A Comforting Bowl of Soup
There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm bowl of creamy soup, especially one filled with Italian sausage and delightful ditalini pasta. This Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup is perfect for chilly evenings when you need a little pick-me-up. It’s rich, hearty, and tastes like a big hug in a bowl. The unique combination of flavors makes it a family favorite, whether you’re enjoying a quiet dinner at home or entertaining guests on a special occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
This soup checks all the boxes for a weeknight dinner and perfects those cozy Sundays. It’s quick to prepare, budget-friendly, and incredibly satisfying. Plus, the use of heavy cream and Parmesan cheese elevates it into something truly special, making it feel indulgent without requiring hours in the kitchen.
“This soup has become a staple in our household! My kids can’t get enough of it, and it’s so easy to whip up on busy nights.”
With ingredients likely already in your pantry, including Italian sausage and ditalini pasta, you won’t find an easier and more delicious soup to make on a chilly night or when you’re craving Italian comfort food.
Preparing Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup
This easy recipe involves a few simple steps that yield a comforting dish in no time. It begins with browning the sausage, which sets the stage for a flavorful base. The onions and garlic add depth, while the heavy cream and Parmesan give the soup its creamy, delightful texture.
What You’ll Need
Here’s your shopping list to gather before you dive into this flavorful adventure:
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 1 cup ditalini pasta
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Feel free to swap the Italian sausage for a leaner turkey sausage or omit the cheese for a lighter version.
Step-by-step Instructions
- Begin by cooking the Italian sausage in a large pot over medium heat until browned. Remove it, and set aside.
- In the same pot, add your diced onion, cooking until softened. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Add the ditalini pasta and cook according to the package instructions.
- Once your pasta is perfectly al dente, reduce heat and stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan until both are melted and thoroughly combined.
- Return the cooked sausage to the pot, mixing everything well. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley for an added flair.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
This creamy soup is delicious on its own but pairs wonderfully with crusty bread for dipping. Consider adding a side of crisp green salad drizzled with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish. If you want to take it up a notch, serve with garlic bread or a slice of cheesy focaccia to soak up every drop!
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you have leftovers (which is rare with this dish!), store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over low heat, and add a splash of chicken broth if the soup thickens too much. Alternatively, you can freeze the soup for up to 3 months, but consider freezing the pasta separately to maintain texture.
Helpful Cooking Tips
For a richer flavor, opt for spicier Italian sausage or add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the onions and garlic. Always taste as you go to balance out the seasonings. And don’t forget to add the Parmesan gradually—this ensures that it melts evenly without clumping.
Creative Twists
Feel free to experiment! You can add a handful of spinach or kale just before serving for some added greens. Or try swapping the ditalini pasta for another small pasta shape, like macaroni or orecchiette. If you’re in the mood for something lighter, substitute half of the heavy cream with low-fat milk.
Common Questions
What’s the prep time for this soup?
Approximately 15 minutes of prep time is needed; the cooking time is around 30 minutes.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Absolutely! It keeps well in the fridge for a few days, and the flavors continue to develop.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Yes! Substitute the Italian sausage with a plant-based sausage or hearty vegetables like mushrooms and lentils, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
This Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup is more than just a meal; it’s a way to bring warmth and comfort to your table, perfect for any night of the week!
Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage Can be substituted with turkey sausage for a leaner option.
- 1 cup ditalini pasta Can be replaced with another small pasta shape like macaroni or orecchiette.
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
- 1 cup heavy cream Can substitute half with low-fat milk for a lighter option.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese Add gradually to ensure even melting.
- to taste Salt and pepper
- for garnish Fresh parsley
Instructions
Preparation
- Cook the Italian sausage in a large pot over medium heat until browned. Remove it and set aside.
- In the same pot, add the diced onion and cook until softened.
- Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Cooking
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil.
- Add the ditalini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Reduce heat and stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan until both are melted and thoroughly combined.
- Return the cooked sausage to the pot, mixing everything well. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley.