This Easy Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup is a warm hug in a bowl! Packed with tasty sausage, creamy Parmesan, and little pasta, it’s perfect for chilly days.
Every spoonful feels cozy, and trust me, the smell while cooking will have everyone coming to the kitchen! I love pairing this soup with crusty bread for a complete meal!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Italian Sausage: I love using Italian sausage for its great flavor. You can choose between mild or spicy depending on your taste. If you’re looking for a lighter option, turkey or chicken sausage works well too.
Ditalini Pasta: Ditalini is perfect because it’s small and tender. If you can’t find it, any small pasta like elbows or shells can substitute. Just adjust the cooking time as needed!
Half-and-Half/Heavy Cream: I opt for half-and-half to keep it creamy yet not too heavy. If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can use whole milk, or for a dairy-free option, try coconut milk or a plant-based cream.
Spinach: Fresh spinach adds great texture and color. You can swap it with kale or even frozen spinach. Just make sure to cook frozen spinach thoroughly before adding.
How Do You Make Sure Your Soup Stays Creamy and Delicious?
The secret to keeping your soup creamy without curdling is to avoid boiling it after adding the cream. Here’s how to do it smoothly:
- Cook the sausage first to render fat, adding flavor to the soup.
- After adding the half-and-half or cream, keep the heat on low. Stir gently and warm it through without boiling.
- Mix in the spinach and Parmesan just before serving, which adds freshness and keeps the soup velvety.
These steps will help you achieve that creamy texture everyone loves! Enjoy your cooking!
Easy Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Soup:
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup half-and-half or heavy cream
- 3/4 cup ditalini pasta
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: red pepper flakes for spice
How Much Time Will You Need?
This super cozy soup takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 30 minutes to cook. You can have a delicious, hearty meal ready in about 40 minutes, perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Browning the Sausage:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until it’s nicely browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove the sausage from the pot and set it aside, leaving the rendered fat to add flavor to your soup.
2. Cooking the Aromatics:
Add the chopped onion to the same pot. Sauté until it’s softened and translucent, which should take about 3-4 minutes. Next, add minced garlic and cook for another minute until it’s fragrant. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
3. Building the Soup Base:
Pour in the chicken broth and add the diced tomatoes (juice and all). Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you want a bit of heat. Bring your soup to a lively boil—this is where the magic begins!
4. Cooking the Pasta:
Once boiling, add the ditalini pasta. Lower the heat to medium-low so it’s simmering gently, and let it cook uncovered until the pasta is just tender, about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to make sure the pasta doesn’t stick!
5. Creaming It Up:
Return the cooked sausage to the pot and stir in either half-and-half or heavy cream. Heat gently, making sure not to boil it! Just warm it through until everything is cozy together.
6. Adding Freshness:
Gently stir in the chopped spinach and grated Parmesan cheese. Cook just until the spinach wilts and the cheese fully melts, which should take around 2-3 minutes. This step brings a lovely freshness and creamy texture to your soup.
7. Ready to Serve:
Dish out the soup into bowls, garnishing each with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and freshly ground black pepper. Enjoy this warm bowl of comfort along with some crusty bread for dipping!
This creamy soup is not only delicious but also packed with wholesome flavors from the sausage, tomatoes, and fresh veggies. Perfect for chilly nights or whenever you need a little comfort food!
Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?
Absolutely! While ditalini is wonderful, you can substitute it with any small pasta like elbows, shells, or even penne. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as different pasta shapes may vary.
How Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the Italian sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can add more veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers for protein and flavor!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally for even heating. You may want to add a bit more broth or cream to loosen it up as it thickens when cooled.
Can I Freeze This Soup?
Yes, this soup can be frozen! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It will keep for about 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stove.