Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup

Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup is a warm and comforting dish, perfect for chilly days. Packed with flavors and nutrients, this soup combines hearty Italian sausage with tender vegetables, creamy broth, and small pasta to create a satisfying meal that everyone will love.

Why Make This Recipe

This recipe is a wonderful choice for several reasons. It’s simple to prepare and can be made in just one pot, which means less cleanup for you! The combination of Italian sausage and creamy broth gives a delightful taste that warms you from the inside. Plus, it’s packed with healthy ingredients like vegetables and spinach, making it a nutritious option for your family.

How to Make Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup

Ingredients

1 lb Italian sausage (turkey or chicken sausage as a pork alternative)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 medium carrots, sliced
2 celery stalks, chopped
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup Ditalini pasta
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Directions

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Add the Italian sausage, breaking it into small crumbles. Cook until browned.
Remove the sausage from the pot and set it aside.
In the same pot, add diced onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and chopped celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables soften.
Pour in the chicken broth and stir in oregano and basil. Bring the mixture to a boil.
Add the Ditalini pasta to the boiling broth. Cook for about 8 minutes or until the pasta is tender but still firm.
Lower the heat to medium. Stir in the cooked sausage, heavy cream, and grated Parmesan cheese. Simmer for 5 minutes to let the soup thicken slightly.
Stir in the fresh spinach until it wilts into the soup. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

How to Serve Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup

Serve the soup hot in bowls. It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. You can sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top for added flavor.

How to Store Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for about 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up, as the pasta may absorb some of the liquid.

Tips to Make Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup

For a spicier kick, use hot Italian sausage instead of mild.
You can add in more vegetables, like zucchini or bell peppers, to boost the nutrition.
If you want a lighter version, use low-fat cream or milk instead of heavy cream.

Variation

For a dairy-free version, leave out the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Replace them with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative.

FAQs

1. Can I use different types of pasta?
Yes! If you don’t have Ditalini pasta, you can substitute it with small shells, elbow macaroni, or any pasta you prefer.

2. Is this soup freezer-friendly?
Yes, you can freeze the soup for up to 3 months. Just make sure to leave out the spinach, as it can become mushy upon reheating.

3. Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Use plant-based sausage or beans and vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a hearty vegetarian option.