Warm, comforting, and bursting with flavor, Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup is a cozy dish that’s perfect for chilly nights. This hearty soup combines savory Italian sausage, tender ditalini pasta, and a rich, creamy broth infused with garlic, herbs, and Parmesan cheese. It’s a delightful twist on classic Italian fare that’s sure to become a new family favorite.
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or hot, casings removed)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) petite diced tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup (8 oz) ditalini pasta, uncooked
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 4 oz cream cheese, slightly warmed
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
- ½–1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1–2 cups fresh spinach or kale (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Extra Parmesan, for serving
How to Make Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup
Brown the Sausage
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage and break it apart as it cooks. Cook the sausage until it’s browned and no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease from the pot.
Sauté the Aromatics
Next, add the diced onion to the pot and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Build the Broth
Pour in the chicken broth, water, and diced tomatoes. Stir the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Add the Pasta
Stir in the ditalini pasta, Italian seasoning, basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Reduce the heat and simmer for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente.
Make It Creamy
Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the slightly warmed cream cheese until it’s fully melted and dissolved into the broth. Then, gradually stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, adding the cheese in small handfuls and stirring until it’s fully melted.
Add Greens
If you’re using spinach or kale, add it now and simmer just until it’s wilted, about 1-2 minutes.
Season and Serve
Taste the soup and adjust the salt and pepper to your liking. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese. Serve the Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup immediately with crusty bread for dipping.
Tips for Perfecting Your Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup
- Warm the cream cheese before adding it to the soup so it melts smoothly without clumping.
- Add the Parmesan cheese in small handfuls over low heat to avoid stringy clumps.
- The longer the pasta sits in the soup, the more broth it will absorb. Serve the soup soon after cooking or cook the pasta separately for meal prep.
- This soup can also be made in an Instant Pot (for faster cooking) or a slow cooker (for richer flavor).
Nutritional Information and Health Benefits
One serving of Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup provides approximately 400 calories, 24 grams of protein, 26 grams of carbohydrates, and 24 grams of fat. The soup is a great source of vitamins and minerals, thanks to the addition of Italian sausage, tomatoes, and leafy greens. The creamy texture and savory flavors make this dish a comforting and satisfying meal that’s perfect for chilly evenings.
More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy
- Creamy Tomato Basil Soup
- Instant Pot Italian Sausage Soup
- Ditalini Pasta Salad
- Italian Sausage & Spinach Bake
FAQs About Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup
Can I use other types of pasta instead of ditalini in this soup?
Yes, you can substitute other pasta shapes for ditalini in this soup. Options like small shells, orzo, or even elbow macaroni work well. However, keep in mind that cooking times may vary, so adjust accordingly to achieve the desired al dente texture. Ensure that the pasta you choose complements the soup’s creamy broth and can hold onto the flavors.
What can I add to enhance the flavor of this soup?
To elevate the flavor of your Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup, consider adding a splash of white wine after sautéing the onions and garlic. This will add depth. You can also experiment with additional herbs like thyme or fresh basil, and a squeeze of lemon juice at the end can brighten the overall taste. For a more savory touch, sprinkle some grated Parmesan on top just before serving.
How do I adapt this recipe for a low-carb or keto diet?
To make this soup low-carb or keto-friendly, simply omit the ditalini pasta and replace it with low-carb vegetables like zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. You can also add more greens such as spinach or kale to increase the volume while keeping the carb count low. Adjust the liquid as needed to maintain the soup’s consistency.
What are some good side dishes to serve with this soup?
This soup pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes. A fresh garden salad with a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the soup. Garlic bread or a crusty Italian loaf is perfect for dipping. For a heartier option, serve it with a side of roasted vegetables or a cheese platter featuring Italian cheeses and cured meats to enhance the meal.
Conclusion
Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s sure to warm you up on chilly nights. With its creamy broth, tender pasta, and savory Italian sausage, this soup is a delightful twist on classic Italian flavors. Whether you’re looking for a cozy weeknight meal or a satisfying dish to share with friends and family, this Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup is sure to become a new favorite.
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Print
Indulge in Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup Today!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Warm, comforting, and bursting with flavor, Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup is a cozy dish that’s perfect for chilly nights. This hearty soup combines savory Italian sausage, tender ditalini pasta, and a rich, creamy broth infused with garlic, herbs, and Parmesan cheese. It’s a delightful twist on classic Italian fare that’s sure to become a new family favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or hot, casings removed)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 ounce) petite diced tomatoes
- 4 cup chicken broth
- 2 cup water
- 1 cup ditalini pasta, uncooked
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 4 ounce cream cheese, slightly warmed
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/2–1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1–2 cup fresh spinach or kale (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Extra Parmesan, for serving
Instructions
- Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage and break it apart as it cooks. Cook the sausage until it’s browned and no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease from the pot.
- Next, add the diced onion to the pot and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth, water, and diced tomatoes. Stir the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Stir in the ditalini pasta, Italian seasoning, basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Reduce the heat and simmer for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente.
- Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the slightly warmed cream cheese until it’s fully melted and dissolved into the broth. Then, gradually stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, adding the cheese in small handfuls and stirring until it’s fully melted.
- If you’re using spinach or kale, add it now and simmer just until it’s wilted, about 1-2 minutes.
- Taste the soup and adjust the salt and pepper to your liking. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese. Serve the Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup immediately with crusty bread for dipping.
Notes
Warm the cream cheese before adding it to the soup so it melts smoothly without clumping.
Add the Parmesan cheese in small handfuls over low heat to avoid stringy clumps.
The longer the pasta sits in the soup, the more broth it will absorb. Serve the soup soon after cooking or cook the pasta separately for meal prep.
This soup can also be made in an Instant Pot (for faster cooking) or a slow cooker (for richer flavor).
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 4 grams
- Sodium: 800 milligrams
- Fat: 24 grams
- Saturated Fat: 10 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 26 grams
- Fiber: 2 grams
- Protein: 24 grams
- Cholesterol: 70 milligrams