When the weather starts to cool down, there’s nothing better than a warm, hearty soup to make you feel cozy from the inside out. And this Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup? It’s the perfect dish for those chilly nights when you crave something that’s comforting, flavorful, and packed with all the good stuff. Think rich, creamy broth, savory sausage, tender vegetables, and of course, a generous helping of Parmesan cheese—what’s not to love?

I first stumbled upon this recipe when I was searching for a way to make a quick but satisfying dinner that would please my whole family. I had some Italian sausage in the fridge, and I thought, “Why not make a hearty soup that’s as satisfying as it is simple to prepare?” A quick trip to the pantry later, and I had all the ingredients for this soup. The result was beyond my expectations! Not only does this soup come together quickly, but it’s also incredibly versatile. You can easily adjust the level of spice, add extra veggies, or even switch up the pasta. The combination of creamy Parmesan and flavorful Italian sausage makes this dish a showstopper every time.

What Makes This Soup Special?

Let’s talk about the magic of this soup. First, there’s the sausage. Whether you choose mild or spicy Italian sausage (or a combination of both), it provides a rich, savory base that takes the flavor of the entire soup to the next level. Then there are the veggies—onion, carrots, celery, and garlic—bringing that hearty, wholesome goodness that makes every spoonful satisfying. And let’s not forget the creamy richness of the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. This soup is a perfect balance of creamy indulgence and savory goodness, and the best part? It’s so easy to make.

If you’re looking for a simple, no-fuss soup that delivers big on flavor, this Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup is the answer. It’s ideal for busy weeknights, but it’s also fancy enough to serve to guests if you’re hosting a cozy dinner. Plus, it’s a one-pot wonder, meaning less cleanup for you—who doesn’t love that?

So, let’s get started! Here’s how you can make this delicious soup from start to finish.

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

To kick off this delicious soup, you’ll need to cook your Italian sausage. Use a large pot or Dutch oven for this step—it gives you enough room to cook the sausage properly while ensuring there’s enough space for all the ingredients. Heat the pot over medium heat and add the Italian sausage. Whether you’re using mild or spicy sausage, you’ll want to break it into small crumbles as it cooks, stirring occasionally with a spoon. Cook the sausage until it’s browned and fully cooked through—this should take about 8–10 minutes.

Once the sausage is ready, you may notice some excess grease in the pot. It’s totally normal, but you’ll want to remove some of that extra grease to avoid making your soup too greasy. Simply use a spoon or paper towels to drain off the excess.

Now that the sausage is cooked, you’re all set to move on to the next step!

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

With the sausage done, it’s time to build the base of the soup with some aromatic veggies. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot with the sausage. These vegetables are what give the soup its depth of flavor, so be sure to take the time to cook them properly. Sauté them for about 5–7 minutes until they soften up and the onion becomes translucent.

Once the veggies are nice and soft, it’s time to add the garlic, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes (if you’re into a little heat). Sauté everything for another minute or so—this will allow the garlic to become fragrant and the seasonings to bloom, infusing the soup with that delicious Italian flavor.

At this point, your kitchen should be smelling amazing! You’re already off to a great start.

Step 3: Add the Broth

Now it’s time to bring the soup together with the liquid ingredients. Pour in the chicken broth, which will serve as the flavorful base of the soup. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let the broth cook for about 10 minutes. This step allows all the flavors from the sausage, vegetables, and seasonings to meld together, creating a rich and savory foundation for your soup.

While the broth is simmering, it’s a good idea to take a moment to prepare the pasta and other ingredients, but we’ll get to that in a bit. For now, just let the soup simmer and work its magic. You’ll be amazed at how quickly the flavors come together!

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Now for one of the best parts—adding the pasta! I love using ditalini pasta for this soup because it’s small and bite-sized, perfect for soaking up all that creamy broth. You can use other small pasta shapes if you prefer, though. Once the broth has simmered for 10 minutes, add the ditalini pasta and cook according to the package instructions—usually around 8–10 minutes.

Make sure you keep an eye on the pasta while it’s cooking, so it doesn’t get too soft. You want the pasta to be tender but still have a slight bite to it, so it holds up well in the soup.

Step 5: Make It Creamy

At this point, your kitchen should smell incredible. The sausage, vegetables, and broth have come together beautifully, and the pasta has cooked to tender perfection. Now it’s time to add that velvety creaminess that makes this soup so comforting.

Turn the heat down to low to prevent the cream from curdling. Pour in the heavy cream and stir it into the soup. The cream will instantly mellow out the flavors, creating a smooth, silky texture. Next, add the grated Parmesan cheese. This is where the magic happens—Parmesan adds a salty, nutty richness that balances the cream and gives the soup that signature depth of flavor. Stir until the cheese has melted completely, and the soup becomes luxuriously creamy.

It’s already looking and tasting amazing, but we’re not done yet. The next step adds just the right touch of freshness and vibrancy.

Step 6: Add the Spinach

Once the soup is creamy and well-combined, it’s time to stir in the fresh spinach. I love using spinach in this recipe because it wilts down beautifully, adding a burst of green color and a subtle, earthy flavor. Plus, it’s packed with nutrients, so you’re getting a healthy boost along with all that comfort food goodness!

Add the chopped spinach to the pot and stir it in. Let it cook for about 2 minutes, or just until it wilts down into the soup. Be careful not to overcook it—spinach only takes a minute or two to cook down, and you want it to retain its vibrant green color and fresh flavor.

Adjusting the Seasoning

Before you dive in, take a moment to taste the soup. Does it need a little more salt or black pepper? Adjust the seasoning to your liking, but remember that Parmesan cheese already adds some saltiness, so be cautious when adding extra salt. A few cracks of freshly ground black pepper will elevate the flavors, bringing out the savory notes in the sausage and the richness of the cream.

