Hearty Creamy Parmesan Sausage Ditalini Soup

If you are looking for a cozy, comforting meal that feels like it came straight from an Italian kitchen, this Hearty Creamy Parmesan Sausage Ditalini Soup is the answer. In the first spoonful, you get a rich, velvety broth infused with garlic and Parmesan, tender ditalini pasta, and savory Italian style sausage. It is filling without being heavy and comforting without being complicated.

This soup is perfect for chilly evenings, busy weeknights, or weekend meal prep. It comes together in one pot, uses simple pantry ingredients, and delivers restaurant quality flavor with very little effort.

Why You’ll Love This Hearty Creamy Parmesan Sausage Ditalini Soup

This soup checks all the right boxes for a go to family dinner.

It is rich and creamy without being overwhelming, thanks to the balance of broth, cream, and Parmesan cheese. The ditalini pasta makes every bite hearty and satisfying, while the sausage adds deep, savory flavor.

It is also incredibly practical. Everything cooks in one pot, which means easy cleanup and less time in the kitchen. The soup reheats beautifully, making it ideal for leftovers or lunches throughout the week.

Best of all, this recipe is flexible. You can easily make it lighter, pork free, or packed with extra vegetables depending on your needs.

Ingredients for Hearty Creamy Parmesan Sausage Ditalini Soup

This recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients that work together to create a rich and comforting soup.

Soup Base

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound Italian style turkey or chicken sausage, casings removed
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic

Broth and Pasta

• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup ditalini pasta

Creamy Finish

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 to 1 1/2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Optional Garnish

• Chopped fresh parsley or basil

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

Sausage:
To keep this recipe family friendly and pork free, Italian seasoned turkey or chicken sausage works beautifully. It still delivers bold flavor while keeping the soup lighter. If you prefer very mild flavor, choose sweet Italian style sausage.

Cream:
Heavy cream gives the soup its signature richness. For a lighter option, you can use half and half, though the soup will be slightly thinner.

Parmesan:
Freshly grated Parmesan is highly recommended. Pre shredded cheese does not melt as smoothly and can affect the texture of the soup.

Vegetables:
Carrots and celery form a classic soup base. You can also add spinach, kale, or zucchini near the end of cooking for extra nutrition.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This soup is straightforward and forgiving, making it great for cooks of all skill levels.

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Heat a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the olive oil, then add the sausage. Cook while breaking it up with a spoon until it is browned and fully cooked, about 5 to 7 minutes.

Once cooked, spoon out excess grease if needed, leaving just enough to sauté the vegetables.

Step 2: Cook the Vegetables

Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.

Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.

Step 3: Add Broth and Seasonings

Pour in the chicken broth and stir well, scraping up any flavorful bits from the bottom of the pot.

Add the Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes if using, and a pinch of salt and black pepper. Bring the soup to a gentle boil.

Step 4: Cook the Ditalini Pasta

Stir in the ditalini pasta. Reduce heat to a steady simmer and cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender, about 8 to 10 minutes.

Be sure to stir so the pasta does not stick to the bottom.

Step 5: Make It Creamy

Lower the heat to low. Slowly stir in the heavy cream, followed by the grated Parmesan cheese.

Stir continuously until the cheese melts and the soup becomes creamy and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the soup from heat. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired. Serve warm with crusty bread or garlic toast.

Pro Tips for Success

• Grate the Parmesan yourself for the smoothest texture and best flavor.
• Keep the heat low when adding cream and cheese to prevent curdling.
• Stir frequently once the pasta is added to avoid sticking.
• If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of broth before serving.
• Season gradually, especially with salt, since Parmesan adds saltiness.

Flavor Variations

This soup is easy to customize to your taste.

• Extra Veggie Version: Add chopped spinach or kale during the last 2 minutes of cooking.
• Garlic Lover’s Twist: Add an extra clove of garlic or a pinch of garlic powder.
• Spicy Italian Style: Increase red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian style turkey sausage.
• Lemon Brightened: Add a small squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving to brighten the flavors.
• Ultra Creamy: Stir in an extra 1/4 cup cream and more Parmesan for a thicker soup.

Serving Suggestions

This soup is hearty enough to stand on its own, but it pairs beautifully with simple sides.

Serve it with warm crusty bread, garlic knots, or a toasted baguette. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette helps balance the richness of the soup.

For entertaining, serve the soup in wide bowls with extra Parmesan on the side so everyone can customize their bowl.

Storage and Freezing Instructions

Refrigerator:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The soup will thicken as it sits.

Reheating:
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding extra broth or water to loosen the soup as needed.

Freezing:
Cream based soups with pasta do not freeze perfectly, as the pasta can become soft. If you plan to freeze, consider freezing the soup before adding the pasta and cream, then finish it fresh when reheating.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Values are estimates and will vary based on ingredients used.

FAQ About Hearty Creamy Parmesan Sausage Ditalini Soup

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, this soup is great for making ahead. Store it in the refrigerator and reheat gently, adding broth as needed to restore the creamy texture.

What can I use instead of ditalini pasta?

Small pasta shapes like small shells, orzo, or elbow macaroni work well. Choose a pasta that holds up in soup.

Is this soup very spicy?

No, it is mild and family friendly. The red pepper flakes are optional and can be adjusted or omitted entirely.

Can I make it dairy free?

You can substitute full fat coconut milk for the cream and use a dairy free Parmesan style alternative, though the flavor will be slightly different.

How do I keep the soup from getting too thick?

The pasta absorbs liquid as it sits. Simply add more broth when reheating and stir well.

Final Thoughts

This Hearty Creamy Parmesan Sausage Ditalini Soup is the definition of comfort food done right. It is rich, satisfying, and packed with flavor, yet simple enough for everyday cooking. With its creamy broth, tender pasta, and savory sausage, this soup is guaranteed to warm you up and keep everyone coming back for seconds.