Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup
This rich, comforting soup combines Italian sausage, tender pasta, and a creamy Parmesan broth for the ultimate bowl of cozy flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 cups chicken broth
2 cups water
1 cup ditalini pasta
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup spinach or kale (optional)
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt & pepper, to taste
Olive oil, for cooking
Instructions
Brown the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned.
Sauté Aromatics: Add diced onion and garlic. Cook 2–3 minutes until soft and fragrant.
Add Liquids: Pour in chicken broth and water. Stir and bring to a gentle boil, scraping up any browned bits.
Cook Pasta: Stir in ditalini and Italian seasoning. Simmer about 10 minutes, until pasta is tender.
Make it Creamy: Reduce heat to low. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan until smooth and creamy.
Add Greens (Optional): Stir in spinach or kale and simmer until just wilted.
Season and Serve: Taste, adjust salt and pepper, and ladle into bowls. Serve hot with crusty bread or salad.
Notes
Swap ditalini with elbow macaroni, small shells, or orzo.
Turkey or chicken sausage works great as a leaner option.
Make it dairy-free with coconut cream + nutritional yeast.
Add mushrooms, carrots, or zucchini for extra veggies.
Avoid overcooking pasta — it keeps cooking as it sits.
Soup thickens over time — thin with extra broth or cream when reheating.
