Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup

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On a chilly evening when all I want is something warm and comforting, this Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup never lets me down. It’s rich, savory, and filled with tender pasta, hearty sausage, and a creamy broth that hugs every bite. I love how quickly it comes together, but still tastes like it simmered all day. The way the sausage seasons the entire soup while the Parmesan adds that nutty finish? Absolutely irresistible.

This soup is one of my go-to meals for busy weeknights and lazy weekends alike. The small ditalini pasta is the perfect texture contrast to the creamy base and meaty sausage crumbles. And don’t get me started on the fresh parsley and Parmesan sprinkled on top—it’s the kind of detail that makes the whole bowl feel special without being fussy. If you’re craving something hearty, comforting, and full of Italian flavor, this soup checks every box.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup

It’s the perfect marriage of comfort and flavor—savory sausage, creamy broth, and melty cheese all wrapped into one bowl. It’s quick enough for weeknights but tastes fancy enough for guests. Plus, it uses everyday pantry ingredients so you won’t be running around looking for anything too exotic.

What Kind of Sausage Should I Use?

I prefer using Italian sausage with a little spice—it infuses the broth with so much flavor. You can go for sweet, mild, or hot Italian sausage depending on your preference. Ground sausage works best here, but you could also remove the casing from sausage links. Pork sausage gives the richest flavor, but chicken or turkey sausage will still do the trick if you want something lighter.

Options for Substitutions

This soup is super flexible:

• Pasta: Swap ditalini with small shells, elbow macaroni, or even orzo if needed.
• Cream: Half-and-half or whole milk can be used for a lighter version.
• Cheese: If you’re out of Parmesan, Pecorino Romano adds a salty bite, or try a little mozzarella for creaminess.
• Greens: Toss in spinach or kale at the end of cooking for extra nutrients.
• Broth: Use chicken or vegetable broth—both work beautifully.

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Ingredients for Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup

• Italian sausage (mild or hot): Brings bold flavor and hearty texture. It’s the main flavor driver in this soup.
• Ditalini pasta: Small and tube-shaped, perfect for soups because it holds onto the creamy broth without overpowering the spoon.
• Yellow onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and aromatic depth to the soup base.
• Garlic: Essential for building that classic Italian flavor foundation.
• Chicken broth: Forms the base of the soup, keeping it light yet rich.
• Heavy cream: Gives the soup its luxurious, creamy consistency.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds nuttiness, depth, and saltiness. Melts beautifully into the broth.
• Russet potatoes: Adds a comforting starchiness and soaks up the savory broth.
• Olive oil: Used to sauté the aromatics and help develop flavor.
• Salt & freshly ground black pepper: Enhances all the other ingredients.
• Fresh parsley: For a bright, herbal finish right before serving.

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Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil and the Italian sausage. Use a wooden spoon to break the sausage into crumbles as it cooks. Continue cooking until browned and no longer pink, about 6–8 minutes. Remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside.

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Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic

In the same pot with the sausage drippings, add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 4 minutes. Add minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant—don’t let it brown.

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Step 3: Add Potatoes and Broth

Stir in the peeled and diced russet potatoes. Pour in the chicken broth and bring everything to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 10–12 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender.

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Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Add the ditalini pasta directly to the pot. Simmer uncovered for 8–10 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente. Stir occasionally so it doesn’t stick to the bottom.

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Step 5: Stir in Cream and Cheese

Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until fully melted and combined. Return the cooked sausage to the pot and mix everything together.

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Step 6: Season and Garnish

Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed. Just before serving, stir in fresh chopped parsley and sprinkle extra Parmesan on top for a beautiful finish.

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How Long to Prepare Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup

This recipe comes together quicker than you’d think, making it a great option for weeknight dinners or cozy weekend lunches.

Prep Time: Most of your prep will involve chopping onion, garlic, and potatoes. If you’re efficient, you can finish this in about 10–15 minutes.

Cook Time: Browning the sausage and simmering the soup takes another 25–30 minutes. That brings the total time to roughly 40–45 minutes from start to finish, making it impressively fast for such a hearty dish.

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Tips for Perfect Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup

• Use freshly grated Parmesan. It melts better and adds more flavor than the pre-packaged kind.
• Cook the pasta directly in the soup. This allows it to absorb more flavor—but keep an eye on the texture to avoid overcooking.
• Brown the sausage well. Letting it develop a bit of color brings depth to the overall soup.
• Cut potatoes evenly. Uniform pieces ensure even cooking.
• Add cream at the end. High heat can cause cream to separate—adding it at the end keeps your soup smooth.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Not draining excess fat from the sausage. Leaving too much grease can make the soup heavy.
• Overcooking the pasta. Ditalini gets mushy quickly—al dente is key.
• Skipping seasoning. Always taste and adjust salt and pepper before serving.
• Using pre-shredded Parmesan. It doesn’t melt as well and may leave a gritty texture.
• Adding cream too early. It can curdle if added while the soup is still boiling.

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What to Serve With Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup?

1. Garlic Bread

Toasted garlic bread is perfect for dipping and soaking up the creamy broth.

2. Simple Arugula Salad

A peppery arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup.

3. Roasted Vegetables

Oven-roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, or cauliflower offer a nutritious contrast.

4. Crusty Artisan Bread

A rustic loaf is all you need to turn this into a cozy, complete meal.

5. Parmesan Breadsticks

Cheesy breadsticks echo the flavors in the soup and are a crowd favorite.

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Storage Instructions

Refrigerator: Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it into an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Note: the pasta may absorb some of the broth as it sits—add a splash of broth or cream when reheating to loosen it up.

Freezer: If you plan to freeze the soup, it’s best to do so before adding the pasta and cream. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and gently reheat, adding cream and freshly cooked pasta.

Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add extra broth or cream as needed.

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Estimated Nutrition (per serving, approx.)

• Calories: 460 kcal
• Protein: 19g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fat: 29g
• Saturated Fat: 13g
• Cholesterol: 75mg
• Sodium: 900mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 3g

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make this soup lighter?

You can use turkey sausage, low-sodium broth, and swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Just keep the pasta separate until you’re ready to serve so it doesn’t get too soft.

Will this soup thicken as it sits?

It will. The pasta continues to absorb liquid, so add extra broth or cream to loosen it up when reheating.

Can I use pre-cooked sausage?

Absolutely. Just chop it into small pieces and brown it lightly before adding to the soup.

Is this soup gluten-free?

Only if you use gluten-free pasta and double-check your sausage and broth ingredients.

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Conclusion

Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup is one of those meals that makes you feel like you’re wrapped in a warm, delicious hug. It’s hearty, flavorful, and comes together with simple ingredients you probably already have. Whether you’re cooking for family, guests, or just treating yourself to a cozy bowl, this soup never disappoints. Make it once and it’s bound to become a staple in your kitchen.

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