This Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup is a warm hug in a bowl! It’s filled with tasty Italian sausage, tender ditalini pasta, and a rich, creamy broth—perfect for cold days.
You can’t help but smile with each spoonful! I love how quick it is to whip up, making it a go-to when I want comfort food fast. Pair it with some crusty bread, and you’re all set!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Italian Sausage: You can choose between mild or spicy sausage based on your heat preference. If you want a healthier option, turkey or chicken sausage works well too!
Ditalini Pasta: This small pasta is a great fit for the soup. But if you can’t find it, any small pasta shape like elbow macaroni or mini shells will do just fine.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter version, use half-and-half or whole milk. Your soup might be a tad less creamy, but it will still be tasty!
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan gives the best flavor, but you can substitute it with Romano cheese if you want something a bit sharper.
How Can I Make Sure My Soup is Extra Creamy?
To get that rich, creamy texture, you want to combine the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese properly. Here’s how:
- After cooking the pasta, lower the heat to avoid boiling the cream, which can cause it to curdle.
- Stir in the cream slowly, then add the grated cheese gradually, allowing it to melt completely. This helps create that beautiful creamy finish.
Mix well and make sure everything is heated through before serving. Enjoy your creamy soup adventure!
How to Make Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup ditalini pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of basil, oregano, thyme)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This creamy and delicious soup will take about 15 minutes to prep and approximately 25 minutes to cook, for a total time of around 40 minutes. Perfect for a cozy dinner any night of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Sausage:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, using a spoon to break it up as it cooks. Brown the sausage for about 5-7 minutes until it’s cooked through. Once done, remove the sausage and set it aside, leaving the drippings in the pot for flavor.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same pot, add the diced onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté the veggies for about 5 minutes or until they start to soften. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until you can smell the garlic’s wonderful aroma.
3. Add Broth and Seasoning:
Return the cooked sausage to the pot, pour in the chicken broth, and sprinkle in the dried Italian seasoning. Stir everything together and bring it to a boil.
4. Cook the Pasta:
Add the ditalini pasta to the boiling broth. Cook according to package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until the pasta is al dente. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t get too soft!
5. Make it Creamy:
Once the pasta is ready, reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Let it simmer gently for another 2-3 minutes until the soup is creamy and heated through. Taste and adjust with salt and black pepper as needed.
6. Serve and Garnish:
Remove the pot from the heat. Ladle the warm soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if you like a bit more flavor.
7. Enjoy!
Serve your delicious soup warm with some crusty bread or a vibrant side salad. Enjoy every creamy, flavorful bite!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Italian Sausage?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken makes for a lighter option while still providing great flavor. You might want to add a bit more seasoning to get that traditional Italian sausage taste.
How Can I Store Leftover Soup?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, be sure to warm it gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth or cream to bring back its creamy texture.
Can I Freeze This Soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well! Just make sure it cools completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
What Other Vegetables Can I Add?
You can customize this soup with additional vegetables like spinach, kale, or bell peppers. Just add them in when you sauté the onions and carrots for a nutritious boost! Adjust cooking times as needed for tenderness.
