Name: Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 lb Italian sausage (sweet or spicy); 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 small onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes, drained; 2 quarts chicken stock; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1 cup ditalini pasta; 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 tsp dried basil; 1/2 tsp dried oregano; Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Jump to Recipe·5.1 from 27 reviews

Cozy up with a bowl of Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup, a spoonful of pure comfort that brings the heart of Italy straight to your kitchen. Creamy, hearty, and bursting with flavor, this soup wraps tender pasta, robust Italian sausage, and a creamy Parmesan broth into one wildly satisfying dish. Whether you need a soul-warming dinner on a chilly night or an easy weeknight meal to please a crowd, this recipe is guaranteed to become a fast favorite.

Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup is that every ingredient plays a starring role, from the aromatic onions to the irresistible Parmesan cheese. Gather these simple but essential items and watch how each one adds depth, texture, and color to your unforgettable soup.

Italian sausage (1 lb): The foundation of flavor—choose sweet or spicy based on your personal preference.
Olive oil (1 tbsp): Helps brown the sausage while lending a fruity, luxurious base.
Onion, diced (1 small): Adds gentle sweetness and bulk, melting perfectly into the broth.
Garlic, minced (2 cloves): Infuses a fragrant punch that rounds out the savory notes.
Diced tomatoes, drained (14.5 oz can): For a touch of acidity, color, and rustic Italian flavor.
Chicken stock (2 quarts): The flavorful backdrop that melds everything together.
Heavy cream (1/2 cup): Delivers that sought-after creamy finish in every spoonful.
Ditalini pasta (1 cup): The adorable, bite-sized pasta that makes the soup hearty and fun.
Parmesan cheese, freshly grated (1/2 cup): Melts seamlessly, forming a silky, savory broth.
Dried basil (1/2 tsp): Lends herbaceous notes reminiscent of a true Italian kitchen.
Dried oregano (1/2 tsp): Adds a subtle earthy aroma that deepens the soup’s complexity.
Salt and freshly cracked black pepper: For seasoning to perfection, enhancing every layer of flavor.
Fresh parsley, chopped: A sprinkle on top brings color and a fresh, lively finish.

How to Make Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot set over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up as you go, and let it sizzle until golden brown and fully cooked. Don’t forget to scrape up all those delightful brown bits, as they’ll add even more flavor to your Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup. Once browned, transfer the sausage to a plate, keeping all those tasty drippings right in the pot.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Toss your diced onion and minced garlic straight into the pot with the sausage drippings. Cook them for about 3 to 4 minutes, stirring often until they’re soft, translucent, and fragrant. This simple step sets up a boldly savory foundation for the whole soup.

Step 3: Build the Broth

Stir in the drained diced tomatoes, pour in the chicken stock, and sprinkle in the basil and oregano. Give everything a nice stir, then return the browned sausage to the pot. Let the soup gently simmer for 10 minutes, allowing all those flavors to mingle and develop into something truly special.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Add the ditalini pasta directly into the gently bubbling soup. Let it cook for about 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is just al dente. The little tubes will soak up all the seasoned broth, making every bite comforting and satisfying.

Step 5: Creamy Finish

Lower the heat, then stir in the heavy cream and that glorious freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheese is melted and the soup turns creamy—this is when Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup transforms into pure comfort food. Taste and season with salt and plenty of cracked black pepper.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Ladle the soup into bowls and shower it with fresh chopped parsley. Each bowl is now ready to offer warmth, satisfaction, and a touch of Italian flair!

How to Serve Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup

Garnishes

A simple scatter of freshly chopped parsley and an extra shower of grated Parmesan take this soup to new heights. If you’re feeling extra, a few red pepper flakes or a drizzle of fine olive oil can add a unique twist and brighter color to every bowl of Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup.

Side Dishes

To truly complete your soup experience, serve alongside hunks of toasted Italian bread or warm focaccia. A crisp green salad with a zesty vinaigrette also beautifully cuts through the soup’s creaminess, making the meal feel even more balanced and inviting.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings or cozy family dinners, ladle Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup into rustic mugs for easy sipping. You can even turn it into mini appetizers by serving in small ramekins with fresh basil leaves on top. Don’t be afraid to get playful with presentation—this soup is as eye-catching as it is delicious!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let your leftover Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup cool to room temperature, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll stay delicious for up to 3 days, and many people say the flavors bloom and meld even more overnight!

Freezing

For longer-term enjoyment, ladle cooled soup (without the pasta, if possible) into freezer-safe containers or bags. It’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Warm gently on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of extra chicken stock or water to loosen the soup if it’s thickened. If you cooked the pasta separately, add it in just before serving for the best texture in your Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup.

FAQs

Can I use another type of pasta instead of ditalini?

Absolutely! Small shapes like elbow macaroni, small shells, or even orzo make a great substitute, though ditalini’s petite size is especially charming in this soup.

How can I make Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup lighter?

For a lighter version, use turkey sausage and swap in half-and-half instead of heavy cream. You’ll still get lovely richness without as much fat.

Can I make this soup ahead for meal prep?

Yes! For best results, store the cooked pasta separately and add it to each bowl right before serving or reheating. This prevents the pasta from absorbing too much liquid and getting mushy.

Is this soup spicy?

That’s entirely up to you! Use sweet Italian sausage for a milder soup or spicy sausage if you like a little kick. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want to heat things up.

What’s the best kind of Parmesan for this soup?

Always use freshly grated Parmesan if you can—it melts better and infuses the broth with nutty, savory flavor. Pre-shredded Parmesan tends to be drier and less creamy.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a bowl of something cozy, filling, and truly special, give Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup a try. Every spoonful is creamy perfection, and the mix of flavors and textures is bound to win over everyone at your table. Share a pot with friends or savor leftovers all to yourself—either way, you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again!