If you’re craving something that feels like the ultimate comfort food, you’ve got to try this Cozy Creamy Parmesan Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe. It’s a rich, velvety soup that blends the bold flavors of Italian sausage with tender ditalini pasta, fresh spinach, and a generous helping of Parmesan cheese. Every spoonful wraps you in warm, cheesy goodness, making it perfect for chilly nights or whenever you want a bowl of delicious reassurance. The combination of creamy broth and savory sausage creates a harmony of flavors that’s as satisfying as it is easy to make.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cozy Creamy Parmesan Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe calls for simple, everyday ingredients, each chosen to build layers of taste and texture. With just a handful, you get a perfect balance of savory sausage, fresh greens, hearty pasta, and creamy cheese that bring everything up to a comforting, delicious level.
- Olive oil: The base fat for sautéing, adds a subtle fruity richness and helps brown the sausage beautifully.
- Italian sausage (mild or spicy): Provides the bold, meaty flavor and some zest if you like it with a kick.
- Small onion, diced: Adds sweetness and depth when softened, a perfect aromatic partner to garlic.
- Garlic cloves, minced: Brings a punch of savory warmth and enhances the overall soup aroma.
- Chicken broth: The flavorful liquid foundation that keeps the soup light yet rich.
- Heavy cream: Creates that luscious creamy texture that makes this soup feel indulgent.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds nutty, salty depth that melts into the soup for that signature cheesy finish.
- Ditalini pasta: Small pasta shapes ideal for soup, providing tender bite-sized morsels.
- Baby spinach leaves: Adds vibrant color, nutrition, and a soft leafy texture that balances the richness.
- Italian seasoning: Blends herbs like basil and oregano to tie all flavors together.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and elevating the soup’s final taste.
How to Make Cozy Creamy Parmesan Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Sausage
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add your choice of Italian sausage — mild or spicy depending on your preference — and crumble it into the pan. Cook the sausage until it’s nicely browned, which takes about 5 to 7 minutes. This step is crucial because the caramelized sausage bits build a rich foundation of flavor. If there’s too much grease, go ahead and remove a little so the soup doesn’t turn oily.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Next, toss in the diced onion and minced garlic directly into the pot with the browned sausage. Sauté these until the onions soften and the air fills with their fragrant scent, roughly 2 to 3 minutes. This softening step releases natural sweetness and rounds out the boldness of the sausage, making the soup base inviting and full-bodied.
Step 3: Simmer the Broth
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, followed by the Italian seasoning. Stir everything gently and bring it to a gentle simmer. This simmering lets the cream meld with the broth and sausage drippings, creating that signature cozy creamy texture without ever feeling too heavy.
Step 4: Add Pasta
Once simmering, stir in the ditalini pasta. Small pasta shapes like ditalini are perfect for soaking up all the delicious flavors in each bite. Cook the pasta directly in the simmering soup for about 10 minutes or until tender but still holding its shape. This keeps the texture just right and ensures every spoonful is satisfying.
Step 5: Finish with Spinach and Parmesan
When the pasta is just about done, fold in the baby spinach leaves and the grated Parmesan cheese. Allow it to cook for another 2 to 3 minutes so the spinach wilts perfectly and the cheese melts into the soup, enriching it with a creamy, savory finish that makes this Cozy Creamy Parmesan Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe so unforgettable.
Step 6: Season and Serve
Finally, taste your soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to your liking. Serve the soup warm, ideally topped with a bit more Parmesan for that extra cheesy punch. This step personalizes the warmth and richness for exactly how you enjoy it.
How to Serve Cozy Creamy Parmesan Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Top your bowl with freshly grated Parmesan or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you want a hint of heat. A few fresh basil leaves or a drizzle of good olive oil can add a touch of brightness and complexity that elevates each serving. These garnishes bring nuance and make the soup visually inviting.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or garlic knots to soak up every last drop of the creamy broth. A simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast that balances the richness of the soup perfectly. For a heartier meal, consider serving alongside roasted vegetables or a cheesy grilled sandwich.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this soup in bread bowls for an all-in-one cozy meal. Alternatively, drizzle with a little truffle oil for an elegant touch or sprinkle toasted pine nuts on top for added crunch and flavor. The versatility in presentation allows this Cozy Creamy Parmesan Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe to shine whether casual or special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, it will keep well for 3 to 4 days, making it a wonderful make-ahead comfort meal for busy weeknights.
Freezing
While cream-based soups can sometimes change texture after freezing, this recipe freezes fairly well if you plan to reheat gently. Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 2 months. When thawed, you may notice slight separation — simply whisk the soup on the stove before serving to bring it back together.
Reheating
Reheat on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring often to prevent sticking and maintain the creamy texture. If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up. Reheating slowly preserves the rich flavors and silky texture that make this Cozy Creamy Parmesan Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe so irresistible.
FAQs
Can I use turkey sausage instead of Italian sausage?
Absolutely! Turkey sausage works well if you prefer a leaner option. Just be sure to choose a flavorful variety to keep the soup tasty and don’t forget to brown it properly for that delicious depth.
Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
You can make a vegetarian version by swapping the sausage for plant-based sausage or hearty mushrooms like cremini and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The Parmesan and cream will keep the soup creamy and flavorful.
Can I substitute the heavy cream for a lighter option?
Yes, you can use half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter soup, but keep in mind the texture won’t be quite as rich or creamy. To prevent curdling, add the dairy slowly and heat gently.
What if I don’t have ditalini pasta? Can I use something else?
Feel free to substitute with small pasta shapes like elbow macaroni, or even small shells. The key is to choose pasta that cooks quickly and fits well on a spoon for an ideal soup experience.
How spicy is this soup? Can I make it milder or spicier?
The spice level depends on the sausage you choose. Mild sausage keeps it gentle, while spicy adds heat. You can customize by adding crushed red pepper flakes for extra kick or omit them for a more mellow flavor.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a warm bowl of soup that feels like a hug in food form, and this Cozy Creamy Parmesan Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe hits that mark perfectly. It’s straightforward to whip up, packed with layers of nourishing flavors, and will quickly become a favorite for family dinners or chill evenings. Give it a try — you might just find your new go-to comfort recipe!
Print
Cozy Creamy Parmesan Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Cozy Creamy Parmesan Sausage Ditalini Soup is a comforting and hearty bowl of flavor, combining savory Italian sausage, tender ditalini pasta, and a creamy Parmesan-infused broth. Perfect for chilly days, this easy-to-make soup balances rich creaminess with nutritious spinach and a pleasant Italian seasoning touch.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Main Additions
- 1 ½ cups ditalini pasta
- 1 cup baby spinach leaves
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the sausage and crumble it with a spoon, cooking until it is nicely browned. Remove excess grease from the pot if necessary to keep the soup from becoming too oily.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot with the browned sausage. Cook while stirring occasionally until the onion becomes soft and fragrant, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Simmer the Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, then stir in the Italian seasoning. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Add Pasta: Stir in the ditalini pasta and cook uncovered until the pasta is tender, approximately 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Finish with Spinach and Parmesan: Add the baby spinach leaves and grated Parmesan cheese into the pot. Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, until the spinach wilts and the cheese melts into the creamy broth.
- Season and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning by adding salt and pepper as needed. Serve the soup warm, optionally garnished with extra Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- Use mild or spicy Italian sausage depending on your desired heat level.
- For a lighter option, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
- The soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Leftover soup can be reheated gently over low heat to avoid curdling the cream.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the ditalini pasta with a gluten-free pasta alternative.
