Warm, comforting, and packed with rich Italian flavors, this Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup is a cozy, satisfying meal perfect for any night of the week. It’s hearty yet refined, with savory sausage, tender pasta, and a luxurious Parmesan cream broth.
Why You’ll Love This Soup:
- Deep, Savory Flavor: Italian sausage, garlic, onion, and Parmesan create an irresistibly flavorful base.
- Creamy and Comforting: Heavy cream and melted cheese make the broth silky and indulgent.
- One-Pot Simplicity: Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor.
- Easy to Customize: Swap spinach for kale, use gluten-free pasta, or try spicy sausage for a twist.
- Family-Friendly: Mild flavors and ditalini pasta make it a hit with adults and kids alike.
Key Ingredients:
- Italian Sausage: Use mild or spicy depending on your preference. Browning adds rich, savory depth.
- Ditalini Pasta: Small, tube-shaped pasta that holds up beautifully in broth.
- Heavy Cream & Parmesan: These bring creamy texture and nutty, umami-rich flavor.
- Onion & Garlic: Foundational aromatics that build a robust flavor profile.
- Diced Tomatoes: Add brightness and balance to the creamy soup.
- Spinach: Adds freshness and color, stirred in just before serving.
- Chicken Broth: A flavorful base that ties everything together.
Expert Tips:
- Grate your own Parmesan for the smoothest melting.
- Brown the sausage well for best flavor.
- Deglaze the pot with a bit of broth after sautéing garlic and onion.
- Slightly undercook pasta if prepping ahead.
- Temper the cream before adding to avoid curdling.
- Simmer gently after adding dairy.
- Stir in spinach at the end to preserve color and texture.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 cup ditalini pasta
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan (plus more for garnish)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions:
- Brown the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large pot. Add sausage and cook until browned, breaking into small pieces. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot, sauté onion and garlic for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- Build the Soup Base: Add broth and diced tomatoes. Stir in browned sausage and bring to a simmer.
- Cook Pasta: Add ditalini and cook for 8-10 minutes or until just al dente.
- Add Cream & Spinach: Reduce heat. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, and spinach. Simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until spinach wilts and soup is creamy.
- Season & Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Ladle into bowls and garnish with Parmesan and parsley.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with crusty bread or garlic toast.
- Add a crisp green salad for balance.
- Enjoy with a glass of white wine.
Storage & Reheating Tips:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Pasta may soak up broth; add extra broth or cream when reheating.
- Reheat gently over medium heat to prevent dairy from separating.
Nutrition Estimate (per serving):
- Calories: 485 kcal
- Protein: 21.7g
- Carbohydrates: 22.4g
- Fat: 34.2g
- Sodium: 780-900mg
This Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup brings all the cozy, comforting flavors of Italian cooking into one easy pot. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a dish to impress, it’s sure to become a favorite!