There’s nothing quite as comforting as a steaming bowl of Creamy Parmesan Ditalini Soup with Italian Sausage. Each spoonful bursts with layers of flavor: the savory richness of crumbled Italian sausage dancing alongside tender carrots, celery, and onions. The little ditalini pasta shapes cradle pockets of creamy broth, enriched by a generous handful of grated Parmesan. As you savor that first warm bite, you’ll feel all the stresses of the day melt away. This soup is the kind of cozy, heartwarming dish that feels like a big, familiar hug—perfect for curling up on the couch, gathering around the dinner table with family, or even impressing friends at a casual lunch gathering.
On top of being a total flavor powerhouse, this recipe is surprisingly simple—ideal for beginners and busy home cooks alike. With just 15 minutes of prep and about 30 minutes of cooking, you’ll have a restaurant-quality soup on the table in under an hour. It’s rated as a beginner-level dish, but don’t let that fool you: the depth of taste you get from layering aromatics, spices, and high-quality chicken broth is anything but basic. Whether you’re craving comfort food for dinner or want a hearty lunch to power through your afternoon, this creamy soup fits the bill. At roughly 450 calories per serving, it strikes a nice balance between indulgence and nutrition, and it pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or a slice of crusty bread. So tie on your apron, grab a ladle, and let’s dive into the delicious world of Creamy Parmesan Ditalini Soup with Italian Sausage!
KEY INGREDIENTS IN CREAMY PARMESAN DITALINI SOUP WITH ITALIAN SAUSAGE
Before you get started, let’s talk about the flavor all-stars you’ll need. Each ingredient in this Creamy Parmesan Ditalini Soup plays an essential role, contributing its own character to create that unforgettable medley of savory, tangy, and creamy notes. Gathering these ingredients ahead of time will ensure a smooth, stress-free cooking session—just like visiting an old friend's kitchen.
- Italian sausage
This seasoned sausage forms the meaty backbone of the soup, adding a robust, savory depth. As it browns, the natural fats render out, carrying seasoning and flavor that infuse the entire pot.
- Olive oil
A small splash of olive oil keeps ingredients from sticking and helps gently sauté the onions, garlic, carrots, and celery, unlocking their natural sweetness.
- Onion
Finely chopped onion softens and sweetens as it cooks, creating a fragrant base that mellows the acidity of tomatoes and heightens the savory profile.
- Garlic
Minced garlic brings a punch of aromatic boldness, balancing the creaminess and adding complexity to every spoonful.
- Carrots
Diced carrots introduce a touch of natural sweetness and a vibrant orange hue, while also boosting the soup’s texture and nutrition.
- Celery
Celery’s crisp, slightly peppery flavor rounds out the vegetable trio, lending a classic mirepoix foundation to the broth.
- Dried oregano
This herb adds a warm, slightly pungent earthiness, reinforcing the Italian-inspired seasoning profile.
- Dried basil
Sweet and aromatic, dried basil evokes sun-kissed Mediterranean kitchens and pairs beautifully with tomatoes.
- Red pepper flakes
A pinch of red pepper flakes offers an optional spicy kick, perfect for those who like a little heat in their comfort foods.
- Chicken broth
Rich, savory chicken broth provides the liquid base, carrying all the flavors together while keeping the soup light enough to ladle.
- Crushed tomatoes
These deliver a gentle acidity and bright tomato flavor, adding body and color to the broth.
- Ditalini pasta
The tiny tube shape of ditalini is ideal for soups—it holds onto broth inside its hollow center, delivering bursts of creamy tomato goodness.
- Heavy cream
A half cup of heavy cream transforms the broth into a silky, luxurious soup, smoothing out any sharp edges from the tomatoes.
- Parmesan cheese
Freshly grated Parmesan melts into the hot broth, adding umami-rich saltiness and a subtle nuttiness.
- Salt and pepper
Basic seasoning staples that allow you to taste and balance the soup exactly to your liking.
- Fresh parsley
A generous sprinkle of chopped parsley brightens the final presentation with fresh herbal notes and a pop of green color.
HOW TO MAKE CREAMY PARMESAN DITALINI SOUP WITH ITALIAN SAUSAGE
Bringing this soup to life is all about layering flavors in the right order. Follow these steps, and you’ll create a deeply satisfying bowlful that’s rich, creamy, and loaded with hearty ingredients. Get ready to sauté, simmer, and savor every moment of the process!
1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, and cook until browned and fully cooked through. This may take about 7–8 minutes. Carefully transfer the browned sausage to a bowl and set it aside—don’t worry, those flavorful browned bits in the pot are exactly what you want for the next step.
2. In the same pot, add the chopped onion, minced garlic, diced carrots, and diced celery. Sauté the vegetables, stirring occasionally, until they’re tender and the onion turns translucent, about 5–7 minutes. This process softens the vegetables and builds a sweet, aromatic base.
3. Stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes. Toast the spices for about a minute, until their flavors bloom and the mixture becomes fragrant—this short step really deepens the herbal notes.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and crushed tomatoes. Increase the heat just enough to bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat slightly to maintain that simmer.
5. Return the cooked sausage to the pot. Let the soup simmer uncovered for 15 minutes, giving the flavors time to meld together into a harmonious blend.
6. Stir in the ditalini pasta and continue cooking according to the package instructions, until the pasta is perfectly al dente—firm to the bite but cooked through, usually 8–10 minutes.
7. Once the pasta is tender, reduce the heat to low and gently stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese fully melts and the soup takes on a smooth, creamy consistency.
8. Taste and season with salt and pepper to achieve your ideal balance of flavors. Remember that Parmesan can be salty, so add salt in small increments.
9. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately, and enjoy the comforting warmth!
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR CREAMY PARMESAN DITALINI SOUP WITH ITALIAN SAUSAGE
When it comes to serving this soup, you have plenty of delicious options to elevate the experience. Whether you’re hosting a cozy family dinner or enjoying a casual lunch on a rainy afternoon, the right accompaniments can make each bowl feel extra special. From simple garnishes to complete meal pairings, here are some of my favorite ways to serve and enjoy this creamy, savory delight:
- Crusty bread for dipping
A warm, crusty baguette or garlic bread is the ultimate partner—tear off a piece, dip into the creamy broth, and savor every chewy, flavorful bite.
- Fresh green salad
Serve a crisp salad of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette alongside the rich soup. The bright, tangy crunch balances the creaminess beautifully.
- Extra Parmesan sprinkle
Keep a small dish of grated Parmesan at the table so everyone can add an extra dusting of nutty, salty cheese on top for more depth of flavor.
- Garlic-herb butter toast
Slather slices of bread with garlic-herb butter, toast until golden, and serve on the side for an irresistible combo of buttery crunch and velvety soup.
HOW TO STORE CREAMY PARMESAN DITALINI SOUP WITH ITALIAN SAUSAGE
Storing this soup properly ensures you can enjoy those delicious flavors again later—whether for a quick lunch, a comforting dinner, or an easy meal prep option. Follow these tips to maintain freshness, texture, and taste:
- Refrigerate promptly
Allow the soup to cool slightly, then transfer it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Before reheating, give it a gentle stir to reincorporate any cream that may have settled.
- Freeze in portions
If you plan to keep the soup longer, freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags. Label each container with the date, and freeze for up to 2–3 months.
- Thaw safely
Move a frozen portion to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight. This gradual thaw helps maintain the creamy texture. Avoid microwave thawing, which can cause the cream to separate.
- Reheat gently
Warm the soup in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up before serving.
CONCLUSION
This Creamy Parmesan Ditalini Soup with Italian Sausage is proof that comfort food can be both quick and utterly satisfying. By layering simple ingredients—like savory Italian sausage, tender vegetables, aromatic herbs, and al dente ditalini pasta—you create a dish that warms the soul and brings people together around the table. The richness of heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan transforms basic components into a velvety, restaurant-quality soup, while the optional red pepper flakes add just the right hint of heat. With only 15 minutes of prep and about 30 minutes of cooking time, this beginner-level recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights or relaxed weekend brunches alike. It’s a versatile, feel-good meal that’s equally at home on a casual lunch menu or a satisfying dinner course, clocking in at roughly 450 calories per serving.
Feel free to print and save this article for later use—the recipe, tips, and serving ideas will be here whenever you need a delicious pick-me-up. Don’t forget to check out the FAQ section below for answers to common questions about ingredient substitutions, texture tweaks, and reheating best practices. If you give this soup a try, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment, share your variations, or ask any questions if you need a little extra guidance. Your feedback and stories make cooking even more fun, so let’s keep the conversation going—happy cooking!
Creamy Parmesan Ditalini Soup with Italian Sausage
Description
This hearty soup features al dente ditalini pasta, aromatic vegetables, and a touch of cream, creating a rich and satisfying flavor that's perfect for cozy evenings.
Ingredients
Instructions
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In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned and fully cooked. Remove the sausage from the pot and set aside.
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In the same pot, add the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
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Stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes. Cook for another minute until the spices are fragrant.
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Pour in the chicken broth and crushed tomatoes. Bring to a simmer.
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Add the cooked sausage back into the pot. Allow the soup to simmer for 15 minutes to let the flavors meld.
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Stir in the ditalini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
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Once the pasta is cooked, reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until well combined.
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Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
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Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
Note
- For a spicier kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes.
- Substitute Italian sausage with turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter version.
- For an extra creamy texture, increase the amount of heavy cream to 1 cup.
- This soup pairs well with a crusty bread for dipping.
