Cozy Creamy Parmesan Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe

Cozy Creamy Parmesan Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe That Warms The Soul

My grandmother’s cherished creamy parmesan sausage ditalini soup always brings warmth to chilly evenings.

Memories of her kitchen float through each spoonful, carrying rich flavors and comfort.

Hearty Italian sausage mingles with soft ditalini pasta, creating a robust meal that hugs you from the inside.

Creamy textures blend seamlessly with sharp parmesan notes, promising a satisfying experience.

Simple ingredients come together in a pot of pure deliciousness.

Comfort awaits in every ladleful of this soul-warming soup that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary feast.

Let’s uncover the magic behind this irresistible recipe that will become your new cold-weather companion.

Parmesan Sausage Ditalini Soup to Warm You Up

  • Quick Family Meal: Packed with hearty sausage and creamy texture, this soup delivers a satisfying dinner that pleases both kids and adults with minimal cooking effort.
  • Flexible Ingredient Magic: Easily swap spinach for kale or use different pasta shapes, making this recipe adaptable to your pantry and personal taste preferences.
  • Comfort in a Bowl: Combines rich, warming flavors that provide ultimate comfort during chilly evenings or when you need a soul-soothing meal that feels like a warm hug.
  • One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup required with everything cooked in a single pot, reducing kitchen mess and saving precious time for busy home cooks.

Ingredients to Make Parmesan Sausage Ditalini Soup

Meat:
  • Sausage: A flavorful protein that adds richness and depth to the soup.
Aromatics:
  • Onion, Garlic: Provide a foundational flavor base that enhances the overall taste of the soup.
Pasta and Dairy:
  • Ditalini Pasta: Small tube-shaped pasta that adds texture and substance to the soup.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor and helps create a creamy consistency.
  • Heavy Cream: Contributes to the soup's luxurious and smooth texture.
Liquids and Seasonings:
  • Chicken Broth: Creates the liquid base and adds savory flavor to the soup.
  • Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings Mediterranean-inspired taste.
  • Baby Spinach: Adds a fresh, green element and nutritional value to the dish.
Cooking Essentials:
  • Olive Oil: Used for sautéing and adding a subtle fruity flavor.
  • Salt, Pepper: Enhance and balance the overall taste of the soup.

How to Prepare Parmesan Sausage Ditalini Soup

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

In a large pot, warm olive oil over medium heat. Crumble the sausage into the pot and cook until it turns a delicious golden brown.

If there’s extra grease, carefully drain it away to keep your soup light and appetizing.

Step 2: Wake Up the Aromatics

Toss the diced onion and minced garlic into the pot.

Let them dance and sizzle until they become soft and release their mouth-watering fragrance, which takes about 2-3 minutes.

Step 3: Build the Flavor Base

Pour in the chicken broth, splash of heavy cream, and sprinkle of Italian seasoning.

Gently bring the mixture to a soft simmer, letting the flavors mingle and get to know each other.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Add the ditalini pasta to the bubbling pot.

Let it cook until it reaches that perfect tender texture, which typically takes around 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Green and Cheesy Finale

Fold in the fresh baby spinach and grated Parmesan cheese. Let them swirl into the soup, with spinach wilting and cheese melting into creamy goodness for 2-3 minutes.

Step 6: Perfect the Seasoning

Take a taste and adjust with salt and pepper to make the flavors sing. Ladle into bowls and crown with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan for that final touch of deliciousness.

Tips to Perfect Parmesan Sausage Ditalini Soup

  • Choose spicy Italian sausage for an extra kick of flavor that elevates the entire soup's taste profile.
  • Swap ditalini pasta with other small shapes like orzo or small shells if unavailable, maintaining similar cooking times.
  • Prefer fresh baby spinach over frozen for a brighter color and crisper texture in the final dish.
  • Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels, allowing more precise seasoning at the end of cooking.
  • Prep ingredients beforehand to streamline the cooking process and ensure a smooth, stress-free meal preparation.

Variations to Try With Parmesan Sausage Soup

  • Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace sausage with crumbled plant-based sausage or extra-firm tofu for a meat-free version.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free ditalini pasta or substitute with quinoa for a celiac-friendly alternative.
  • Dairy-Light Adaptation: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a lighter, dairy-reduced recipe.
  • Spicy Kick Variation: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to intensify the soup's heat and flavor profile.

