Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup

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Introduction:

Cozy up with a bowl of Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup hearty, rich, and packed with savory Italian sausage, tender veggies, and creamy Parmesan goodness. It’s a comforting meal that feels like a warm hug in every bite. Perfect for chilly nights or when you just need something soul-satisfying!

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup ditalini pasta
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

  1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon, about 5–7 minutes.
  2. Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
  3. Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes. Bring to a boil.
  4. Stir in the ditalini pasta and cook according to package directions, about 8–10 minutes.
  5. Reduce heat to low and add the heavy cream and Parmesan. Stir until creamy and melted.
  6. Add spinach and cook for 2–3 minutes until wilted. Season with salt and pepper.
  7. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Variation

  1. Swap the Sausage for Ground Turkey or Chicken
    If you’re looking for a lighter version, ground turkey or chicken makes a great substitute for Italian sausage. Add extra Italian herbs like fennel, basil, and oregano to bring back some of that sausage flavor.
  2. Make it Spicy
    Use hot Italian sausage instead of mild, or stir in a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes while sautéing the sausage. This adds a gentle heat that balances beautifully with the creamy base.
  3. Go Dairy-Free
    Substitute the heavy cream with canned coconut milk or an unsweetened plant-based creamer, and use nutritional yeast or a dairy-free Parmesan alternative. The soup will still be creamy and comforting, with a slightly nutty twist.

Cooking Notes

  • Want extra richness? Add a splash more cream or a pat of butter at the end.
  • For a spicy kick, use hot Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes.
  • This soup thickens as it sits add a bit of broth when reheating to bring it back to life.
  • Not a fan of spinach? Kale or Swiss chard works beautifully too.

Serving Suggestions

  1. Pair with Crusty Garlic Bread
    A warm, toasted slice of garlic bread is perfect for dipping into the creamy broth and soaking up all that savory goodness.
  2. Add a Simple Side Salad
    Serve alongside a fresh green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette or balsamic dressing to balance the richness of the soup with a refreshing bite.
  3. Top with Extra Parmesan and Fresh Cracked Pepper
    Just before serving, sprinkle on a little more grated Parmesan and a few twists of fresh cracked pepper it makes the presentation pop and adds an extra flavor boost.

Tips

  1. Use Freshly Grated Parmesan
    Pre-grated Parmesan often contains anti-caking agents that don’t melt as smoothly. Grating it fresh gives the soup a creamier, more luxurious texture and a richer flavor.
  2. Don’t Skip the Spinach
    Even if you’re not a huge spinach fan, it wilts down so nicely and adds a beautiful pop of color and nutrients to the soup. Plus, it helps balance the richness.
  3. Double the Batch and Freeze
    This soup freezes wonderfully just leave out the pasta and spinach, then add them fresh when reheating. Perfect for busy nights when you need something comforting fast.

Prep Time:

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

Calories: 450 kcal
Protein: 20g
Sodium: 920mg

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
    Absolutely! Ditalini works great because of its small size and texture, but you can swap it with small shells, elbow macaroni, or even orzo. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta used.

  2. Will the soup thicken as it sits?
    Yes, the pasta absorbs liquid over time, making the soup thicker. If reheating leftovers, just add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up without compromising flavor.

  3. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
    Definitely. Make the base ahead and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. For the best texture, cook the pasta separately and add it when reheating to prevent it from getting too soft.

  4. Is it okay to freeze this soup?
    Yes, but it’s best to freeze it without the pasta and spinach. Add them fresh when you’re ready to reheat. This keeps the texture spot on and avoids soggy noodles or wilted greens.

Conclusion

Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup is everything you want in a cozy meal—hearty, flavorful, and effortlessly comforting. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or prepping for the week, this soup delivers big on taste with simple ingredients. Once you try it, don’t be surprised if it becomes a regular on your cold-weather dinner menu!

Print
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Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup

  • Author: Avery
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
Print Recipe

Description

Cozy up with a bowl of Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup hearty, rich, and packed with savory Italian sausage, tender veggies, and creamy Parmesan goodness. It’s a comforting meal that feels like a warm hug in every bite. Perfect for chilly nights or when you just need something soul-satisfying!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup ditalini pasta
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon, about 5–7 minutes.
  2. Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
  3. Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes. Bring to a boil.
  4. Stir in the ditalini pasta and cook according to package directions, about 8–10 minutes.
  5. Reduce heat to low and add the heavy cream and Parmesan. Stir until creamy and melted.
  6. Add spinach and cook for 2–3 minutes until wilted. Season with salt and pepper.
  7. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Notes

  • Want extra richness? Add a splash more cream or a pat of butter at the end.
  • For a spicy kick, use hot Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes.
  • This soup thickens as it sits add a bit of broth when reheating to bring it back to life.
  • Not a fan of spinach? Kale or Swiss chard works beautifully too.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 920mg
  • Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 13g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 20g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: creamy sausage soup, ditalini soup, Italian sausage pasta soup, comfort food soup, parmesan soup

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