Name: Easy Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed; 1 medium onion, diced; 2 medium carrots, diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste); 6 cups chicken broth; 3/4 cup ditalini pasta; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish; 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped; Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish; Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

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Introduction

This Easy Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup is a comforting, hearty dish perfect for any day you crave something warm and satisfying. With savory Italian sausage, tender vegetables, and a creamy Parmesan finish, it’s a wonderful way to enjoy a cozy, flavorful meal.

This close-up image shows a creamy soup with macaroni pasta and sliced sausages. The soup has a light golden color with visible pieces of cooked carrots adding bright orange spots. Fresh spinach leaves in dark green are scattered throughout. The sausages are brown with a coarse texture, and there is a light sprinkle of black pepper on the surface. The overall texture looks creamy with a smooth, slightly thick broth. The photo was taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
1 medium onion, diced
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
6 cups chicken broth
1 cup ditalini pasta
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
Extra Parmesan cheese, for garnish
Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it into crumbles, until browned and cooked through. Drain excess grease if needed.
Step 2: Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot with the sausage. Sauté for 5 to 7 minutes until the vegetables are tender. Stir in the garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Pour in the chicken broth and stir well. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 4: Add the ditalini pasta to the pot and cook until tender, according to the package instructions, usually 8 to 10 minutes.
Step 5: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until the cheese is fully melted and the soup becomes creamy. Add the chopped spinach and stir until just wilted, about 2 minutes. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed.
Step 6: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with extra Parmesan and chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately, ideally with warm crusty bread or garlic toast for dipping.

Tips & Variations

For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
Add a splash of white wine when sautéing the vegetables for extra depth of flavor.
Use gluten-free pasta if you need a gluten-free option.
Swap fresh spinach with kale or Swiss chard for a different leafy green texture.
Boost the heat by increasing the red pepper flakes or using hot Italian sausage.

Storage

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. You may need to add a splash of broth or water when reheating to loosen the soup if it thickens.

How to Serve

This close-up image shows a creamy soup filled with visible layers of small pasta shells, round slices of brown sausage, bright orange carrot slices, and dark green spinach leaves. The creamy broth has a smooth texture with small black pepper flakes sprinkled on top. The ingredients float evenly in the broth, creating a mix of colors and textures across the dish. The photo is taken against a white marbled surface, making the colors pop clearly. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, this soup can be made a day in advance and reheated before serving. The flavors will deepen overnight, but be sure to add the fresh spinach just before serving or during reheating to keep it vibrant.

Can I freeze this soup?

Freezing is possible, but since the soup contains cream and pasta, the texture might change slightly after thawing. If freezing, store without the pasta and add freshly cooked pasta when reheating for best results.