Easy Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe
This Easy Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for any day. Featuring savory Italian sausage, aromatic vegetables, tender ditalini pasta, and a creamy Parmesan-infused broth, this soup combines hearty ingredients with fresh spinach for a balanced meal. It’s simple to prepare on the stovetop and ideal for cozy family dinners or meal prepping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
Sausage and Vegetables
- 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
Seasonings and Broth
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 6 cups chicken broth
Pasta and Dairy
- 3/4 cup ditalini pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
Greens and Garnish
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the sausage: Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up into crumbles, until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess grease if needed to avoid a greasy soup base.
- Sauté the vegetables and aromatics: Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot with the sausage. Sauté for 5 to 7 minutes until the vegetables soften and become tender. Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes, cooking for another minute until fragrant to bring out the aroma.
- Add the broth and simmer: Pour in the chicken broth and stir well to blend all ingredients. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully for a richer soup base.
- Cook the pasta: Add the ditalini pasta to the pot and cook until tender according to the package instructions, usually between 8 to 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Finish with cream, cheese, and spinach: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, mixing continuously until the cheese has melted completely and the soup turns creamy and luscious. Add the chopped fresh spinach and stir just until wilted, about 2 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed for a balanced flavor.
- Serve and garnish: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with extra grated Parmesan and freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately, ideally with warm crusty bread or garlic toast for dipping to complete the comforting meal.
Notes
- You can choose mild or spicy Italian sausage depending on your heat preference.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream but expect a slightly less rich texture.
- If ditalini pasta is unavailable, small pasta like elbow macaroni or small shells can be used as a substitute.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely on the stovetop.
- Adding the spinach at the end prevents it from overcooking and maintains a fresh texture and color.
Keywords: Italian sausage soup, creamy soup, ditalini pasta soup, Parmesan soup, easy dinner soup, stovetop soup
