Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe

Cozy Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe

My kitchen often crackles with unexpected magic when crafting this creamy parmesan Italian sausage ditalini soup that blends rustic comfort with elegant simplicity.

Hearty ingredients dance together in a delightful Mediterranean-inspired melody.

Chunky sausage pieces nestle among tiny pasta tubes, creating rich textural moments.

Fragrant herbs whisper stories of Italian countryside kitchens.

Warm broth envelops each ingredient with nurturing depth and soul-satisfying warmth.

Salt and pepper balance flavors, making every spoonful a delectable journey.

You won’t be able to resist diving into this bowl of pure, comforting bliss.

Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup Is Pure Comfort

  • Savor Quick Comfort: Whip up this hearty soup in just a few simple steps, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something warm and satisfying.
  • Customize Your Flavor: Easily adapt the recipe by swapping Italian sausage for ground turkey or adding extra vegetables to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
  • Family-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Kids and adults alike will love the creamy texture, rich flavors, and filling nature of this one-pot wonder that brings everyone together around the dinner table.
  • Meal Prep Magic: This soup stores beautifully, allowing you to make a big batch and enjoy delicious leftovers that taste even better the next day, saving you time and effort.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Sausage Ditalini Soup

Protein:
  • Italian Sausage: A flavorful and hearty meat that adds rich depth to the soup.
Vegetables:
  • Onion, Garlic: Aromatic base ingredients that provide a savory foundation for the soup.
Soup Base and Pasta:
  • Tomatoes: Adds tangy sweetness and creates a robust soup background.
  • Chicken Stock: Provides a smooth liquid base that enhances the overall soup flavor.
  • Ditalini Pasta: Small tube-shaped pasta that creates a perfect texture in the soup.
Finishing Ingredients:
  • Heavy Cream: Gives the soup a luxurious and creamy consistency.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty and nutty flavor that complements the other ingredients.
Herbs and Seasonings:
  • Fresh Herbs, Salt, Pepper: Provide balanced seasoning and aromatic complexity to the soup.
Garnish:
  • Fresh Parsley: Adds a bright, fresh finish to the soup.
Cooking Oils:
  • Olive Oil: Used for sautéing and creating a base for cooking sausage and vegetables.

Making Creamy Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup at Home

Step 1: Sizzle The Sausage

Heat a large pot over medium-high flame.

Crumble the Italian sausage into the pan, letting it dance and brown until golden and crispy.

Break up the meat with a wooden spoon as it cooks, creating delightful little nuggets.

Once perfectly cooked, transfer the sausage to a waiting plate.

Step 2: Awaken The Aromatics

In the same pan with those beautiful sausage drippings, toss in:
  • Diced onions
  • Minced garlic

Sauté until the kitchen fills with an irresistible fragrance and the vegetables become soft and translucent.

Step 3: Build The Liquid Foundation

Pour into the pot:
  • Crushed tomatoes
  • Chicken stock
  • Dried oregano
  • Fresh thyme

Gently return the cooked sausage to the pot.

Let everything simmer and mingle, developing deep, rich flavors.

Step 4: Pasta Party

Introduce ditalini pasta directly into the bubbling soup.

Cook until the pasta reaches that perfect al dente texture, tender yet with a slight bite.

Step 5: Creamy Crescendo

Swirl in:
  • Heavy cream
  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Stir until the cheese melts completely, creating a luxuriously smooth soup.

Season with salt and black pepper.

Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness.

Tips for Thick, Hearty Parmesan Ditalini Soup

  • After browning Italian sausage, carefully drain excess fat to reduce oiliness and prevent soup from becoming too greasy.
  • Choose fresh Italian sausage with good spice blend for maximum flavor depth in the soup's overall taste profile.
  • Add ditalini pasta towards end of cooking to prevent overcooking and maintain perfect al dente consistency.
  • Use room temperature cream to prevent curdling and ensure smooth, silky texture when incorporating into hot soup.
  • Crush dried herbs between fingers before adding to release more intense aromatics and boost overall seasoning impact.

Fun Add-Ins for Creamy Sausage Ditalini Soup

  • Vegetarian Delight: Replace Italian sausage with plant-based sausage crumbles or roasted mushrooms for a meat-free version. Add extra herbs for depth of flavor.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Swap ditalini pasta with gluten-free rice pasta or quinoa. Use cornstarch to thicken if needed, ensuring same creamy consistency.
  • Spicy Kick Variation: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños during sautéing. Include smoked paprika for extra warmth and complexity in the soup.
  • Low-Carb Alternative: Replace pasta with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. Use heavy cream and extra cheese to maintain richness while reducing carbohydrates.

