Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup

Name: Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 pound Italian sausage (casings removed); 1 medium onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 4 cups chicken broth; 2 cups half-and-half; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste); 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 cup ditalini pasta; 1/2 cup spinach, chopped (optional); Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Isabella

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This comforting and Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup is a true crowd-pleaser. It combines the rich flavor of Italian sausage, the heartiness of ditalini pasta, and the creamy goodness of Parmesan cheese in a velvety broth. It’s the kind of soup that warms you from the inside out, making it perfect for a cozy dinner or even a hearty lunch.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I absolutely love this soup because it’s the perfect balance of savory flavors, creamy texture, and satisfying ingredients. The Italian sausage adds a rich, savory depth to the broth, while the Parmesan cheese and half-and-half make it wonderfully creamy. The ditalini pasta adds just the right amount of heartiness to each spoonful, and if I choose to add spinach, it gives the dish an extra pop of color and nutrition. Plus, it’s easy to make and comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for a quick and comforting meal after a busy day.

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 pound Italian sausage (casings removed)

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 medium onion, diced

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

4 cups chicken broth

1 teaspoon dried basil

1 teaspoon dried oregano

2 cups half-and-half

1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 cup ditalini pasta

1/2 cup spinach, chopped (optional)

Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through (about 6-8 minutes).

Add the diced onion and garlic to the pot, sautéing until the onion is soft and translucent (about 3-4 minutes).

Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer.

Add the half-and-half, Parmesan cheese, basil, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine and bring the soup back to a simmer.

Add the ditalini pasta to the soup, stirring occasionally. Let it cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.

Stir in the chopped spinach (if using) and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until wilted.

Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt and pepper if needed.

Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings: 6 servings

Variations

Add More Veggies: I like adding extra veggies like carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers to make the soup even heartier.

Spicy Twist: If I enjoy a bit of heat, I’ll throw in some red pepper flakes with the sausage to give the soup a spicy kick.

Low-fat Version: For a lighter version, I’ll use low-fat milk instead of half-and-half and skip the spinach for a more traditional creamy soup.

Storage/Reheating

This soup keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. I store it in an airtight container and simply reheat it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to keep it smooth. If it thickens up too much in the fridge, I just add a splash of chicken broth or milk while reheating. It also freezes well for up to 3 months. When freezing, I recommend leaving out the spinach, as it doesn’t freeze well. Thaw the soup overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Related Recipes:

Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta instead of ditalini?

Yes! If I don’t have ditalini, I’ll often substitute with another small pasta like elbow macaroni, orzo, or even shells. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you choose.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

I like making this soup ahead of time since the flavors only get better as it sits. I’ll store it in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze it for later. Just be sure to wait to add the spinach until the last minute if you plan to reheat it.

Can I use turkey sausage instead of Italian sausage?

Absolutely! If I prefer a leaner option, turkey sausage is a great substitution. The flavor might be slightly milder, but it still works well in the soup.

Can I skip the half-and-half for a lighter version?

Yes, for a lighter version, I’ll use regular milk or even a dairy-free alternative. While the texture might not be as rich and creamy, it will still be delicious.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

To make it vegetarian, I’d substitute the Italian sausage with plant-based sausage or skip the sausage altogether and add extra veggies or beans for protein.

Conclusion

This Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup is one of those recipes that becomes a family favorite. It’s easy, comforting, and incredibly flavorful—just the thing to enjoy on a chilly evening. Whether I’m serving it for a casual dinner or making it ahead for meal prep, it’s a dish that always hits the spot.

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