If you are craving a bowl of comfort that warms both heart and soul, this Cozy Ditalini Soup with Creamy Parmesan and Italian Sausage Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s a luscious blend of tender Italian sausage, bite-sized ditalini pasta, and a rich, velvety broth infused with Parmesan and cream. Every spoonful bursts with savory goodness, balanced by herbs and a silky texture that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a lazy weekend, this soup delivers big on flavor without fuss, quickly becoming a treasured favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients makes this soup delightful and straightforward. Each component plays a vital role: the sausage adds hearty umami, the ditalini brings lovely texture, and the creamy Parmesan broth ties it all together in a rich, savory symphony.
- Italian sausage (1/2 lb): Choose your favorite mild or spicy Italian sausage, removed from casing for easy crumbling and cooking.
- Ditalini pasta (1 cup): These small tube-shaped noodles cook quickly and hold the broth beautifully.
- Chicken broth (4 cups): The soup’s flavorful base; homemade or store-bought works wonderfully.
- Parmesan cheese, grated (1/2 cup): Freshly grated Parmesan melts into the soup, delivering that signature nutty, salty depth.
- Heavy cream (1/2 cup): Adds luxurious creaminess to balance the savory sausage and cheese.
- Onion, chopped (1 medium): Provides a subtle sweetness and aromatic foundation.
- Garlic, minced (2 cloves): Infuses the soup with bright, savory notes that elevate every bite.
- Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): A fragrant blend of herbs like oregano and basil that ties all flavors together.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance all other flavors perfectly.
How to Make Cozy Ditalini Soup with Creamy Parmesan and Italian Sausage Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Italian Sausage
Start by heating a large pot over medium heat and crumble the Italian sausage into it. Cook until the sausage is beautifully browned, releasing its flavorful fat and aromas, which should take about 5 minutes. This step builds a rich meaty base that’s essential to the depth of your soup.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Next, add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot with the browned sausage. Cook for another 3 minutes, stirring often until the onions are tender and translucent. This softens their sharpness and blends their natural sweetness with the sausage’s savory oils.
Step 3: Add Chicken Broth and Simmer
Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan and stir up all those delicious browned bits from the bottom. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, creating the flavorful liquid foundation that the pasta and cheese will soak into.
Step 4: Cook the Ditalini Pasta
Stir in the ditalini pasta and let the soup simmer until the pasta is tender but still slightly al dente, which usually takes around 10 minutes. Cooking the pasta directly in the broth allows it to absorb the savory flavors perfectly.
Step 5: Stir in Parmesan and Cream
Gently fold in the grated Parmesan cheese and heavy cream, stirring until the cheese melts smoothly and the soup gains a silky, creamy consistency. This is the moment when the soup transforms into the luscious comfort food it’s meant to be.
Step 6: Season and Simmer
Finish by adding Italian seasoning, then season with salt and freshly ground pepper according to your taste. Allow the soup to simmer for another 5 minutes so all the flavors meld beautifully before serving.
How to Serve Cozy Ditalini Soup with Creamy Parmesan and Italian Sausage Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your bowl of this soup with fresh garnishes like chopped parsley or a sprinkle of extra Parmesan. A drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a pinch of red pepper flakes can add an exciting flavor contrast. These simple touches make each serving look as inviting as it tastes.
Side Dishes
Pair this hearty soup with crusty bread or warm garlic knots to sop up every last drop of that creamy broth. A simple side salad with a bright vinaigrette also cuts through the richness, making for a balanced meal that satisfies completely.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy gathering, serve the soup in mini bread bowls or rustic ceramic mugs to amplify its comforting appeal. You can also sprinkle some toasted breadcrumbs or crispy pancetta on top for an added textural surprise that guests will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This soup keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve its creamy texture and rich flavors. Just give it a gentle stir before reheating, as some ingredients may settle.
Freezing
You can freeze Cozy Ditalini Soup with Creamy Parmesan and Italian Sausage Recipe for up to 2 months. To maintain the best creaminess, cool the soup completely before freezing and leave out the heavy cream if you plan to freeze, adding it fresh when reheating.
Reheating
Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent the cream from separating. If the soup has thickened too much, add a splash of broth or water to bring back its perfect creamy consistency.
FAQs
Can I use turkey sausage instead of Italian sausage?
Absolutely! Turkey sausage makes a leaner option and still adds plenty of flavor, though the soup may be slightly less rich. Feel free to adjust seasonings as needed to maintain the bold taste.
Is there a vegetarian version of this soup?
You can make this soup vegetarian by substituting the Italian sausage with plant-based sausage or hearty mushrooms. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and keep the Parmesan and cream for richness.
Can I use other types of pasta instead of ditalini?
Yes! Small pasta shapes like elbow macaroni, orzo, or small shells work well as they hold the broth nicely. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta’s package directions.
How can I make the soup less creamy?
To reduce the creaminess, simply cut back on the heavy cream or use milk instead. You can also omit the cream entirely for a lighter broth but keep the Parmesan cheese for flavor depth.
What can I add to make the soup spicier?
If you love a little heat, add crushed red pepper flakes during the sautéing step or sprinkle some chili powder toward the end. Using spicy Italian sausage also gives the soup a nice fiery kick.
Final Thoughts
This Cozy Ditalini Soup with Creamy Parmesan and Italian Sausage Recipe is truly a comforting bowl of happiness you can whip up in no time. Whether you’re feeding a family or just craving something deliciously satisfying, it checks all the boxes with hearty sausage, tender pasta, and a creamy, cheesy broth that feels like home. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own cozy classic!
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Cozy Ditalini Soup with Creamy Parmesan and Italian Sausage Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A comforting and creamy Italian-inspired ditalini soup featuring savory Italian sausage, tender pasta, and a rich blend of Parmesan cheese and heavy cream, perfect for a cozy meal in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Meat
- 1/2 lb Italian sausage, removed from casing
Pasta
- 1 cup ditalini pasta
Broth & Dairy
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Vegetables & Seasoning
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Brown the sausage: In a large pot, cook the Italian sausage over medium heat until browned and fully cooked, about 5 minutes. Break the sausage up into small pieces as it cooks.
- Sauté onions and garlic: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot with the sausage. Cook for an additional 3 minutes until the onion is softened and fragrant.
- Simmer broth: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
- Cook the pasta: Add the ditalini pasta to the simmering broth and cook until tender, about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add cheese and cream: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and heavy cream, then season the soup with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to your taste.
- Final simmer and serve: Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Serve the soup hot for a warm, satisfying meal.
Notes
- You can substitute turkey sausage for a leaner option.
- For a thicker soup, add more heavy cream or reduce the broth slightly.
- If you prefer a spicier soup, add red pepper flakes along with the Italian seasoning.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and texture.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- Gluten-free pasta can be used to make this soup gluten-free.
