Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup – The Cozy Bowl That Tastes Like a Hug
Some soups are light and brothy. This one is the kind that makes everyone slow down.
Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup is rich without being heavy, loaded with savory sausage, tender little ditalini pasta, and a silky parmesan cream broth that tastes like something you’d order at an Italian restaurant on a rainy night.
It’s the soup you make when you want the kitchen to smell amazing, the bowls to come back empty, and the leftovers to taste even better the next day.
Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup
Ingredients
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1 lb Italian sausage (mild or hot)
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1 small onion, diced
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3–4 cloves garlic, minced
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4 cups chicken broth
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2 cups water (or more broth)
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1 cup ditalini pasta
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1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
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1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
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2 cups spinach (optional, but great)
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1 tsp Italian seasoning
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½ tsp black pepper
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Salt to taste
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Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes
Optional add-ins: diced carrots/celery, mushrooms, or a spoon of tomato paste for depth.
Instructions
1) Brown the Sausage
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In a large pot, cook sausage over medium heat until browned.
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Break into crumbles.
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Drain excess grease if needed (leave a little for flavor).
2) Sauté the Aromatics
Add onion and cook 3–4 minutes until softened.
Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
3) Build the Broth
Stir in:
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chicken broth
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water
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Italian seasoning
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pepper (and red pepper flakes if using)
Bring to a gentle boil.
4) Cook the Pasta
Add ditalini and simmer 8–10 minutes until tender.
5) Make it Creamy
Reduce heat to low. Stir in heavy cream.
6) Add Parmesan
Add parmesan gradually, stirring until melted and smooth.
7) Add Spinach
Stir in spinach and cook 1–2 minutes until wilted.
8) Taste & Serve
Adjust salt and pepper. Serve hot with extra parmesan on top.
Why This Soup Works
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Italian sausage builds instant flavor
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Ditalini makes it hearty and cozy
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Cream + parmesan create a silky broth
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Spinach adds balance without changing the comfort factor
Tips for the Best Creamy Parmesan Soup
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Grate parmesan fresh (pre-shredded can clump)
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Add cheese on low heat to prevent graininess
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Want thicker soup? Simmer a few extra minutes or use a little less broth
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For extra depth, add 1 tbsp tomato paste with the onions
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If reheating, add a splash of broth or cream (pasta thickens soups)
What to Serve With It
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Crusty bread or garlic bread
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Side salad with lemony dressing
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Roasted vegetables
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Parmesan toast or grilled cheese
FAQ – Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup
Can I use a different pasta?
Yes. Small pasta shapes work best: small shells, orzo, elbows, acini di pepe.
How do I keep the parmesan from clumping?
Use freshly grated parmesan and add it slowly over low heat while stirring.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, but pasta will soak up broth. For best results, cook pasta separately and add when serving.
How long does it keep?
Store in the fridge up to 4 days in an airtight container.
