Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup

A bowl of Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly days or whenever you’re craving something warm and hearty. This soup combines savory Italian sausage, tender pasta, and fresh spinach, all enveloped in a creamy broth with the rich flavor of Parmesan cheese. The balance of flavors and textures in this soup makes it a satisfying meal in itself. It’s simple to make yet indulgently delicious, and can easily become a favorite in your weeknight dinner rotation.

This recipe is everything you want in a cozy soup—rich, creamy, and packed with hearty ingredients that will fill you up without feeling heavy. It’s also a great way to get in your greens with the addition of fresh spinach, which wilts perfectly into the soup while adding both color and nutrition.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Rich and Creamy Texture

The combination of heavy cream and Parmesan cheese creates a velvety smooth broth that coats every spoonful of the soup, making it comforting and indulgent.

2. Hearty and Filling

The Italian sausage and ditalini pasta add a satisfying substance to the soup, making it a complete meal that’s both filling and delicious.

3. Quick and Easy

With just a few simple steps, this soup comes together in under 45 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner plans.

4. Flavorful and Well-Balanced

The savory Italian sausage, aromatic onion, and garlic combine to create a deep, rich base, while the Parmesan cheese adds a savory depth to the broth.

5. Customizable

Feel free to swap in other greens like kale or Swiss chard for the spinach, or use a different type of pasta if ditalini isn’t available. This soup is versatile and can be adapted to your preferences.

Ingredients

• Italian sausage
• Onion
• Garlic
• Chicken broth
• Diced tomatoes
• Ditalini pasta
• Fresh spinach
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Heavy cream
• Salt and pepper

Variations

• Different Sausage: You can use chicken sausage, turkey sausage, or even a spicy sausage for a different flavor profile.
• Greens: While spinach works wonderfully, feel free to experiment with other greens like kale, Swiss chard, or even arugula.
• Low-Carb Option: Swap out the ditalini pasta for a low-carb pasta substitute, zucchini noodles, or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb version.
• Vegan Option: Use plant-based sausage, non-dairy cream, and nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan for a vegan alternative.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Sausage

In a large pot, heat the Italian sausage over medium heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks until browned and fully cooked through. Remove any excess fat if necessary.

Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic

Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot with the sausage. Cook for 3-5 minutes until the onion is translucent and fragrant.

Step 3: Add the Broth and Tomatoes

Stir in the chicken broth and canned diced tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Once the broth reaches a boil, add the ditalini pasta. Lower the heat to a simmer and cook the pasta according to package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes.

Step 5: Stir in the Spinach and Cream

Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the fresh spinach and cook for 1-2 minutes until wilted. Then, add the grated Parmesan cheese and heavy cream, stirring until fully incorporated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 6: Serve

Ladle the soup into bowls and serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Adjust Consistency: If you prefer a thicker soup, let it simmer uncovered for a few more minutes to reduce the broth. If it’s too thick, add a little more broth to reach your desired consistency.
• Spicy Option: If you like heat, add red pepper flakes to the sausage mixture when cooking the onion and garlic, or use spicy Italian sausage.
• Broth Flavor: For extra depth, use homemade chicken broth or low-sodium broth to control the seasoning of the soup.

How to Serve

• With Crusty Bread: Serve the soup with a slice of toasted crusty bread or garlic bread for dipping.
• As a Main Dish: This soup is filling enough to serve as a main course. Pair it with a light side salad or a few extra veggies for a well-rounded meal.
• With Extra Cheese: Top each bowl of soup with additional grated Parmesan cheese for an extra creamy and savory finish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if the soup has thickened too much.

Freezing

This soup freezes well. Let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat the soup in a pot over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add more broth or cream if needed to bring it back to the right consistency.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different kind of pasta?

Yes! You can use any small pasta, such as elbow macaroni, shells, or orzo, instead of ditalini.

2. Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, this soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

3. How can I make this soup spicier?

To make it spicier, you can use spicy Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes to the soup while it’s cooking.

4. Can I use turkey sausage?

Yes, turkey sausage is a great substitute for Italian sausage in this recipe for a leaner option.

5. Can I use non-dairy cream for a dairy-free version?

Yes, you can use coconut cream, almond milk, or a plant-based heavy cream substitute for a dairy-free version of this soup.

6. Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, simply omit the sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add more vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for added texture.

7. How long can I store leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

8. How can I make this soup thicker?

To thicken the soup, let it simmer uncovered to reduce the liquid, or blend a small portion of the soup and stir it back in.

9. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes, fresh diced tomatoes can be used in place of canned, but you may need to add a bit more broth for consistency.

10. Can I add other vegetables to this soup?

Definitely! You can add vegetables like carrots, celery, or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.

Conclusion

This Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for warming up on a cold day. With its rich, creamy broth and hearty ingredients, it’s a dish that’s sure to satisfy. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, this soup will quickly become a family favorite. Whether you’re serving it for dinner or bringing it to a gathering, it’s guaranteed to be a hit!

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