A rich, cozy, soul-warming bowl of comfort
Description
Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup is a hearty, comforting one-pot meal made with savory Italian sausage, tender pasta, aromatic herbs, and a velvety Parmesan-infused broth. It’s rich without being heavy, deeply flavorful, and perfect for cold nights or anytime you crave a soothing, satisfying dish.
Introduction
Some meals don’t just feed you — they slow you down. This soup fills your kitchen with the comforting aroma of garlic and herbs and brings everyone closer the moment it hits the table. Tiny ditalini pasta captures the creamy broth, Italian sausage adds bold depth, and freshly grated Parmesan melts in at the end for a silky, luxurious finish. It’s familiar, cozy, and deeply satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This soup delivers big flavor using simple ingredients and one pot. It’s creamy but balanced, filling without being heavy, and incredibly family-friendly. Best of all, it tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers.
Ingredients
1 lb Italian sausage (sweet or hot), casings removed
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small yellow onion, finely diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 (14.5 oz) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes, undrained
8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup ditalini pasta
½ teaspoon dried basil
½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ cup heavy cream
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and black pepper, to taste
For serving (optional):
Fresh parsley
Extra Parmesan cheese
Crusty bread
Instructions
Brown the Sausage
Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until fully cooked and nicely browned. Remove the sausage to a plate and set aside, leaving the flavorful drippings in the pot.
Sauté the Aromatics
Reduce heat to medium. Add the diced onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 4–5 minutes. Stir in the garlic, dried basil, and oregano, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Build the Broth
Add the fire-roasted tomatoes with their juices and pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Return the cooked sausage to the pot and bring to a gentle simmer. Let it simmer for 10–15 minutes to deepen the flavor.
Cook the Pasta
Stir in the ditalini pasta and cook until just al dente, about 8–10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Make It Creamy
Lower the heat. Stir in the heavy cream, then remove the pot from heat. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until completely melted and smooth.
Season and Serve
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper. Ladle into bowls and serve warm, topped with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley if desired.
Variations
Use turkey sausage and add ½ teaspoon fennel seeds for classic flavor
Add spinach or kale at the end for extra greens
Use gluten-free pasta if needed
Add red pepper flakes or chili oil for extra heat
Stir in an extra ¼ cup cream for a richer finish
Tips for Best Results
Always use freshly grated Parmesan for smooth melting
Do not boil the soup after adding cheese to avoid grainy texture
Cook pasta just shy of done, as it continues to soften
If reheating, add a splash of broth to loosen the soup
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The soup will thicken as it sits, so add additional broth when reheating.
Freezing
For best results, freeze the soup without the pasta and cream. When ready to serve, reheat the base and add freshly cooked pasta and cream.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with crusty bread, garlic toast, or a simple green salad. It pairs beautifully with a Caesar salad or roasted vegetables.
FAQs
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes. The flavors deepen overnight, making it even better the next day.
Why did my soup become too thick?
The pasta absorbs liquid as it sits. Simply add more broth when reheating.
Can I substitute half-and-half for heavy cream?
Yes, but the soup will be slightly less rich and creamy.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Freeze only the soup base. Add pasta and cream fresh when reheating.
Conclusion
Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup is the kind of recipe that becomes a household favorite — comforting, reliable, and deeply satisfying. Whether it’s a chilly evening or you just need a bowl of warmth, this soup delivers comfort in every spoonful.