Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup
Warm up with this creamy parmesan Italian sausage ditalini soup—a hearty blend of savory sausage, tender pasta, and a rich, cheesy broth. It’s comfort food made simple, perfect for cozy nights or quick dinners. Ready in under an hour, this soup delivers big flavor with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage mild or spicy
- 1 medium onion diced
- 2 –3 cloves garlic minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup ditalini pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Optional: 2 cups fresh spinach
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook for 5–7 minutes until browned.
- Sauté Aromatics: Stir in diced onion and minced garlic. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the onion softens and garlic is fragrant.
- Add Broth and Tomatoes: Pour in chicken broth and diced tomatoes. Stir, scraping up any browned bits, and bring to a gentle boil.
- Cook the Pasta: Add ditalini pasta and simmer for 8–10 minutes until al dente, stirring occasionally.
- Make It Creamy: Reduce heat to low. Stir in heavy cream and grated parmesan until the cheese melts into a smooth broth, about 2 minutes.
- Season and Finish: Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Add fresh spinach (if using) and stir until wilted. Serve hot with extra parmesan on top.
Notes
Tips and Variations
- Tip: Check the pasta early to avoid overcooking—ditalini cooks fast and should stay al dente.
- Tip: Use freshly grated parmesan for the smoothest melt and best flavor.
- Variation: Swap sausage for ground turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter option.
- Variation: Add a kick with ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes or toss in 2 cups of fresh spinach for extra greens.
- Calories: 350–400 kcal
- Protein: 15 g
- Fat: 25 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Sodium: 800–900 mg (varies with broth and seasoning)
- Note: Values are estimates based on typical ingredient amounts and may vary with substitutions.