Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and Creamy: A luscious broth made with Parmesan and cream makes this soup extra comforting.
- Full of Flavor: The Italian sausage, garlic, and herbs create a deep, savory taste.
- One-Pot Meal: Everything cooks in a single pot, making cleanup a breeze.
- Customizable: Swap the sausage, pasta, or greens for different variations.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 cup ditalini pasta (or small pasta of choice)
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for garnish)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Brown the Sausage:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics:
- In the same pot, sauté the onion and garlic for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- Build the Soup:
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
- Stir in diced tomatoes and the cooked sausage.
- Cook the Pasta:
- Add ditalini pasta and cook according to package instructions (about 8-10 minutes).
- Make it Creamy:
- Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and chopped spinach.
- Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes until spinach wilts.
- Season and Serve:
- Adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper.
- Garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Different Sausage: Use turkey, chicken, or plant-based sausage for a lighter option.
- Vegetarian Version: Swap the sausage for white beans and use vegetable broth.
- Extra Vegetables: Add bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms for more texture and nutrition.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the soup without the pasta for up to 2 months. Add fresh pasta when reheating.
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding broth if needed to thin it out.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! Small pasta like elbow macaroni, orzo, or mini shells work well.
How do I make this soup thicker?
Let it simmer longer or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water).
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, but it’s best to add the pasta fresh before serving to prevent it from getting too soft.
What should I serve with this soup?
It pairs well with crusty bread, garlic bread, or a simple side salad.
Conclusion
Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup is a hearty, flavorful meal that’s easy to make and incredibly satisfying. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this rich and creamy soup will quickly become a family favorite!
Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup
Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup is a rich and hearty dish featuring flavorful Italian sausage, tender ditalini pasta, fresh spinach, and a creamy Parmesan-infused broth. This comforting one-pot meal is perfect for cozy dinners and easy to customize!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup, Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 cup ditalini pasta (or small pasta of choice)
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for garnish)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics:
- In the same pot, sauté the onion and garlic for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- Build the Soup:
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
- Stir in diced tomatoes and the cooked sausage.
- Cook the Pasta:
- Add ditalini pasta and cook according to package instructions (about 8-10 minutes).
- Make it Creamy:
- Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and chopped spinach.
- Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes until spinach wilts.
- Season and Serve:
- Adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper.
- Garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Different Sausage: Use turkey, chicken, or plant-based sausage for a lighter option.
- Vegetarian Version: Swap the sausage for white beans and use vegetable broth.
- Extra Vegetables: Add bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms for more texture and nutrition.
