When comfort food meets Italian flavors, you get this Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup. It’s hearty, rich, and loaded with savory sausage, tender pasta, and fresh spinach all brought together in a luscious Parmesan cream broth. This soup is a one-pot wonder that will warm your soul and impress anyone at the dinner table.
Why You’ll Love This Soup
Rich and Creamy: The combination of Parmesan cheese and cream creates a velvety, restaurant-quality broth.
Hearty and Filling: Italian sausage and ditalini pasta make this soup satisfying enough for a complete meal.
Balanced Flavors: The savory sausage, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach balance beautifully.
Family-Friendly: Perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings.
Ingredients Breakdown
Olive Oil (1 tbsp): A healthy fat that helps sauté the onions and garlic, adding depth of flavor.
Onion (1 small, diced): Provides a savory foundation for the soup base.
Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Infuses the broth with a rich aromatic taste.
Italian Sausage (1 lb): The star ingredient, offering spicy or mild flavors depending on your choice.
Italian Seasoning (1 tsp): A blend of herbs (basil, oregano, thyme, etc.) for authentic Mediterranean taste.
Red Pepper Flakes (½ tsp, optional): Adds a touch of heat for spice lovers.
Chicken Broth (4 cups): A flavorful liquid base that ties the ingredients together.
Diced Tomatoes (14.5 oz can): Adds acidity and sweetness to balance the richness of the cream.
Ditalini Pasta (1 cup): Small tube pasta that absorbs the broth beautifully.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes (½ cup, chopped, optional): Deepens the flavor with tangy, sweet notes.
Heavy Cream (1 cup): Creates a creamy consistency (can be swapped with half-and-half for a lighter soup).
Fresh Spinach (1 ½ cups, chopped): Adds freshness and nutrition.
Parmesan Cheese (1 cup, freshly grated): Melts into the broth for a nutty, cheesy finish.
Salt & Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to balance all flavors.
Fresh Basil or Parsley (for garnish): Brightens the dish before serving.
Method of Preparation
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large soup pot. Add the diced onion and cook for about 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
Add the Italian sausage (casings removed) to the pot. Break it up with a spoon and cook until browned and fully cooked through. This step builds a rich, meaty flavor base.
Step 3: Build the Broth
Sprinkle in Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes. Pour in chicken broth and canned diced tomatoes, stirring well to combine.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Stir in the ditalini pasta and let it cook until al dente (8–10 minutes).
Step 5: Make It Creamy
Reduce the heat. Add sun-dried tomatoes (if using), heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and the soup develops a creamy texture.
Step 6: Add the Greens
Stir in fresh spinach and cook just until wilted, about 2 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Serve hot with crusty bread.
Serving Suggestions
With Bread: Pair with warm garlic bread, focaccia, or crusty baguette.
As a Main Course: Serve as a hearty one-pot meal.
As a Starter: A smaller portion works beautifully as an appetizer for Italian dinners.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Best without pasta (the pasta can get mushy). Freeze the soup base and add fresh pasta when reheating.
Reheating: Warm gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth or cream to restore creaminess.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I use a different pasta instead of ditalini?
Yes! Small pastas like macaroni, orzo, or small shells work well.
Q2: Can I make this soup lighter?
Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or evaporated milk for a lighter broth.
Q3: What if I don’t eat pork?
You can substitute pork sausage with chicken sausage or even ground turkey for a leaner version.
Q4: How can I make it vegetarian?
Use plant-based sausage and vegetable broth. You may also add chickpeas for extra protein.
Q5: Why is my soup too thick?
The pasta continues to absorb liquid as it sits. Simply add more broth or cream when reheating.
Q6: Can I make this in advance?
Yes, but for best texture, cook the pasta separately and add it just before serving.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup is the perfect marriage of comfort and Italian flavors. It’s rich, hearty, and easy to make, yet elegant enough to serve guests. Whether you prepare it for a cozy weeknight meal or a special family dinner, this soup is guaranteed to become a new favorite.