If you’re craving a comforting bowl of soup that bursts with creamy, cheesy goodness and a satisfying savory kick, look no further than this Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe. It’s a cozy, hearty dish featuring tender ditalini pasta swimming in a luscious broth enriched with Italian sausage, Parmesan cheese, and a touch of fresh spinach. Perfect for chilly nights or whenever you need a flavorful hug in a bowl, this recipe balances rich creaminess with bold herbal notes to keep every spoonful exciting and utterly delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this soup lies in its simplicity—each ingredient plays an essential role in building layers of flavor and texture that make this dish truly memorable. From the savory Italian sausage to the sharp Parmesan and vibrant spinach, everything comes together beautifully to create that signature creamy and hearty experience.
- Olive oil: Helps brown the sausage beautifully, adding depth to the soup’s base flavor.
- Italian sausage (1 pound, casings removed): Brings a rich, spicy, and meaty element that’s the heart of the dish.
- Medium onion, diced: Adds natural sweetness and softness that balances the spices.
- Garlic, minced (3 cloves): Offers a fragrant punch that elevates every bite.
- Chicken broth (4 cups): Creates a flavorful yet light broth to carry all the ingredients perfectly.
- Half-and-half (2 cups): Supplies that creamy texture without being overly heavy.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1 cup): Infuses the soup with its signature umami-rich, cheesy goodness.
- Dried basil (1 teaspoon): Adds a sweet, aromatic herbiness that complements the sausage.
- Dried oregano (1 teaspoon): Brings warm, slightly bitter herbal notes that deepen the flavor.
- Salt (1 teaspoon, or to taste): Essential for balancing and enhancing all flavors.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Lends mild heat and complexity.
- Ditalini pasta (1 cup): Small and perfect for spoonfuls of soup, adding satisfying bite and texture.
- Spinach, chopped (1/2 cup, optional): A fresh green surprise that adds color and nutrition.
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional): Provides a bright, fresh contrast at the end.
How to Make Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Italian Sausage
Start by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with your spoon as it browns. This step is crucial because the caramelized bits and rendered fat form the savory foundation of your soup. Cook until the sausage is fully browned and cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Next, toss in your diced onion and minced garlic. Stir and sauté until the onion turns soft and translucent, typically 3 to 4 minutes. This step mellows the onion and lets the garlic shine without becoming bitter, setting the stage for a beautifully balanced broth.
Step 3: Add Chicken Broth and Simmer
Pour in the chicken broth and bring everything to a gentle simmer. This lets the flavors start marrying as the broth picks up all the nuances from the browned sausage, onion, and garlic.
Step 4: Incorporate Cream, Cheese, and Herbs
Stir in the half-and-half, Parmesan cheese, dried basil, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Return the soup to a simmer—it will thicken slightly while the cheese melts in, enriching the broth with a creamy, herb-infused flavor that defines this Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe.
Step 5: Cook the Ditalini Pasta
Add the ditalini pasta directly into the simmering soup. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and cook for about 8 to 10 minutes or until the pasta is tender but still holds its shape. This small pasta is perfect here, letting you enjoy a little bit in every spoonful.
Step 6: Add the Spinach
When the pasta is almost done, stir in the chopped spinach if you’re using it. Cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes just until the spinach wilts, adding a lovely pop of color and a fresh flavor contrast.
Step 7: Final Seasoning Adjustments
Give your soup a taste and adjust the seasoning as needed by adding a bit more salt or pepper to suit your preference. This step ensures every bowl is perfectly flavored to your liking.
Step 8: Serve with Fresh Parsley
Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a bright, fresh finish. This simple touch adds color and a subtle herbal lift to the dish.
How to Serve Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a classic garnish, but feel free to get creative with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan or even a drizzle of good-quality olive oil. These finishing touches enhance both the presentation and the flavor, making each serving feel special.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs beautifully with crusty Italian bread or garlic breadsticks, perfect for dipping and soaking up the creamy broth. A crisp green salad on the side can also add a refreshing balance to this rich and hearty meal.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests, serve this soup in mini bread bowls or soup mugs for an inviting, rustic look. You can also offer a small cheese board alongside, complementing the Parmesan’s flavors with bittersweet or tangy cheeses for a sophisticated touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let your leftover Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It will keep well in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days, allowing you to enjoy the cozy flavors again without any loss of taste or texture.
Freezing
This soup freezes nicely, but keep in mind that the pasta may become softer after thawing. To freeze, place the cooled soup in freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion. It will maintain good quality for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking or burning. If the soup thickens too much, simply add a splash of chicken broth or water. Avoid microwaving at very high heat to keep the cream from separating.
FAQs
Can I use turkey sausage instead of Italian sausage?
Absolutely! Turkey sausage will provide a leaner option with a milder flavor. Just make sure it’s well-seasoned to keep the soup flavorful and satisfying.
Is there a vegetarian version of this soup?
Yes, you can swap the Italian sausage for sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based sausage alternative. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a completely vegetarian-friendly meal.
What can I substitute for half-and-half?
If you don’t have half-and-half, a combination of equal parts milk and heavy cream works perfectly. For a lighter version, you can also use whole milk, though the soup will be a bit less creamy.
Can I prepare the soup without the pasta? How do I add it later?
You can make the soup base without the pasta and store it separately. When ready to serve, cook the ditalini pasta fresh, then add it to warmed soup just before eating to retain the pasta’s perfect texture.
How spicy is this soup?
The soup has a mild to moderate spice level, mainly from the Italian sausage. If you prefer more heat, add crushed red pepper flakes while sautéing the onions or choose a spicy Italian sausage variety.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm embrace on a plate. It’s rich, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make, perfect for family dinners or impressing friends. I can’t recommend it enough—once you try this soup, it’s sure to have a special place in your comfort food rotation. So, grab your ingredients and dive into this deliciously creamy, cheesy, and hearty meal that truly warms the soul.
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 comforting and creamy Italian-inspired soup featuring browned Italian sausage, tender ditalini pasta, and fresh spinach in a Parmesan and herb-infused broth. Perfect for a hearty weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage (casings removed)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups half-and-half
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup ditalini pasta
- 1/2 cup spinach, chopped (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned and fully cooked, approximately 6-8 minutes.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté until the onion is soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Add Dairy and Seasonings: Stir in half-and-half, grated Parmesan cheese, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Return the soup to a simmer, ensuring everything is well combined.
- Cook the Pasta: Add ditalini pasta to the pot, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Let it cook for 8-10 minutes or until the pasta is tender.
- Add Spinach: Stir in chopped spinach if using, and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until wilted.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust salt and pepper as needed for your preference.
- Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half with milk or a low-fat cream alternative.
- Spinach is optional but adds a fresh, nutritious touch to the soup.
- Ditalini pasta can be substituted with other small pasta shapes like elbow macaroni or small shells.
- To reduce sodium, use low-sodium chicken broth and adjust salt accordingly.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days; reheat gently to prevent curdling of the cream.
