If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, look no further than this Cozy Ditalini Soup with Creamy Parmesan and Italian Sausage Recipe. It’s a perfect harmony of tender ditalini pasta, rich Italian sausage, and a luscious creamy Parmesan broth that brings comfort to any mealtime. This soup is not only incredibly flavorful but also comes together quickly, making it a go-to recipe when you want something satisfying without fuss. Every spoonful offers a delightful blend of textures and savory notes that will have you coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients just right is the secret to making this soup sing. Each component plays its role perfectly to build flavor, texture, and that inviting creamy look that makes this soup so special.
- Italian sausage: Using quality sausage gives the soup a robust, meaty base packed with herbs and spices.
- Ditalini pasta: These tiny tubes hold onto the broth wonderfully, providing a playful bite in every spoonful.
- Chicken broth: The light yet flavorful foundation that keeps the soup warm and comforting.
- Parmesan cheese: Grated fresh, it melts into the broth creating a creamy, cheesy silkiness.
- Heavy cream: Adds a rich, velvety texture that turns the soup into a luscious treat.
- Onion: Sautéed until soft, it layers in gentle sweetness and depth.
- Garlic: Minced for aromatic warmth that wakes up the whole dish.
- Italian seasoning: A classic blend of herbs that perfectly complements the sausage and cheese.
- Salt and pepper: To balance all the flavors and enhance every element.
How to Make Cozy Ditalini Soup with Creamy Parmesan and Italian Sausage Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Italian Sausage
Start by heating a large pot over medium heat and cook the Italian sausage until it’s beautifully browned. This step develops rich, savory flavors as the sausage releases its oils and herbs, creating a fragrant base for your soup.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Next, add the chopped onion and minced garlic right into the pot. Let them cook together for about three minutes until the onion softens and everything smells amazing. This step adds a sweet and aromatic layer to your soup’s foundation.
Step 3: Simmer with Chicken Broth
Pour in the chicken broth and bring it all to a simmer. This will blend the flavors you’ve started building and prepare the broth for the pasta to cook through, infusing everything with warmth.
Step 4: Cook Ditalini Pasta
Add the ditalini pasta straight into your simmering broth and cook until it’s tender, which usually takes about ten minutes. The bite-sized pasta absorbs the savory broth, giving a comforting texture that’s fun to eat.
Step 5: Stir in Parmesan and Cream
Once the pasta is perfectly cooked, it’s time to add the grated Parmesan cheese and heavy cream. Stir gently as the cheese melts and the cream thickens the broth into a rich, silky consistency that makes this soup truly special.
Step 6: Season and Simmer
Finish by sprinkling in Italian seasoning along with salt and pepper to taste. Let the soup simmer for an additional five minutes to marry the flavors together, resulting in a hearty and soul-warming dish ready to serve.
How to Serve Cozy Ditalini Soup with Creamy Parmesan and Italian Sausage Recipe
Garnishes
The right toppings can take your Cozy Ditalini Soup with Creamy Parmesan and Italian Sausage Recipe to the next level. Try fresh chopped parsley or basil for a touch of color and freshness. A little extra grated Parmesan sprinkled on top adds a lovely finishing touch and invites you to dive right in.
Side Dishes
This soup shines on its own but also pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or garlic knots. The bread is perfect for soaking up every drop of that creamy, cheesy broth, making your meal feel indulgent and complete.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy family dinner, serve the soup in rustic bowls with a side of mixed greens tossed in a light vinaigrette. Hosting friends? Serve the soup in small, individual cups as an elegant appetizer. You can even drizzle a little extra cream or a sprinkle of chili flakes for a touch of heat and eye-catching presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of Cozy Ditalini Soup with Creamy Parmesan and Italian Sausage Recipe keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store the soup in an airtight container to maintain its flavors and creamy texture.
Freezing
This soup freezes well, but because of the cream and pasta, it’s best to freeze it without the cream added. Freeze the broth, sausage, and pasta mixture separately, then add the cream when reheating to keep that perfect creamy consistency.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth or water if the soup thickens too much. Stir in the cream toward the end to revive the soup’s signature silky texture and warmth.
FAQs
Can I use turkey sausage instead of Italian sausage?
Absolutely! Turkey sausage will make the soup a bit lighter while still providing great flavor. Just make sure it’s well seasoned to keep that Italian flair.
Is ditalini pasta necessary?
Ditalini pasta works wonderfully because of its size and shape, but you can substitute it with other small pasta shapes like elbow macaroni or small shells if needed.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the sausage and use vegetable broth. For added protein, toss in some cooked beans or sautéed mushrooms to maintain richness.
How spicy is this soup?
The soup is generally mild, but you can add crushed red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne if you enjoy a little heat in your meal.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers without overcooking the pasta?
Reheat gently over low heat, adding extra broth or water if needed. Avoid boiling vigorously as it can make the pasta mushy. Add cream near the end to keep the soup creamy and fresh-tasting.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about diving into a bowl of Cozy Ditalini Soup with Creamy Parmesan and Italian Sausage Recipe. It’s the kind of meal that warms your heart and fills your belly with comfort and joy. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend gathering, this soup is a surefire way to bring smiles around the table. Give it a try, and I’m confident it’ll become one of your favorite recipes too!
Print
Cozy Ditalini Soup with Creamy Parmesan and Italian Sausage Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Cozy Ditalini Soup combines tender Italian sausage with creamy Parmesan and comforting ditalini pasta in a rich, flavorful broth. Perfect for a hearty weeknight meal, the soup is enhanced with garlic, onion, and classic Italian seasoning, creating a fast and satisfying dish ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Meat
- 1/2 lb Italian sausage, removed from casing
Pasta
- 1 cup ditalini pasta
Liquids & Dairy
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage: In a large pot over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until browned and cooked through, approximately 5 minutes. Break it apart as it cooks for even browning.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot with the sausage. Cook for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens and becomes translucent.
- Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. This will create the flavorful base for your soup.
- Cook Pasta: Stir in the ditalini pasta and cook uncovered until the pasta is tender, about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Lower the heat slightly and incorporate the grated Parmesan cheese and heavy cream. Stir well to combine, then season the soup with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper according to your taste.
- Final Simmer and Serve: Let the soup simmer gently for another 5 minutes to meld the flavors and slightly thicken the broth. Serve hot and enjoy your creamy, comforting meal.
Notes
- You can substitute the Italian sausage with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the sausage and use vegetable broth instead.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, add a tablespoon of cornstarch slurry during the final simmer step.
- Freshly grated Parmesan will yield better flavor compared to pre-grated options.
- This soup reheats well and makes great leftovers for up to 3 days refrigerated.
