If you’re on the lookout for a comforting, hearty soup bursting with flavor, this Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe is an absolute winner. With savory Italian sausage, tender ditalini pasta, and a luscious creamy broth enriched with Parmesan cheese, every spoonful offers a perfect balance of rich, cozy goodness. It’s a dish that warms you from the inside out and is sure to become a staple in your weeknight dinner rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this soup lies in its straightforward ingredients, each chosen carefully to build a complex symphony of taste, texture, and color. From the spicy Italian sausage to the nutty Parmesan and the soft ditalini, every component plays a vital role in making this soup unforgettable.
- 1 lb Italian sausage: Provides a bold, savory base with just the right amount of spice and fat to flavor the broth.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Helps brown the sausage and adds a subtle fruity note.
- 1 small onion, chopped: Adds natural sweetness and depth as it softens.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Brings that aromatic punch that’s essential in Italian cooking.
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes: Offers acidity and vibrant color to balance the creaminess.
- 2 quarts chicken stock: Forms a flavorful, savory base that ties everything together.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Creates a silky, rich texture that makes this soup truly indulgent.
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese: Adds sharp, nutty flavor and helps thicken the soup elegantly.
- 1 cup ditalini pasta: Small tubular pasta that soaks up the broth perfectly without overpowering.
- Fresh parsley for garnish: Brightens the finished dish with freshness and a pop of color.
How to Make Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart as it cooks. Brown it well until you have those lovely crispy edges and the sausage is cooked through. This step is crucial because all those browned bits add deep flavor to the soup. Once done, remove the sausage from the pot and set it aside.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
In the same pot, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them until the onions become translucent and the garlic releases its wonderful aroma. This base layer creates a sweet and fragrant foundation for the rest of the soup.
Step 3: Combine Tomatoes, Stock, and Sausage
Now, stir in the diced tomatoes with their juices and pour in the chicken stock. Return the browned sausage to the pot and add your choice of dried basil and oregano for an Italian herb boost. Let this simmer gently for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully together.
Step 4: Add Ditalini Pasta
Next, stir in the ditalini pasta. Cook according to the package directions until al dente, keeping in mind you want the pasta to retain a slight bite to perfectly contrast with the creamy broth.
Step 5: Stir in Cream and Parmesan
Finally, pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese, stirring until the cheese melts fully and the soup reaches a luscious, creamy consistency. Taste and adjust with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to your liking.
How to Serve Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Garnish your soup with freshly chopped parsley for that fresh, bright element that cuts through the richness perfectly. For an extra touch, you can sprinkle a bit more Parmesan or a drizzle of good quality olive oil right before serving.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or garlic knots to soak up every last drop of the creamy broth. A simple green salad with a zesty vinaigrette can add a crisp, refreshing counterpoint to the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in hollowed-out mini loaves of sourdough bread for an edible bowl. You can also top it with crispy fried sage leaves or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat. These little touches make the meal feel special and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, store any leftover soup in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it even more delicious the next day.
Freezing
This Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe freezes well, though the pasta may soften slightly upon thawing. For best results, freeze the soup before adding the cream and pasta, and cook the pasta fresh when reheating. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken stock or cream if the soup has thickened too much. Avoid boiling to keep the cream from curdling. This will bring back that comforting, silky texture you love.
FAQs
Can I use turkey sausage instead of Italian sausage?
Absolutely! Turkey sausage works well if you want a leaner option, though the soup will have a slightly milder flavor. Be sure to season accordingly to maintain the rich taste.
Is ditalini pasta essential for this soup?
Ditalini is preferred for its size and texture, but you can substitute with other small pasta shapes like elbow macaroni or small shells without compromising the dish.
Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Yes, you can use coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative to replace the heavy cream and omit the Parmesan or use a dairy-free cheese substitute. The flavor profile will adjust, but it will still be delicious.
How spicy is this soup?
It has a mild, comforting warmth due to the Italian sausage. You can increase the heat by adding red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper if you prefer it spicier.
Can I prepare this soup in a slow cooker?
Definitely! Brown the sausage first, then add all ingredients except the cream and Parmesan to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours and add the cream and cheese towards the end of cooking, stirring to combine.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe is exactly the kind of homemade comfort food to have on those chilly evenings when you crave both nourishment and indulgence. It’s satisfying, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make for such an impressive bowl of goodness. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll quickly become a go-to in your kitchen.
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Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A hearty and creamy Italian sausage soup featuring tender ditalini pasta, a rich combination of Parmesan cheese and heavy cream, and savory flavors from diced tomatoes, garlic, and herbs. Perfect for a comforting meal that comes together in under an hour.
Ingredients
Meat and Dairy
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Canned and Packaged Goods
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 quarts chicken stock
- 1 cup ditalini pasta
Oils and Seasonings
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Dried basil, 1 tsp
- Dried oregano, 1 tsp
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove the sausage from the pot and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant and the onion becomes translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add Liquids and Simmer: Stir in the diced tomatoes with their juices, chicken stock, and the browned sausage pieces. Add dried basil and oregano. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Cook Pasta: Add the ditalini pasta to the pot and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese until the cheese has melted and the soup is creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish and Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy warm for a comforting meal.
Notes
- You can use either mild or spicy Italian sausage depending on your heat preference.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, but the soup will be less rich.
- If you prefer gluten-free pasta, substitute ditalini with a gluten-free small pasta shape.
- Adding freshly cracked black pepper at the end enhances the flavor.
- This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 1 month.
