If you’re craving a soul-warming bowl that feels like a hug in a dish, the Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. This delightful soup blends savory Italian sausage, tender ditalini pasta, and rich, creamy Parmesan to create layers of flavor in every spoonful. The vibrant greens and aromatic herbs add freshness and color, making this hearty soup as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the palate. It’s the perfect recipe to cozy up with any day of the week, bringing comfort and joy to your table with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh ingredients makes this soup truly shine. Each one plays an essential role—from the spicy or sweet Italian sausage delivering depth, to the creamy Parmesan enriching every mouthful with indulgence. The ditalini pasta adds delightful texture, while the greens and garlic brighten the dish naturally.
- Italian sausage (1 lb): Choose sweet or spicy depending on your flavor preference, and brown it well for maximum taste.
- Ditalini pasta (1 cup): This small, tube-shaped pasta cooks quickly and holds onto the broth beautifully.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): Adds luscious creaminess that balances the sausage’s savoriness perfectly.
- Vegetable broth (4 cups): The flavorful foundation, it keeps the soup light yet full-bodied.
- Onion, chopped (1 medium): Sautéed to softness, it builds a sweet base flavor.
- Garlic, minced (4 cloves): Aromatic and pungent, it lifts and brightens the overall taste.
- Spinach or kale, chopped (2 cups): Adds vibrant color, nutrients, and a gentle earthiness.
- Parmesan cheese, freshly grated (1 cup): The star ingredient, it brings saltiness and depth to the broth.
- Fresh herbs (basil and parsley): Used for garnish to add freshness and a pop of color just before serving.
How to Make Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Onions and Garlic
Start by heating a splash of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it becomes soft and translucent, releasing its natural sweetness. Then toss in the minced garlic and cook just until fragrant—this step aromas the kitchen and sets a delicious foundation for the soup.
Step 2: Brown the Italian Sausage
Next, crumble the Italian sausage right into the pot. Stir and cook it until every bit is nicely browned and cooked through. This browning process brings out smoky, savory flavors that are key to the final soup’s heartiness.
Step 3: Add Vegetable Broth and Simmer
Pour in the vegetable broth, making sure to scrape the bottom of the pot with your spoon or spatula. This will lift those flavorful browned bits and infuse the broth. Bring everything to a gentle simmer to meld all the wonderful flavors together.
Step 4: Cook the Ditalini Pasta
Stir in the ditalini pasta and continue simmering until the pasta is tender but still has a bit of bite—about 8 to 10 minutes. This timing ensures the pasta doesn’t get mushy once you add the creamy elements.
Step 5: Stir in Heavy Cream and Parmesan Cheese
Reduce the heat now and slowly mix in the heavy cream along with your freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir consistently until the cheese melts fully and the soup turns into a luxuriously smooth and creamy delight.
Step 6: Add Greens and Fresh Herbs
Finally, fold in the chopped spinach or kale along with some freshly chopped basil and parsley. Let the greens wilt gently into the soup, adding fresh color and a subtle earthy note that balances the richness.
Step 7: Serve Hot and Garnish
Serve this comforting soup steaming hot in bowls, topped with extra Parmesan if you like. It’s a perfect cozy meal that feels like it was made just for you.
How to Serve Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Top your soup with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, a sprinkle of chopped basil, or a few parsley leaves for a fresh burst of flavor and vibrant color. If you want a little heat, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes adds a delightful kick.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with a warm crusty bread or garlic knots to soak up every last bit of that creamy goodness. A simple mixed greens salad dressed with a light vinaigrette can also bring a refreshing contrast to the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls to impress at your next casual dinner. You can also ladle it over cooked risotto for a pasta-free version that’s just as comforting, or drizzle with a bit of truffle oil to elevate the aroma even further.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once completely cooled, transfer your leftover Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe to an airtight container and keep it refrigerated for up to 3 days. The flavors will develop beautifully, making for a convenient next-day meal.
Freezing
This soup doesn’t freeze quite as well once cream is added, as the texture might separate. If you want to freeze ahead, store the soup without cream and pasta, then add them fresh when reheating for the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. If the soup has thickened too much, add a splash of broth or cream to loosen the consistency. Avoid microwaving at high heat to keep the cream from curdling.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While ditalini pasta works perfectly to hold the broth and ingredients, small pasta shapes like orzo or small shells can be great alternatives. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Is this recipe spicy?
The spice level depends on the type of Italian sausage you use. Sweet sausage keeps it mild and comforting, while spicy sausage adds a nice kick. You can also customize the heat by adding crushed red pepper flakes if you like more spice.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
You can swap the Italian sausage for plant-based sausage or try roasted mushrooms with smoked paprika for a meaty texture and rich flavor without meat. Just use vegetable broth to keep it entirely vegetarian.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or whole milk, but the soup will be less rich and creamy. Coconut cream is another dairy-free alternative that works well for a different but tasty twist.
How long does it take to make this soup?
From start to finish, this Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe takes about 45 minutes, including prep and cooking time. It’s a deliciously quick meal that fits well into busy weeknights or relaxed weekends.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe is truly one of those dishes that becomes a fast favorite. Its rich flavors, comforting creaminess, and fresh greens make it a crowd-pleaser anytime. I can’t wait for you to try it and feel the warmth and satisfaction in every cozy spoonful.
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Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup is a comforting, hearty dish perfect for cozy dinners. Featuring savory Italian sausage, tender ditalini pasta, fresh spinach or kale, and a rich, creamy parmesan broth, this soup offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures in every spoonful.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage (sweet or spicy)
- 1 cup ditalini pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 medium onion (chopped)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 cups spinach or kale (chopped)
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
Garnish
- Fresh herbs (basil and parsley) for garnish
- Additional Parmesan cheese for topping (optional)
Other
- Olive oil (for sautéing, about 1-2 tablespoons)
Instructions
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Cook Italian Sausage: Crumble the Italian sausage into the pot and cook until browned and fully cooked through, stirring occasionally to break it apart and ensure even cooking, about 6-8 minutes.
- Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in the vegetable broth while scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pot to incorporate flavor. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Cook Pasta: Add the ditalini pasta to the simmering broth and cook until the pasta is al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Incorporate Cream and Cheese: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheese is melted and the soup turns creamy and smooth.
- Add Greens and Herbs: Stir in the chopped spinach or kale and fresh basil and parsley. Cook just until the greens are wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
- Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately for best flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute kale with spinach or any leafy green of your choice.
- For a lower-fat version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, or substitute with a lighter cream.
- Use sweet or spicy Italian sausage depending on your preferred level of heat.
- Freshly grated Parmesan yields the best flavor and melts better than pre-grated cheese.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, cook the pasta slightly longer to absorb more broth.
- Vegetable broth can be substituted with chicken broth for a non-vegetarian option.
