by crusty bread for dipping.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or whole milk for the heavy cream, but the soup will be less creamy.
- Use turkey Italian sausage for a leaner alternative.
- Ditalini pasta may be substituted with small elbow macaroni or any small pasta shapes.
- Leftover soup stores well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days; reheat gently to prevent curdling of the cream.
- Add fresh spinach or kale at the end of cooking for extra greens and nutrients.