If you love a bit of extra heat, you can always add a pinch more of crushed red pepper flakes at this point. It’s all about making the soup your own, so feel free to get creative with the seasonings!

Serving the Soup

Now comes the best part—serving up this creamy, comforting soup. Ladle the soup into bowls, making sure to scoop up plenty of sausage, pasta, and vegetables in each serving. There’s nothing better than a hearty bowl of soup on a cold day, and this one is sure to hit the spot.

For that extra touch of flavor and visual appeal, garnish each bowl with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. The added cheese melts slightly into the warm soup, giving it even more of that irresistible cheesy goodness. Finish it off with a little sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley to brighten up the dish and add some color.

Serving Suggestions

While this soup is already filling on its own, a slice of crusty bread or some homemade garlic toast is the perfect accompaniment for dipping. I love to dip a thick slice of warm, crusty bread into this creamy soup—it’s simple, but it takes the meal to the next level. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, you could even pair it with a side salad for a complete meal.

Now, you’re ready to enjoy a comforting bowl of creamy Italian sausage ditalini soup. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table, asking for seconds (or thirds, if you’re lucky!).

FAQ

1. Can I use a different type of sausage?

Absolutely! While I use Italian sausage for its savory flavor, you can easily swap it for other types of sausage if you prefer. Chicken sausage is a lighter option, or if you’re looking for a more unique flavor, try using turkey sausage or even chorizo. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile may shift slightly depending on the sausage you choose, but it will still be delicious!

2. What other vegetables can I add to the soup?

This recipe is very flexible when it comes to vegetables! If you want to add more vegetables to your soup, you can try adding zucchini, bell peppers, or even potatoes. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly—vegetables like zucchini will only need a few minutes, while potatoes may need a little extra time to cook through.

3. Can I make this soup in advance?

Yes! This soup actually gets better with time as the flavors have a chance to meld together. If you’re making it ahead, I recommend storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve it, just reheat it gently on the stove. If the soup thickens too much as it sits, you can add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen it up again.

4. Is it possible to make this soup dairy-free?

It’s definitely possible to make a dairy-free version of this soup! You can swap the heavy cream for a non-dairy alternative like coconut milk or almond milk (though coconut milk will impart a bit of a coconut flavor). For the Parmesan cheese, try using a dairy-free Parmesan or nutritional yeast for a cheesy taste without the dairy.

5. Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, this soup freezes well! To freeze it, let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It will last for up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it, just thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat it on the stove. If it’s too thick after freezing, add a bit more chicken broth or cream to bring it back to the right consistency.

6. What kind of pasta can I use instead of ditalini?

If you don’t have ditalini on hand, don’t worry! You can use any small pasta shape you like. Orzo, small shells, elbow macaroni, or even mini farfalle would all work great in this soup. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the type of pasta you’re using.

7. Can I make this soup spicier?

If you’re a fan of spice, absolutely! You can increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to your liking. For an even spicier kick, consider adding a chopped fresh jalapeño or some hot Italian sausage instead of mild. Just be careful not to go overboard unless you’re really ready for the heat!

Conclusion: A Soup That Feels Like Home

There’s something special about a hearty, creamy soup that brings everyone to the table and fills your home with warmth and delicious aromas. This Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup does just that—offering comfort in every spoonful and enough flavor to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or serving it at a cozy gathering, this soup is sure to be a hit.

I hope this recipe becomes a go-to in your kitchen like it has in mine. It’s quick, easy, and packed with all the right flavors to make you feel good. And don’t be afraid to get creative! Whether you tweak the vegetables, switch up the pasta, or play with the spices, this soup is super versatile and can be adjusted to suit your taste.

If you make this creamy Italian sausage ditalini soup, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Drop a comment below or share your variations with me. There’s always room for a little kitchen experimentation, and who knows? You might just find your new favorite version of this dish.

Enjoy the warmth, the comfort, and most of all, the deliciousness!

CREAMY PARMESAN ITALIAN SAUSAGE DITALINI SOUP

Author: Mark's Recipe
Total Time: 45 minutes

Print Recipe

Description

A hearty and comforting soup that’s packed with flavor! This creamy Italian sausage ditalini soup combines the richness of Parmesan cheese with savory sausage, fresh vegetables, and tender pasta. Perfect for cozy nights, it’s easy to make and will leave everyone asking for seconds.

Instructions

1️⃣ Brown the Sausage:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it into crumbles with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Remove any excess grease from the pot.

2️⃣ Sauté the Vegetables:
Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot with the cooked sausage. Sauté for 5–7 minutes, or until the vegetables become softened. Stir in the garlic, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for another minute until the garlic is fragrant.

3️⃣ Add the Broth:
Pour in the chicken broth, and bring the mixture to a simmer. Allow it to cook for 10 minutes to help the flavors meld together.

4️⃣ Cook the Pasta:
Add the ditalini pasta to the pot and cook according to the package instructions, typically 8–10 minutes, until the pasta is tender.

5️⃣ Make It Creamy:
Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the soup becomes creamy. Add the fresh spinach and let it wilt for about 2 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper.

6️⃣ Serve:
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with extra grated Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley. Serve with crusty bread or garlic toast for dipping.

Notes

You can use any small pasta you have on hand if you can’t find ditalini. Orzo, elbow macaroni, or small shells are all good substitutes.
If you want extra creaminess, feel free to add more Parmesan or a splash more cream.
For a spicier kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or use spicy sausage.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes

Mark's recipes