Name: Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy); 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)

Creamy Parmesan Italian sausage ditalini soup served in a bowl

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Why Make This Recipe

Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup is a cozy and filling dish perfect for any day of the week. Its rich flavors come from savory Italian sausage, creamy broth, and tender ditalini pasta. This soup is great for chilly evenings and brings warmth to your table. Plus, it’s easy to make and can be enjoyed by the whole family!

How to Make Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup

Ingredients

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)

Directions

Cook the Italian Sausage: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Cook for 6-8 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove the sausage from the pot and set it aside.
Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add the diced onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, until they begin to soften. Stir occasionally. Once softened, add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add the Broth and Tomatoes: Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes with their juices. Stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat. Once simmering, add the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Let the soup simmer for 10-15 minutes to meld flavors.
Cook the Pasta: Add the uncooked ditalini pasta, stirring to distribute it in the broth. Reduce heat to medium and continue to simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is tender. Stir occasionally.
Add the Cream and Parmesan: Once the pasta is cooked, reduce heat to low and stir in the heavy cream until the soup is creamy and smooth. Then, add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted.
Finish and Serve: Return the cooked Italian sausage to the pot, stirring to combine. Let the soup simmer for 5 minutes more. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley. Serve hot with crusty bread or a simple green salad.

How to Serve Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup

Serve this comforting soup in deep bowls, topped with fresh parsley for a pop of color. Accompany it with slices of crusty bread or a light salad to create a satisfying meal.

How to Store Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup

To store leftovers, let the soup cool completely. Transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When reheating, you may want to add a bit of broth or water to thin it out as the pasta may absorb some liquid.

Tips to Make Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup

For extra flavor, use homemade chicken broth if possible.
Feel free to add more vegetables like spinach or kale for added nutrition.
Taste the soup before serving and adjust the seasoning to suit your preference.

Variation

You can swap out the ditalini pasta for any small pasta shape you have on hand, such as elbow macaroni or orzo. Additionally, using turkey sausage instead of Italian sausage can make this dish lighter.

FAQs

Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, this soup can be made ahead of time. Just reheat it gently before serving.

Can I freeze Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup?
It’s best to freeze the soup without the pasta since the pasta can become mushy. You can freeze the soup base and add freshly cooked pasta when you reheat it.

What can I use instead of heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version, but the soup will be less creamy. For a dairy-free option, try coconut milk.