Pairing Suggestions for Parmesan Sausage Ditalini Soup

  • Choose a robust Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the rich, creamy sausage soup. Its bold flavors and moderate tannins will cut through the soup's creaminess and enhance the savory meat notes.
  • Serve thick slices of toasted sourdough or Italian bread brushed with garlic-infused olive oil. The crispy texture and garlicky punch perfectly match the soup's creamy consistency and warm Italian-inspired flavors.
  • Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette and shaved Parmesan. The peppery greens and bright citrus will provide a refreshing contrast to the soup's hearty, comforting profile.

Storage Advice to Keep Sausage Soup Fresh

  • Refrigerate: Store leftover soup in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Freeze: Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Avoid freezing if spinach is added, as it can become mushy.
  • Microwave Reheat: Transfer desired portion to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed. Add a splash of chicken broth to restore original consistency.
  • Stovetop Reheat: Pour soup into a pot over medium-low heat. Stir frequently and add extra broth if needed to prevent sticking. Warm gently until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

  • Is this soup spicy?

The soup’s spice level depends on the sausage you choose. Use mild Italian sausage for a gentle flavor or hot Italian sausage for more kick.

  • Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the soup and store it in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if it’s too thick.

  • What if I don't have ditalini pasta?

Substitute with other small pasta shapes like small shells, orzo, or small elbow macaroni. They’ll work perfectly in this soup.

  • Is this soup kid-friendly?

Absolutely! The creamy texture, mild flavors, and soft pasta make this soup appealing to children. The spinach adds nutrition without being too noticeable.

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Cozy Creamy Parmesan Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe

Cozy Creamy Parmesan Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe


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4.6 from 23 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Parmesan sausage ditalini soup brings hearty comfort through Italian-inspired flavors. Warm broth, tender pasta, and savory sausage create a satisfying meal you’ll crave during chilly evenings.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 1/2 cups ditalini pasta
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup baby spinach leaves
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Brown the sausage in a large pot over medium heat, breaking it into crumbles until fully cooked and golden, approximately 5-6 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  2. Introduce finely chopped onions and minced garlic to the pot, sautéing until translucent and aromatic, around 2-3 minutes.
  3. Pour in chicken broth, heavy cream, and Italian seasoning, creating a rich base. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally.
  4. Add ditalini pasta directly into the simmering liquid, cooking for 8-10 minutes until pasta reaches al dente consistency, stirring periodically to prevent sticking.
  5. Incorporate fresh baby spinach leaves, allowing them to wilt naturally into the soup. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until completely melted and integrated.
  6. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Let the soup rest for 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
  7. Ladle into serving bowls, garnishing with additional Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of olive oil if desired. Serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

  • Choose spicy or mild Italian sausage based on personal heat preference for customized flavor profile.
  • Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk to reduce calories and create lighter version.
  • Add extra vegetables like diced carrots or zucchini to boost nutritional value and increase vegetable intake.
  • Use gluten-free pasta to make recipe suitable for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals without compromising taste.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 370 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 750 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g
  • Fiber: 1.5 g
  • Protein: 18 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Clara Bennett

Clara Bennett

Contributing Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

Baking and Pastry Development, Gluten-Free and Allergy-Friendly Recipe Creation, Culinary Storytelling and Food Journalism, Recipe Testing and Standardization, Southern Comfort Foods and Modern Twists

Education

Sullivan University – National Center for Hospitality Studies
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

Focus: Baking and Pastry Arts, Recipe Testing, and Culinary Journalism.

Clara specialized in crafting desserts that blend classic Southern comfort with modern techniques, while developing strong writing skills to tell the story behind every dish.

Lane Community College (Certificate Program)
Certificate in Food Writing and Photography

Focus: Culinary storytelling, recipe formatting, food styling, and visual presentation.


Clara’s love of baking started young, powered by homemade pies, biscuits, and stories passed around the family table.
After earning her degree at Sullivan University and a food writing certificate at Lane Community College, she turned her passion into a craft: sharing recipes that are simple, soulful, and always full of heart.
She’s big on bold flavors, flexible ideas, and creating sweets that fit any table (yes, even if you’re gluten-free). When she’s not baking, you’ll find her wandering farmers’ markets, styling food for the next photo shoot, or working on her ever-growing recipe journal.

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