Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe is the kind of cozy, comforting meal that instantly warms you from the inside out. With savory sausage, tender ditalini pasta, vegetables, and a rich Parmesan cream broth, this soup tastes like something you would order at a favorite Italian restaurant, yet it is surprisingly easy to make at home.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup
This soup checks all the boxes for a reliable comfort food recipe. It is hearty enough to be a full meal, creamy without being heavy, and packed with flavor from simple ingredients.
Another reason to love this recipe is how flexible it is. You can make it with mild or spicy sausage, add extra vegetables, or adjust the creaminess to suit your taste. It also reheats well, making it a great option for leftovers and meal prep.
Ingredients for Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup
Soup Base
- 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Broth and Pasta
- 5 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup ditalini pasta
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Creamy Finish
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Optional Add-Ins
- 2 cups fresh spinach or kale
- Crushed red pepper flakes
Ingredient Notes
For a family-friendly option, chicken or turkey Italian sausage works beautifully and still provides plenty of flavor. If using pork sausage, drain excess grease after browning to keep the soup balanced.
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese and gives the soup its signature creamy texture. Ditalini pasta is traditional, but small shells or elbow macaroni can be substituted if needed.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Heat a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until fully browned. Transfer the sausage to a plate and drain excess grease if necessary.
Step 2: Saute the Vegetables
In the same pot, add olive oil if needed. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring often, until the vegetables begin to soften. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
Step 3: Build the Soup
Return the cooked sausage to the pot. Pour in the chicken broth and stir in Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Bring the soup to a gentle boil.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
Add the ditalini pasta to the pot. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.
Step 5: Make It Creamy
Lower the heat and slowly stir in the heavy cream. Add the grated Parmesan cheese a little at a time, stirring constantly until melted and smooth.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
If using spinach or kale, stir it in and let it wilt for 1 to 2 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot with extra Parmesan on top.
Pro Tips for Success
- Use medium heat when adding cream to prevent curdling.
- Stir frequently after adding pasta to avoid sticking.
- Add cheese gradually for the smoothest texture.
- Taste before serving and adjust salt as Parmesan adds natural saltiness.
- Let the soup rest for a few minutes before serving for best flavor.
Flavor Variations
For a spicy kick, use hot Italian sausage or add crushed red pepper flakes. If you prefer extra vegetables, zucchini or mushrooms are great additions.
To lighten the soup slightly, replace half of the heavy cream with whole milk and add a bit more broth. You can also add a splash of lemon juice at the end to brighten the flavors.
Serving Suggestions
Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup is best served with crusty bread, garlic breadsticks, or warm rolls to soak up the creamy broth. A crisp green salad on the side helps balance the richness of the soup.
This soup also works well as a starter for an Italian-inspired dinner or as a comforting main dish on its own.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The pasta will absorb some liquid as it sits, so add a splash of broth when reheating.
Freezing is possible, but for best results, freeze the soup before adding the pasta and cream. Add them fresh after thawing and reheating to preserve texture.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 480 |
| Protein | 22 g |
| Carbohydrates | 28 g |
| Fat | 32 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sodium | 860 mg |
FAQ About Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, this soup can be made a day ahead. The flavors deepen overnight, making it even more delicious the next day.
What can I use instead of ditalini pasta?
Small pasta shapes like elbow macaroni, small shells, or orzo work well in this soup.
Can I make this soup lighter?
You can use chicken or turkey sausage and replace some of the cream with milk or extra broth for a lighter version.
Is this soup kid-friendly?
Yes, especially when made with mild sausage. The creamy Parmesan broth is rich but not spicy.
Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup
Equipment
- large soup pot
- wooden spoon
- knife
- cutting board
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 5 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup ditalini pasta
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach or kale (optional)
Instructions
- Heat a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it apart, until fully browned. Remove sausage and drain excess grease if needed.
- Add olive oil if needed, then add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Return the sausage to the pot. Add chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a gentle boil.
- Add the ditalini pasta. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.
- Lower the heat and slowly stir in the heavy cream. Add Parmesan cheese gradually, stirring constantly until melted and smooth.
- If using spinach or kale, stir it in and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until wilted. Taste, adjust seasoning, and serve hot.
Notes
Nutrition
Final Thoughts
Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe is the ultimate comfort food for busy nights and cozy weekends. It is rich, satisfying, and full of classic Italian-inspired flavors that feel special without being complicated.
Once you make this soup, it is sure to become a regular favorite in your recipe rotation.