Serving Ditalini Soup with Bread or Salad

  • Hearty Bread Companion: Serve alongside crusty Italian bread or garlic toast to soak up the rich, creamy broth and add delightful texture.
  • Salad Sidekick: Pair with a crisp mixed green salad dressed in light vinaigrette to balance the soup's richness and provide fresh contrast.
  • Comfort Bowl Upgrade: Top with extra grated Parmesan, red pepper flakes, or fresh chopped parsley for added flavor and restaurant-style presentation.
  • Wine Pairing Perfection: Complement the soup with a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese to enhance the Italian sausage's robust flavors.

Storage Solutions for Creamy Sausage Ditalini Soup

  • Store soup in airtight container for up to 4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Pour soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Freeze for 2-3 months. Avoid freezing cream-based soups for best texture.
  • Warm soup over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add splash of broth if too thick. Heat until steaming and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  • Transfer portion to microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each. Stop when soup is hot and evenly warmed.

FAQs

  • What type of pasta works best in this soup?

Ditalini is perfect due to its small, short tube shape that captures the broth and ingredients perfectly, creating a delightful texture in every spoonful.

  • Can I use a different type of meat instead of Italian sausage?

Ground beef or ground turkey can be great substitutes, maintaining similar flavor profiles and protein content for the soup.

  • Is this soup spicy?

The heat level depends on the Italian sausage you choose. Mild sausage creates a gentle flavor, while hot sausage will add more kick to the soup.

  • How can I make this soup healthier?

Use lean Italian sausage, low-sodium chicken stock, and consider adding extra vegetables like spinach or kale to boost nutritional value.

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Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe

Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe


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4.7 from 27 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Comfort meets culinary delight in this Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup, a hearty Italian-inspired dish that warms souls with rich, savory flavors. Packed with tender sausage, creamy broth, and perfectly cooked pasta, you’ll savor each spoonful of this rustic, satisfying meal.


Ingredients

Scale

Meat:

  • 1 lb (454 grams) Italian sausage, deboned

Vegetables and Aromatics:

  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14.5 ounces / 411 grams) diced tomatoes

Liquid and Dairy Components:

  • 2 quarts (1.89 liters) chicken stock
  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Pasta and Seasonings:

  • 1 cup ditalini pasta
  • 1/2 cup (50 grams) Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste

Garnish:

  • Fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat and crumble sausage, cooking until browned and no pink remains, about 6-7 minutes. Transfer cooked sausage to a separate plate.
  2. Using the same skillet, sauté diced onions and minced garlic until softened and aromatic, approximately 3-4 minutes.
  3. Pour in crushed tomatoes, chicken stock, and dried Italian herbs. Return browned sausage to the pan and reduce heat to low, allowing the mixture to simmer gently for 15 minutes.
  4. Add ditalini pasta directly into the simmering soup and cook until tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, around 8-10 minutes.
  5. Remove soup from heat and stir in heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese until fully incorporated and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed.
  6. Ladle hot soup into serving bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant finish. Serve immediately while warm and creamy.

Notes

  • Swap sausage for ground turkey or plant-based alternative to create a lighter, healthier version of this hearty soup.
  • Enhance dairy-free options by using coconut cream and nutritional yeast instead of heavy cream and Parmesan cheese.
  • Control sodium levels by selecting low-sodium stock and monitoring salt content during seasoning process.
  • Boost vegetable intake by adding extra vegetables like spinach, kale, or zucchini during the simmering stage for increased nutrition.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 312 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 830 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 14 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 15 g
  • Cholesterol: 55 mg
Nathaniel Brooks

Nathaniel Brooks

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Farm-to-table cuisine, Seasonal recipe development, Culinary storytelling

Education

Ivy Tech Community College – Indianapolis, IN
Culinary Arts / Hospitality Administration & Events
Focused on hands-on training in classical and modern culinary techniques. ​


Nathaniel’s story starts in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, where farm stands, backyard gardens, and old family recipes shaped his love for real food. After graduating from Ivy Tech Community College in Indianapolis, he spent years working in farm-to-table kitchens, learning how to turn local, seasonal ingredients into something memorable.
Today, Nathaniel pours that same spirit into every single recipe on Aspiring Culinarian – recipes that feel real, comforting, and connected to the land. When he’s not in the kitchen, you’ll find him foraging wild herbs, chasing sunsets with his camera, or writing about the flavors that shaped his roots.

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