If you're searching for the ultimate cold-weather comfort food, look no further than Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup. This savory, indulgent dish combines crumbled Italian sausage, tender ditalini pasta, aromatic herbs, and a velvety parmesan-infused cream broth to create a deeply satisfying bowl that feels like a warm embrace. It's everything you want in a soup: cozy, flavorful, and packed with hearty ingredients.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Soup
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Hearty and filling: Perfect as a standalone dinner
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Rich and creamy with layers of savory Italian flavor
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Made in one pot with simple pantry staples
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Ready in under 40 minutes
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Ideal for meal prepping or feeding a crowd
Ingredients for Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup
Main Ingredients:
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
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1 yellow onion, diced
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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2 carrots, diced
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2 celery stalks, diced
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1 teaspoon dried basil
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1 teaspoon dried oregano
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½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
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Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
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1 tablespoon tomato paste
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6 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
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1 cup ditalini pasta
For the Creamy Parmesan Finish:
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1 cup heavy cream (or half and half)
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¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
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2 tablespoons cream cheese (adds tangy richness)
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Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish
How to Make Creamy Sausage Ditalini Soup
1. Brown the Sausage
In a large Dutch oven or soup pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink. Remove excess grease if needed.
2. Sauté the Aromatics
Add diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté for about 5–7 minutes until vegetables are softened. Stir in garlic, tomato paste, and spices. Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant and caramelized.
3. Simmer the Base
Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Add the ditalini pasta and cook for about 10–12 minutes, or until al dente.
Tip: Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom.
4. Make it Creamy
Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan, and cream cheese. Continue stirring until cheese is melted and soup is creamy. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve and Garnish
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with more grated Parmesan, cracked black pepper, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil. Serve with crusty bread for the perfect bite.
Tips for Perfect Soup Every Time
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Use hot Italian sausage for extra depth and heat
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Substitute shells or elbow pasta if you can’t find ditalini
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Add baby spinach or kale at the end for extra nutrients
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For a thicker soup, let it simmer longer after adding cream
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Prefer lighter? Use milk or evaporated milk in place of cream
Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions
This soup stores beautifully, making it an excellent choice for leftovers or weekly meal prep.
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Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days
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Freezer: Freeze without the pasta for best results. Add fresh pasta when reheating
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Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth or cream to loosen if thickened
What to Serve With This Soup
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Garlic knots or fresh-baked bread for dipping
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A crisp Caesar salad or simple arugula salad
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Roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or zucchini
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A glass of Pinot Grigio or light Chianti to complement the richness
A Creamy Italian Comfort Classic
Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup is the perfect combination of comfort food and gourmet flair. With every spoonful, you get tender pasta, savory sausage, and a creamy Parmesan broth that feels indulgent yet wholesome. Whether you're looking to impress guests or just make a family-friendly dinner that everyone will devour, this soup delivers every single time.
Make it once and it’ll become a favorite that’s requested again and again—especially when the weather cools and you’re in need of something soul-warming and deeply delicious.