Pin it
I whipped up this Velvety Italian Sausage Ditalini Parmesan Soup one cold Sunday night when I needed something warm and rich. It's now our go-to comfort food. The way the sausage flavor blends with the smooth Parmesan liquid while those tiny ditalini noodles soak up the tastiness creates something truly wonderful in each bite.
Why This Soup Stands Out
This mix just hits all the right notes together. The full-bodied broth, those small pasta bits catching every flavor, and the sausage adding such fantastic depth. It's quick enough for weeknight meals but fancy enough for weekend gatherings. My house fills with incredible smells as it cooks away.
What You'll Need
- Italian Sausage: A pound makes the perfect tasty foundation.
- Olive Oil: A quick drizzle for cooking till golden.
- Sweet Onion: One little one chopped up small.
- Fresh Garlic: Two fat cloves chopped finely.
- Diced Tomatoes: A single can, drained well.
- Chicken Stock: Two quarts of this amazing base.
- Heavy Cream: Half cup turns everything silky.
- Ditalini Pasta: These little tubes work so well here.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grated fresh makes all the difference.
- Dried Basil: A bit for that Italian flair.
- Dried Oregano: Adds that perfect herby touch.
- Salt and Pepper: Add as you cook.
- Fresh Parsley: Adds freshness at the end.
Cooking Steps
- Sausage Time
- Heat that olive oil in your largest pot then break up the sausage. Cook until nicely browned with tasty bits stuck to the pan bottom.
- Building Taste
- Toss in those onions and garlic right with those yummy sausage bits. The smell is already fantastic.
- Creating the Base
- Pour in tomatoes, stock and herbs, letting everything mix well together.
- Slow Cook
- Return the sausage for a nice slow warm-up.
- Pasta Time
- The tiny pasta cooks right in the soup, taking on all those flavors.
- Adding Richness
- Pouring in cream and Parmesan works wonders. The soup turns into something truly amazing.
- Time to Eat
- A dash of fresh parsley makes it look gorgeous.
Pin it
Insider Tips
Try browning the pasta in a bit of oil first for extra flavor. Don't hold back on the Parmesan - a big handful on top makes it special. If you're making this ahead, add the pasta last so it doesn't get mushy.
Storing Leftovers
This soup stays good in your fridge for three days. Just warm it slowly on the stove, giving it a stir now and then. If it gets too thick, add a splash of broth to thin it out. It actually tastes even better the day after you make it.
Great Side Dishes
We love dipping crusty bread or garlic rolls into this creamy soup. A simple green salad works great alongside it. Sometimes I cook some veggies in the oven to serve with it - their sweet roasted edges go so well with the soup.
Easy Swaps
I sometimes use ground turkey or chicken when we want something lighter. Other pasta shapes work great too - try farfalle for something fun. Adding mushrooms and spinach works wonderfully, and a tiny bit of red pepper flakes gives it a nice warmth.
What Makes It Special
This soup combines all the best things about comfort food with a touch of class. It hits that sweet spot between creamy and filling while still feeling fancy. For quiet family nights or when friends visit, this soup always brings happiness.
Quick Answers
- Prep in advance? Store pasta apart until you're ready to eat for best results.
- Want to freeze it? Leave out pasta now, add fresh when heating up.
- Need it veggie? Try white beans and vegetable broth instead.
Final Thoughts
This soup means more than just food in our home - it's pure comfort in a bowl. Each time I cook it, I think of cozy family meals and happy guests in my kitchen. I hope it brings the same good feelings to your table too.
Pin it
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I swap out the pasta?
Absolutely! Try small shells, orzo, or elbow pasta as substitutes. Just follow the cooking times on the package.
- → How long can leftovers last?
Leftovers stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days. If the pasta absorbs too much broth, add extra liquid when you reheat it.
- → Is this soup freezer-friendly?
You can freeze it, but creamy soups might separate when thawed. It’s best to freeze before adding cheese or cream, then mix them in fresh after reheating.
- → What replaces heavy cream?
You could use whole milk or half-and-half. Note the dish won’t be as thick and creamy with these options.
- → Which sausage works the best?
Use mild for a subtle taste or spicy for a flavorful kick. Sweet Italian sausage is mild, while hot sausage adds a bolder heat.
Conclusion
Combining creamy Parmesan and tasty sausage, this dish is quick and easy for cozy nights. It uses simple ingredients and is ready in 40 minutes.