Creamy Italian Sausage and Ditalini Pasta Soup

A warm, simple bowl of pasta, sausage, and cheese. This soup is quick, filling, and easy to make at home.

introduction

This creamy soup mixes sausage, ditalini pasta, and Parmesan for a rich, comforting meal. It cooks in one pot and uses simple ingredients. If you like other easy, warm bowls, you may also enjoy easy potato soup recipes that are simple and homey.

why make this recipe

Make this soup when you want a fast, filling dinner that tastes like a restaurant meal. The sausage gives flavor, the cream and Parmesan make it smooth, and the ditalini adds a nice bite. It is great for cold nights and for feeding a small family. If you like creamy, hearty soups, try it along with a bowl of creamy cowboy soup for more ideas.

how to make Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe

Follow the steps below. Work in order and taste as you go.

Ingredients :

• 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, depending on preference)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium carrot, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 4 cups chicken broth (preferably low-sodium)
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 ½ cups ditalini pasta (uncooked)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions :

1. Cook the Italian Sausage
   In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage (either mild or spicy, depending on your preference) to the pot, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Cook the sausage for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s browned and cooked through. Once cooked, remove the sausage from the pot and set it aside.

2. Sauté the Vegetables
   In the same pot, add the diced onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté the vegetables in the remaining sausage drippings for about 5-7 minutes, or until they begin to soften. Stir occasionally to avoid burning. Once the vegetables have softened, add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

3. Add the Broth and Tomatoes
   Add the chicken broth and diced tomatoes (with their juices) to the pot. Stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat. Once simmering, add the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir again to incorporate the seasonings. Let the soup simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the vegetables to become tender.

4. Cook the Pasta
   Add the uncooked ditalini pasta to the pot, stirring to ensure the pasta is evenly distributed in the broth. Reduce the heat to medium and continue to simmer for another 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and fully cooked. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

5. Add the Cream and Parmesan
   Once the pasta is cooked, reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Mix well until the soup becomes creamy and smooth. Next, add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until the cheese is fully melted and incorporated into the soup. The cheese will thicken the soup and add a velvety richness.

6. Finish and Serve
   Return the cooked Italian sausage to the pot, stirring to incorporate it into the soup. Let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes to heat everything through. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning if needed. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor. Serve hot with a slice of crusty bread or a simple green salad.

how to serve Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe

Serve hot in deep bowls. Add chopped fresh parsley on top. Offer crusty bread or a plain green salad on the side. For a simple dinner, place a slice of bread on each plate and let people dip.

how to store Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe

Cool the soup to room temperature before storing. Put it in airtight containers and keep in the fridge for 3–4 days. To freeze, leave out the pasta or freeze in small portions for up to 2 months. Reheat gently on the stove and add a splash of broth or cream if the soup thickens.

tips to make Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe

• Use low-sodium broth so you can control salt.
• Brown the sausage well for more flavor.
• Stir the soup while pasta cooks to stop sticking.
• If the soup gets too thick, add a little broth.
• For a quick side idea, try serving with a pasta dish like Cajun beef spaghetti with creamy parmesan sauce for a fuller meal.

variation (if any)

• Swap heavy cream for half-and-half for a lighter soup (it will be less thick).
• Use spicy Italian sausage for more heat.
• Add chopped spinach or kale near the end for more greens.
• Use small shells or elbow pasta instead of ditalini if needed.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this soup without cream?
A: Yes. Use a cup of extra broth and a splash of milk, but it will be less rich.

Q: Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of Italian sausage?
A: Yes. Use seasoned ground turkey or chicken and add extra Italian seasoning to match the flavor.

Q: How long does the pasta hold up in the soup?
A: Pasta will soften more the longer it sits. It is best within the first day. To keep pasta firm, cook it separately and add to bowls when serving.

Q: Can I add more vegetables?
A: Yes. Zucchini, bell pepper, or mushrooms work well if added while the vegetables sauté.

Q: Is this soup good for meal prep?
A: Yes. Store soup and pasta separately if you want the pasta to stay firmer for meals later.

Conclusion

This soup is easy, creamy, and full of flavor. For a similar take and serving ideas, see a tested version at Chelsea’s Messy Apron. For another reader-tested variation and tips for cold weather, check the winter write-up at Spice Up Kitchen.