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Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe

3.8 from 39 reviews

This creamy Parmesan Italian sausage ditalini soup is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Bursting with flavors from browned Italian sausage, tender pasta, fresh spinach, and a rich Parmesan cream broth, it’s both satisfying and simple to make. Ready in just 40 minutes, this soup combines savory, creamy, and fresh ingredients for a delicious bowl of warmth.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Oil

  • 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, based on preference)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 1 small onion (diced)
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 2 cups fresh spinach (chopped)

Liquids and Dairy

  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for garnish)

Pantry

  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
  • 1 cup ditalini pasta (or any small pasta)
  • Salt and black pepper (to taste)

Garnish

  • Fresh parsley (chopped)

Instructions

  1. Brown the Sausage: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Once fully cooked, remove the sausage from the pot and set it aside to keep warm.
  2. Sauté the Aromatics: In the same pot, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, or until the onion is softened and the garlic is fragrant, which will create a flavorful base for the soup.
  3. Make the Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Stir in the drained diced tomatoes and the cooked sausage to combine all the flavors.
  4. Add Pasta and Cook: Add the ditalini pasta to the pot and cook according to package instructions, usually 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
  5. Add the Cream and Spinach: Stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped spinach. Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts and the soup becomes creamy and well blended.
  6. Season to Taste: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper to your preference.
  7. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley. Serve the soup hot, ideally accompanied by crusty bread for dipping.

Notes

  • You can substitute ditalini pasta with any small pasta shape like elbow macaroni or small shells.
  • For a spicier soup, use spicy Italian sausage or add crushed red pepper flakes when sautéing garlic and onions.
  • If you prefer a thicker soup, reduce the amount of chicken broth by half a cup.
  • To make it lighter, swap heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but the soup will be less creamy.
  • Fresh spinach can be replaced with kale or Swiss chard for a different leafy green option.
  • For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta and ensure the sausage does not contain gluten fillers.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.

Keywords: Italian sausage soup, creamy pasta soup, Parmesan ditalini soup, comfort food, easy Italian soup