This cozy soup packs a punch with creamy parmesan, hearty Italian sausage, and little ditalini pasta. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for chilly days!
I love how quick this soup comes together. Just cook the sausage, add the broth, and let the flavors mingle. Perfect for when you need dinner fast—no one has to know it was easy! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Italian Sausage: This is the star of the soup! You can use mild or spicy sausage based on your taste. For a lighter option, try ground turkey or chicken sausage. They provide a similar flavor but with less fat.
Ditalini Pasta: Ditalini is perfect for soups as its small size captures all the goodness. If you don’t have it, any small pasta like elbows or orzo works great. Just adjust the cooking time, as some may need longer.
Heavy Cream: For creaminess, heavy cream is best, but if you’re looking for a lighter version, half-and-half or whole milk can be used. Just remember that the soup might not be as rich. Coconut milk is a dairy-free alternative if needed!
Fresh Spinach or Parsley: Use spinach for a more robust flavor, but kale or Swiss chard would also work well. If you don’t have fresh herbs, dried can be used, though fresh adds a nice touch of brightness!
How Do I Sauté the Sausage Perfectly?
Sautéing the sausage properly enhances its flavor and texture. Here’s how to do it right:
- Heat olive oil over medium heat before adding the sausage. This helps create a non-stick surface.
- Break up the sausage with your spatula while cooking, ensuring it browns evenly.
- Cook until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. You want it golden for great flavor!
Taking your time here pays off, so don’t rush! Properly browned sausage adds depth to the soup and makes it delicious.
Easy Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup ditalini pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
- 1/2 cup fresh spinach or parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This comforting soup can be made in about 30 minutes! You’ll spend about 10 minutes prepping ingredients and cooking the sausage, and then another 15-20 minutes to simmer everything together until it’s deliciously creamy.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Sausage:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage to the pot, using a spoon to break it up as it cooks. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until it’s nicely browned and fully cooked. The brown bits on the bottom will add great flavor!
2. Adding Onions and Garlic:
Next, toss in the diced onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, which should take about 3-4 minutes. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until it’s fragrant. Your kitchen should be smelling amazing by now!
3. Adding Broth and Tomatoes:
Pour in the chicken broth and add the undrained diced tomatoes. Sprinkle in the dried Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good stir to mix it together.
4. Cooking the Pasta:
Bring the soup to a boil, then add the ditalini pasta. Reduce the heat and let it simmer until the pasta is tender, about 8-10 minutes. Keep an eye on it to ensure the pasta doesn’t overcook!
5. Stirring in the Cream and Cheese:
Now it’s time for the creaminess! Lower the heat to medium-low, and stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Cook while stirring often, just until the cheese is melted and everything is heated through, about 3-5 minutes. Don’t let it boil at this stage!
6. Adding Greens:
Finally, add the chopped spinach or parsley, stirring it in until wilted and well incorporated. This adds a fresh touch and a splash of color to your soup.
7. Final Adjustments:
Give your soup a taste and adjust the seasonings with more salt or pepper, if needed. You want it to be full of flavor!
8. Serving the Soup:
Ladle the creamy soup into bowls. Garnish with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper. Serve warm with some crusty bread for dipping!
Enjoy your delicious bowl of Easy Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup! Perfect for cozy nights or anytime you need a little comfort food.
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Sausage?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken is a great alternative if you’re looking for a leaner option. Just make sure to season it well since it’s much milder in flavor compared to sausage.
How Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
To make this soup vegetarian, simply replace the Italian sausage with chopped mushrooms or a meat substitute, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add more veggies like zucchini or bell peppers for added texture and flavor.
Can I Freeze Leftover Soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bags. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm it gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth if it’s too thick.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you want a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or whole milk. For a dairy-free alternative, try coconut milk or almond milk, but keep in mind that these will alter the flavor slightly. If using milk, add it towards the end of cooking to prevent curdling.
