This creamy soup with Italian sausage and ditalini pasta is warm and cozy. The Parmesan cheese makes it rich, and it’s packed with flavors that will warm your heart!
I love how simple it is to make this delicious soup. It’s perfect for chilly days, and the leftovers taste even better! Just grab a bowl and enjoy—you deserve this comfort!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Italian Sausage: Use either mild or spicy Italian sausage depending on your heat preference. If you want a lighter option, turkey sausage works well too.
Ditalini Pasta: This small pasta is great for soups, but if you can’t find it, try elbow macaroni or any small pasta like orzo. They will still give a lovely texture!
Heavy Cream: For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or use a non-dairy option like coconut cream. Just keep in mind that flavors may vary a bit!
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan is the best for flavor. If you need an alternative, Pecorino Romano works as a nice substitute with a bit more bite!
How to Ensure Your Soup Stays Creamy without Curdling?
To keep your soup creamy, it’s crucial to add the heavy cream at low heat. Boiling can cause dairy to curdle. Here’s how to do it:
- After cooking your pasta, reduce the heat to low before adding the cream.
- Pour in the cream slowly, stirring continuously to blend it smoothly.
- Heat it through gently, then add the cheese, stirring until it melts smoothly.
This method gives you a velvety texture without the worry of curdling!
Enjoy making this creamy Italian sausage ditalini soup, and don’t hesitate to get creative with the ingredients!
Easy Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casing removed)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups water
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup ditalini pasta (small tubular pasta)
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This cozy soup takes about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a comforting dish on a chilly day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Sausage:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook until it’s nicely browned, about 5-7 minutes. As it cooks, use a spoon to break it apart into smaller pieces. This will add great flavor to your soup!
2. Add Aromatics:
Next, throw in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them with the sausage until the onion turns translucent and fragrant, which usually takes about 3-4 minutes. This will make the base of your soup full of yummy flavor!
3. Combine the Liquids:
Pour in the chicken broth and water, then add your drained diced tomatoes and dried Italian seasoning. Give everything a good stir, then bring it all to a gentle boil. This step helps all the flavors come together beautifully.
4. Cook the Pasta:
Once your mixture is boiling, add the ditalini pasta. Cook it according to the package directions, which typically takes around 8-10 minutes, until the pasta is al dente. This adds a hearty texture to your soup!
5. Add the Cream:
Reduce the heat to low and carefully stir in the heavy cream. Heat this through gently; you want to avoid boiling it to keep the cream from curdling. This step makes your soup rich and creamy!
6. Stir in the Parmesan:
Once the cream is heated, stir in the shredded Parmesan cheese until it melts smoothly into the soup, creating that deliciously creamy texture. Taste the soup and feel free to adjust with salt and pepper to your liking.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your hot soup in bowls, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley for a lovely touch. It’s warm, cozy, and absolutely delicious!
Enjoy this creamy and flavorful soup anytime you crave a comforting meal!
Can I Use Frozen Sausage for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen Italian sausage! Just make sure it’s fully thawed before cooking. You can thaw it overnight in the fridge or use the defrost setting on your microwave. Once thawed, cook it as directed in the recipe.
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the Italian sausage with a plant-based sausage or omit it entirely and add more veggies, like bell peppers or mushrooms, for added flavor and texture. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep it vegetarian.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you need to reheat, do so gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. If it thickens up too much, add a splash of broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
Can I Add More Vegetables to the Soup?
Definitely! Feel free to add vegetables like spinach, kale, or carrots. Just make sure to incorporate them at the right time during cooking—add tougher veggies like carrots earlier on and leafy greens towards the end!