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When the weather cools down, there’s nothing better than curling up with a bowl of warm, cozy soup. This Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup is the ultimate comfort dish, featuring rich, savory flavors and a creamy texture that’ll have you savoring every spoonful. The combination of hearty Italian sausage, tender pasta, and velvety Parmesan-infused broth creates a soup that’s both indulgent and incredibly satisfying. It’s the perfect recipe for a chilly night or any time you’re craving something comforting and delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This soup is everything you want on a cold day! It’s creamy without being too heavy, loaded with deliciously seasoned sausage, and the small pasta adds the perfect bite. And the smell when this is in the oven is incredible! Imagine your home filled with the aroma of sautéed onions, garlic, and Italian sausage simmering in a rich broth—pure bliss.
Ingredients for Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup
To whip up this cozy bowl of goodness, here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 lb Italian sausage (casings removed)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup small pasta (ditalini or elbow)
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Necessary Tools for Preparation
You don’t need anything fancy to prepare this dish. Just a large pot or Dutch oven, a wooden spoon or spatula to stir, and a sharp knife for chopping the aromatics. A ladle is also handy for serving!
Step-by-Step: How to Make Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup
1. Cook the Sausage
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up as it cooks until browned. Once browned, remove the sausage from the pot and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics
- In the same pot, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion turns translucent and fragrant, about 3–4 minutes. This is where the magic happens—the onions and garlic build a beautiful flavor base.
3. Add Tomatoes and Broth
- Stir in the drained diced tomatoes, chicken broth, dried basil, and dried oregano. Give it a good stir and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. The herbs infuse the broth with a lovely Italian flair.
4. Cook the Pasta
- Add the ditalini (or elbow) pasta to the boiling broth mixture. Cook until the pasta is al dente, approximately 8–10 minutes. Be sure to keep an eye on it so it doesn’t get overcooked!
5. Make it Creamy
- Lower the heat to medium-low. Stir in the heavy cream and shredded Parmesan cheese, allowing the cheese to melt and thicken the soup. This step creates that irresistible creaminess that makes the soup so luxurious.
6. Add the Sausage Back In
- Return the browned sausage to the pot and stir well to combine. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
7. Serve and Enjoy
- Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley. Serve it up with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. Enjoy every warm, creamy bite!
Tips for the Best Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup
- Choose Good-Quality Parmesan: Since Parmesan is a key flavor here, using a high-quality, freshly grated Parmesan will elevate the entire dish.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Remember, the pasta will continue to absorb the broth even after cooking. Cooking it al dente is key to keeping that perfect texture.
- Add Greens: If you want to add some greens, try stirring in some baby spinach or kale at the end for extra color and nutrition.
Variations and Additions
- Make it Spicy: Use spicy Italian sausage or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to give the soup a kick.
- Swap the Pasta: Feel free to switch up the pasta. Farfalle or small shells would work beautifully.
- Veggie Boost: Throw in some diced zucchini or a handful of spinach for added nutrition.
What to Serve with Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup
Pair this soup with a crusty baguette, garlic bread, or cheesy breadsticks to soak up every last drop. A simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette would also make a light and refreshing side.
Storing and Reheating Instructions
- To Store: Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- To Reheat: Warm the soup over medium heat on the stove, stirring occasionally. You may need to add a splash of broth or cream if it thickens up too much.
FAQs
Can I Freeze This Soup?
Yes, but keep in mind that the pasta may become a bit mushy when reheated. If you plan to freeze, consider cooking the pasta separately and adding it when serving. To freeze, store in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months.
Can I Use Milk Instead of Heavy Cream?
You can substitute milk for a lighter version, but keep in mind that the soup may not be as creamy. For a closer match, try half-and-half or evaporated milk.
What Can I Use Instead of Ditalini Pasta?
If you don’t have ditalini, feel free to use small elbow macaroni, orzo, or even tiny farfalle. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a hearty, cozy dish to warm up on a cold night, this Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup is the one to try. It’s rich, comforting, and full of flavor from the browned Italian sausage, aromatic onion and garlic, and a creamy Parmesan broth. Serve it up with crusty bread, sprinkle on some fresh parsley, and dig into a bowl of bliss!
Recommended Recipes
- Turkey and Cranberry Crescent Ring: A delightful holiday-inspired dish that wraps savory turkey and tart cranberry in buttery crescents.
- Potato Pancakes: Golden, crispy potato pancakes that are perfect for breakfast or as a tasty side dish.
- Crockpot Potato Soup: A slow-cooked, creamy potato soup that’s incredibly easy to make and perfect for cold days.
Have you tried making this recipe? Leave a review below and share your photos on Pinterest—we’d love to see your creations!
Nutrition Information (Approximate per Serving)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Protein: 18g
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
Warm up with this delightful soup and enjoy!
PrintCreamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup is a rich, comforting dish perfect for chilly nights. With hearty Italian sausage, tender pasta, and a creamy Parmesan broth, this soup is both indulgent and satisfying. Easy to prepare and packed with flavor, it’s sure to become a family favorite!
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage (casings removed)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup small pasta (ditalini or elbow)
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks until browned. Remove the sausage and set aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In the same pot, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook until the onion turns translucent, about 3–4 minutes.
- Add Tomatoes and Broth: Stir in the drained diced tomatoes, chicken broth, dried basil, and dried oregano. Bring to a boil.
- Cook the Pasta: Add the pasta to the boiling broth mixture. Cook until the pasta is al dente, approximately 8–10 minutes.
- Make it Creamy: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Stir in the heavy cream and shredded Parmesan cheese until the cheese melts and the soup thickens.
- Add the Sausage Back In: Return the browned sausage to the pot, stirring to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve warm.
Notes
- Variations: For a spicy version, use spicy Italian sausage or add a pinch of red pepper flakes. For extra greens, stir in some spinach or kale at the end.
- Storage: This soup keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove and add a splash of broth if needed.
- Freezing: If freezing, consider cooking the pasta separately and adding it when serving to avoid it getting mushy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg