If you’re on the hunt for a comforting dish that’s both hearty and full of rich, savory flavors, this Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to. Imagine tender Italian sausage melding perfectly with a luscious Parmesan-infused broth, tender ditalini pasta adding just the right bite, and hints of basil and oregano bringing a classic Italian warmth to every spoonful. Whether it’s a chilly evening or you’re just craving something soul-soothing, this soup is a delicious way to satisfy those cravings with a touch of creamy indulgence.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, approachable ingredients is the key to making this soup stand out. Each component plays an important role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this dish so memorable.
- Olive oil: Used to brown the sausage and sauté aromatics, it adds a subtle fruity base.
- Italian sausage (casings removed): The star protein, packed with herbs and spices that infuse the broth.
- Medium onion, diced: Brings a sweet, savory foundation when softened.
- Garlic cloves, minced: Adds aromatic depth and a little zing.
- Chicken broth: The flavorful liquid base that carries all the ingredients together.
- Half-and-half: Creates a creamy, rich consistency without being overly heavy.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Provides salty, nutty notes that elevate the soup to another level.
- Dried basil and oregano: Classic Italian herbs that bring warmth and earthiness.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and highlight the flavors.
- Ditalini pasta: Small pasta that cooks quickly and soaks up the delicious broth perfectly.
- Chopped spinach (optional): Adds a pop of color and subtle freshness.
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional): Brightens the presentation and adds a fresh herbal note.
How to Make Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by warming the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Adding the Italian sausage (without casings) allows you to break it apart with your spoon, cooking it until it’s beautifully browned and fully cooked through. This step builds the savory, meaty base that will flavor the entire soup.
Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic
Next, toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté them until the onions turn soft and translucent, which usually takes about 3 to 4 minutes. This softens the flavors and releases that wonderful aromatic sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the sausage.
Step 3: Add the Broth and Simmer
Pour in the chicken broth and bring everything to a gentle simmer. This provides a light, savory liquid that complements the richness of the sausage while beginning to meld all those flavors together.
Step 4: Stir in Dairy and Seasonings
Pour in the half-and-half, then sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese alongside dried basil, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine and let the soup return to a gentle simmer. This step thickens the broth into a creamy, dreamy texture packed with classic Italian flavor.
Step 5: Cook the Ditalini Pasta
Now it’s time to add the ditalini pasta. Give the soup a few stirs as the small pasta cooks through over 8 to 10 minutes, soaking up the creamy broth and softening to that perfect tender bite.
Step 6: Add Spinach and Final Seasoning
If you’re using spinach, stir it in now and let it wilt gently for a minute or two, adding both color and a mild freshness. Take a moment to taste your soup, adjusting the seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed to really make those flavors shine.
Step 7: Ready to Serve
Your Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe is now ready to enjoy. Ladle it into bowls, garnish with parsley if you like, and get ready to dig into a warm, satisfying bowl of comfort.
How to Serve Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley adds a bright burst of color and a light herbal note that complements the creamy soup beautifully. A sprinkle of additional grated Parmesan at the table is always a welcome touch for those who want an extra cheesy kick.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with a crusty loaf of garlic bread or a simple green salad to balance its richness. You could also serve it alongside roasted vegetables or a light antipasto plate to keep things authentically Italian.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving individual portions in mini bread bowls or rustic ramekins. You can also top the soup with crispy fried sage leaves or a drizzle of good-quality olive oil for an elegant finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, so leftovers often taste even better the next day.
Freezing
If you want to freeze this soup, it’s best to leave out the pasta and spinach before freezing, as they can become mushy. Freeze the creamy broth and sausage mixture in a suitable container for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight, then add fresh pasta and spinach during reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching and to help the soup come back together smoothly. If needed, add a splash of broth or half-and-half to bring back its creamy consistency. Add fresh spinach near the end of reheating for that fresh pop of green.
FAQs
Can I use other types of sausage?
Absolutely! While Italian sausage is traditional and flavorful, you can swap in spicy sausage for a little heat or a milder sausage depending on your preference. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning accordingly.
Is there a substitute for half-and-half?
You can use whole milk with a bit of cream or even just heavy cream for a richer version. For a lighter alternative, try using milk, but the soup won’t be quite as creamy.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, simply replace the Italian sausage with hearty vegetables like mushrooms or a plant-based sausage alternative, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a satisfying vegetarian take.
How long does the pasta stay tender in this soup?
Ditalini pasta is small and softens quickly. For best results, add the pasta just before serving, so it maintains a nice texture rather than becoming mushy if stored for a long time.
What can I do if the soup is too thick?
If your soup thickens too much after resting or chilling, simply stir in a little more chicken broth or half-and-half while reheating until you reach the desired consistency.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe is a lovely blend of rich, comforting flavors and satisfying textures that are sure to warm your heart and fill your belly. Whether for a cozy night in or to impress family and friends, this dish delivers on both delicious taste and simple preparation. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a treasured part of your cooking rotation!
Print
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
A rich and comforting Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup featuring savory Italian sausage, tender ditalini pasta, and a blend of aromatic herbs in a creamy Parmesan-infused broth. Perfect for a hearty meal in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage (casings removed)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups half-and-half
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Pasta and Greens
- 1 cup ditalini pasta
- 1/2 cup spinach, chopped (optional)
Garnish
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add diced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent, enhancing the soup base flavors.
- Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, setting the stage for the creamy base.
- Add Cream and Seasonings: Stir in half-and-half, grated Parmesan cheese, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Combine well and bring the soup back to a simmer to meld flavors.
- Cook Pasta: Add the ditalini pasta to the simmering soup. Stir occasionally and cook for 8-10 minutes until the pasta is tender but not mushy.
- Add Spinach: Stir in chopped spinach if using, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until the greens are wilted and vibrant.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup and add more salt or pepper if needed to balance the flavors perfectly.
- Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired for a bright, fresh finish.
Notes
- You can substitute the ditalini pasta with other small pasta shapes like elbow macaroni or orzo.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half with whole milk or a lower-fat milk alternative.
- Spinach is optional but adds a nice color and nutritional boost to the soup.
- Adjust the seasoning carefully, especially salt, depending on the saltiness of your chicken broth and Parmesan cheese.
- This soup can be made ahead and reheated; just add a splash of broth or milk when reheating to maintain creaminess.
