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If you’re craving a cozy bowl of comfort that feels like a warm hug from the inside, you have to try my Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe. This vibrant soup combines hearty Italian sausage, tender ditalini pasta, and a luscious Parmesan cream broth that’s rich and satisfying without being heavy. It’s a wonderfully simple recipe that magically brings together fresh veggies and creamy goodness in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or anytime you want to spoil yourself with a bowl full of flavor and warmth.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting together the ingredients for this soup couldn’t be easier, and each one plays an important role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this dish so delightful to eat and share.
- 1 lb ground Italian sausage: Provides the perfect spicy and savory base that infuses the whole soup with irresistible flavor.
- 1 cup ditalini pasta: Tiny tube-shaped pasta that soaks up the creamy broth while adding a fun, chewy texture.
- 4 cups chicken broth: The savory liquid backbone that keeps the soup light yet flavorful.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Adds smooth richness and a velvety finish that makes each spoonful heavenly.
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a sharp, nutty, and salty punch that ties everything beautifully together.
- 1 medium onion, diced: Sweetness and depth come from these tender bits that dissolve into the broth as they cook.
- 2 carrots, chopped: Add subtle natural sweetness and a bright splash of color.
- 2 celery stalks, chopped: Offer a gentle crunch and aromatic earthiness that rounds out the vegetable trio.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Will infuse the soup with irresistible warmth and a little kick.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the other flavors.
How to Make Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by heating a large pot over medium heat and cooking the ground Italian sausage until it’s nicely browned and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. Browning creates those delicious caramelized bits that add depth to the soup. Once done, drain any excess grease to keep the broth from getting too oily, then set the sausage aside for now.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pot, toss in the diced onion, chopped carrots, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté these together for 4 to 5 minutes until the veggies are softened and fragrant—this step helps develop a base of sweetness and savory notes that will shine through in the final soup.
Step 3: Boil with Broth and Pasta
Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, stir in the ditalini pasta and cook for about 8 minutes until the pasta is perfectly al dente—not too mushy, not too firm. This timing ensures you get tender pasta that soaks up the delicious broth without losing its shape.
Step 4: Stir in Cream and Parmesan
Lower the heat to a simmer, then stir in the heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese melts completely and the soup takes on a silky, creamy consistency that is both decadent and comforting. This is where the richness really comes alive!
Step 5: Season and Serve
Don’t forget to taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Proper seasoning makes all the difference with savory dishes like this one. Once it’s just right, ladle the soup into bowls and get ready to enjoy a deeply satisfying experience.
How to Serve Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra grated Parmesan cheese on top adds a sharp, salty finish and a touch of elegance. Freshly chopped parsley or basil can brighten the dish with a pop of green and a hint of herbal freshness. For an extra cozy touch, a drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a crack of black pepper can elevate the visual appeal and flavor even more.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs beautifully with crusty garlic bread or a warm toasted baguette that’s perfect for dipping. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette can balance the richness of the soup and add a refreshing crunch to the meal. If you’re feeling indulgent, a side of roasted vegetables completes a nourishing and well-rounded dinner.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun presentation, serve the soup in hollowed-out mini bread bowls to combine soup and bread in one delightful bite. Layer the ditalini pasta and sausage with extra cheese and veggies for a deconstructed version on a large platter, letting guests help themselves with big spoons. You can also garnish with a sprinkle of chili flakes for those who like a little extra heat in their Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your soup will taste just as comforting the next day! Store leftover Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more in the fridge, so the next serving will be just as delicious, if not better.
Freezing
This soup freezes well if you want to save some for later. Let it cool completely before transferring into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Just note that the texture of the cream and pasta might change slightly upon thawing, but a good stir and gentle reheating will bring it back to life.
Reheating
Reheat your soup slowly in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the cream from curdling. Adding a splash of chicken broth or cream while reheating helps refresh the texture and keeps the soup smooth and luscious.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Absolutely! While Italian sausage adds distinct flavor, you can substitute with spicy chorizo, sweet sausage, or even turkey sausage if you prefer a lighter option. Just brown and cook it the same way for best results.
Is there a non-dairy alternative for the cream and Parmesan?
Yes, you can swap heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream for a dairy-free twist, and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan to maintain the cheesy flavor. The soup will be slightly different but still delicious and creamy.
Can I make this soup gluten-free?
Simply replace the ditalini pasta with a gluten-free small pasta shape or use a vegetable-based pasta alternative. Be sure to check that your broth and sausage ingredients are gluten-free as well.
How spicy is this soup?
The spice level depends on the Italian sausage you choose. Sweet sausage will make the soup mild, while hot sausage adds a pleasant kick. You can always add crushed red pepper flakes if you want more heat.
What’s the best way to thicken the soup if it’s too thin?
If you find the broth a little too thin after cooking, stirring in a slurry of cornstarch and water or cooking a bit longer to reduce the liquid will help thicken it up. Just add your thickener gradually to reach the desired consistency.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe has quickly become one of my absolute favorites because it’s the perfect balance of hearty, creamy, and comforting with minimal fuss. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like an instant classic, ready to warm you up on chilly days or whenever you need a delicious escape. I truly hope you fall in love with it as much as I have—go ahead and give it a try, your bowl of comfort awaits!
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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
This Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup is a hearty and comforting Italian-inspired dish featuring savory ground Italian sausage, tender ditalini pasta, and a rich, creamy broth made with heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Loaded with aromatic vegetables like onions, carrots, celery, and garlic, this soup is perfect for a quick weeknight meal, ready in just 30 minutes and yielding 6 satisfying servings.
Ingredients
Meat and Dairy
- 1 lb ground Italian sausage
- 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
Pantry
- 1 cup ditalini pasta
- 4 cups chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage: In a large pot over medium heat, brown the ground Italian sausage for 5-7 minutes until fully cooked. Remove any excess grease from the pot and set the sausage aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, sauté the diced onions, chopped carrots, chopped celery, and minced garlic until softened and fragrant, about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Cook the Pasta: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Stir in the ditalini pasta, then cook uncovered for approximately 8 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Reduce the heat to low, return the browned sausage to the pot, and stir in the heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese is melted completely and the soup becomes smooth and creamy.
- Season and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning by adding salt and pepper as needed. Serve the soup hot, optionally garnished with extra Parmesan cheese or accompanied by crusty bread.
Notes
- Using freshly grated Parmesan cheese enhances the flavor and melts better into the soup compared to pre-grated varieties.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
- Be careful not to overcook the ditalini pasta to avoid mushy texture; al dente is best for a pleasant bite.
- This soup can be made ahead and reheated gently on the stovetop. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream when reheating if it thickens too much.
