Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Brown the Sausage

In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.

The browning step builds deep flavor — don’t rush it!

2. Sauté the Aromatics

In the same pot, add chopped onion and cook until translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

Your kitchen will already start smelling amazing.

3. Simmer the Base

Add diced tomatoes (with juice), chicken stock, basil, oregano, and return the cooked sausage to the pot.

Bring to a gentle simmer and let the flavors meld for about 10–15 minutes.

4. Cook the Pasta

Add ditalini pasta directly to the soup and cook until al dente according to package instructions, stirring occasionally.

5. Finish with Cream & Parmesan

Lower the heat and stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.

Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.

6. Garnish & Serve

Ladle into bowls and sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan.

Serve hot — preferably with warm crusty bread.

What to Serve with This Soup

This soup pairs beautifully with:

Crusty artisan bread
Garlic breadsticks
Simple green salad with vinaigrette
Roasted vegetables

It’s hearty enough to stand alone, but a little bread for dipping never hurts.

Tips for Perfect Soup

Grate Parmesan fresh for the best melt and flavor.
If making ahead, cook pasta separately to prevent over-softening.
Let the soup rest 5 minutes before serving for deeper flavor.
For thicker texture, simmer a few minutes longer before adding cream.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if needed.
Freeze without pasta for best results (add fresh pasta when reheating).

General Information

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6
Difficulty: Easy
Cuisine Style: Italian-inspired comfort

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different pasta?

Yes! Any small pasta works well — just adjust cooking time.

Can I make this dairy-free?

You can omit cream and Parmesan, but the soup will lose its creamy richness. Try coconut milk for a different flavor profile.

Can I make it spicy?

Absolutely. Use hot Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes.

Why did my soup thicken overnight?

The pasta absorbs liquid as it sits. Simply add extra broth when reheating.

Conclusion

This Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup is pure comfort in a bowl. It’s the kind of recipe that feels nostalgic, generous, and deeply satisfying. The savory sausage, tender pasta, and silky Parmesan broth create something that tastes far more complex than the ingredient list suggests.

It’s cozy. It’s nourishing. And it’s exactly what a chilly evening calls for.