Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe

I first made this Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup on a rainy Sunday with whatever I had in the fridge—and let me tell you, it turned out so good I scribbled the recipe down on the back of a grocery list. This Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup is cozy, cheesy, and savory with just the right amount of kick from the sausage. It’s the kind of comforting one-pot meal that warms you from the inside out. It’s become a forever favorite in my kitchen, and I’m excited to finally share it with you.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

This Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup checks every comfort food box. It’s rich and velvety thanks to heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan, and the sausage brings hearty, savory flavor in every bite. Ditalini pasta makes it spoonable and fun, and the whole thing simmers together in one pot—easy cleanup, full bellies. It’s the kind of soup you make once and crave forever. Whether it’s a chilly night, a lazy weekend, or meal prep Sunday, this Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup is your delicious go-to with garlic bread on the side.

Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe 13

Ingredients You’ll Need

Key Ingredients

  • Italian Sausage: Sweet or spicy—your call. Browning it first adds depth.
  • Ditalini Pasta: Small and sturdy, perfect for capturing creamy broth.
  • Heavy Cream: Adds the creamy richness we’re after.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Go fresh and grate it yourself—it melts better and tastes bolder.
  • Onion & Garlic: The classic base for flavor.
  • Chicken Stock: Gives body to the broth—low sodium works well here.

Optional Add-Ins & Substitutions

  • Greens: Stir in spinach, kale, or chard at the end.
  • White Beans: Boost the protein and heartiness.
  • Zucchini or Cherry Tomatoes: Especially tasty in summer.
  • Turkey Sausage: Lighter but still flavorful.
  • Other Pasta: Orzo, elbows, or small shells work if ditalini isn’t on hand.

How to Make Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup

Step-by-Step Instructions

Close-up of creamy parmesan Italian sausage ditalini soup with pasta, sausage, and fresh herbs
Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe 14
  1. Brown the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high. Brown and crumble the sausage, then transfer it to a plate.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot, cook diced onions until soft. Add minced garlic and stir until fragrant.
  3. Simmer the Broth: Add drained diced tomatoes, chicken stock, dried basil, and oregano. Stir and bring to a simmer.
  4. Add Sausage Back: Return the browned sausage to the pot. Simmer 10 minutes.
  5. Cook the Pasta: Stir in ditalini and simmer until al dente (check package for timing).
  6. Cream + Cheese Finish: Reduce heat, stir in cream and Parmesan gradually until melted and creamy.
  7. Final Seasoning: Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped parsley and a little extra cheese.

Pro Tips:

  • Toast your ditalini in a dry pan with olive oil before adding—this gives it a subtle, nutty flavor.
  • Add the Parmesan in batches to avoid clumping and ensure a smooth melt.

Tips for the Best Flavor & Texture

  • Toast the Pasta: Adds a deeper flavor and helps keep the texture firm.
  • Fresh Parmesan Only: Pre-grated just won’t melt the same.
  • Pasta Timing: Cook it al dente and avoid over-simmering after it’s added—soft pasta = sad soup.

Serving Suggestions

Serve it hot with:

  • Crusty Italian bread—bonus points for garlic butter slathered on top.
  • A green salad with balsamic vinaigrette for freshness and crunch.
  • Red wine (Chianti or Pinot Noir) if you’re going the cozy dinner route.

Craving more creamy, cozy pasta-based dishes? You’ll love this creamy tomato ground beef orzo that brings similar comfort in a different bowl. Or, if soups are your jam, this marry me chicken soup recipe is a creamy romantic twist worth a try.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

  • Fridge Life: Keeps well for 3 days in an airtight container.
  • Reheat Like a Pro: Add a splash of chicken stock when warming up to bring back the creamy texture.
  • Make Ahead? Store pasta separately to avoid sogginess if prepping in advance.

Variations & Customizations

  • Lighter Version: Use half-and-half instead of cream and turkey sausage instead of pork.
  • Dairy-Free Option: Try coconut cream and skip the cheese—or use your favorite plant-based alternative.
  • Pasta Swap: No ditalini? Elbows, small shells, or orzo work just fine.
  • Extra Veg: Zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach stirred in during the last few minutes are all amazing.
Creamy parmesan Italian sausage ditalini soup topped with grated cheese and parsley
Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe 15

FAQ – Your Creamy Soup Questions Answered

What is in Italian sausage soup?

It usually features Italian sausage, pasta, tomatoes, broth, garlic, and herbs. This version adds cream and Parmesan for a rich, velvety twist.

How many calories are in Ditalini soup?

Roughly 350–450 per serving, depending on the sausage and cream you use. For a lighter version, try turkey sausage and half-and-half.

Can you put raw sausage in soup?

You can, but it’s better to brown it first for flavor and texture. Plus, it adds fond (those tasty bits at the bottom of the pot).

What broth to use with sausage?

Chicken stock is best—it balances the richness of the sausage and cream. Low sodium lets you control the salt level better.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup is real-deal comfort in a bowl. It’s everything I love about home cooking—simple, hearty, and made to share. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight or a weekend meal with friends, this soup hits the spot every time. If you give it a try, let me know how it went! And if you’re into that creamy Parmesan vibe, don’t miss this crockpot garlic parmesan chicken pasta for a slow-cooker spin.

Want more cozy recipes and real-life kitchen stories? Follow along on Pinterest or catch behind-the-scenes over on Facebook.

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Bowl of creamy parmesan Italian sausage ditalini soup topped with fresh parsley and diced tomatoes

Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe


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  • Author: kai
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Description

Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with savory sausage and pasta, this one-pot soup is rich and comforting—perfect for chilly nights or meal prep days.


Ingredients

1 lb Italian sausage (sweet or spicy)

1 tbsp olive oil

1 small sweet onion, diced

2 garlic cloves, minced

14.5 oz can diced tomatoes, drained

2 quarts chicken stock

½ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)

1 cup ditalini pasta

½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

½ tsp dried basil

½ tsp dried oregano

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Fresh parsley for garnish


Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Brown and crumble the sausage. Remove and set aside.

2. Sauté diced onion until soft. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.

3. Add drained tomatoes, chicken stock, basil, and oregano. Stir and bring to a simmer.

4. Return sausage to the pot. Simmer for 10 minutes.

5. Stir in ditalini pasta and cook until al dente.

6. Reduce heat. Add heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Stir until melted and creamy.

7. Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with parsley and extra cheese. Serve hot.

Notes

Toast ditalini in olive oil before cooking for a nutty flavor.

Use freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano for best taste and melting.

For a lighter version, substitute turkey sausage and use half-and-half.

Add spinach, white beans, or zucchini for extra nutrients.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1.5 cups
  • Calories: 430
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 780mg
  • Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 13g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 27g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 18g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg

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