This one-pot favorite is creamy without being heavy, Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup is the kind of hearty bowl you crave on chilly nights. Savory Italian sausage, tender ditalini pasta, and a silky Parmesan-infused broth come together with aromatics and herbs to create a rich and comforting soup that’s surprisingly easy to make at home.
This one-pot favorite is creamy without being heavy, filling without being fussy, and perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or feeding a hungry crowd.
Why You’ll Love Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup
- Ultra-creamy, comforting texture
- One-pot recipe with easy cleanup
- Ready in about 35 minutes
- Packed with Italian flavor
- Family-friendly and satisfying
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup – Ingredients Table
| Ingredient | Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Italian sausage (mild or spicy) | 1 lb | Main protein & flavor |
| Olive oil | 1 tbsp | Sautéing |
| Onion (diced) | 1 medium | Flavor base |
| Garlic (minced) | 3 cloves | Aromatic |
| Carrots (diced) | 2 medium | Natural sweetness |
| Celery (diced) | 2 stalks | Depth |
| Chicken broth | 6 cups | Soup base |
| Ditalini pasta | 1 cup | Hearty texture |
| Heavy cream | 1 cup | Creaminess |
| Parmesan cheese (freshly grated) | 1 cup | Rich flavor |
| Italian seasoning | 1 tsp | Herbal notes |
| Salt & black pepper | To taste | Balance |
| Red pepper flakes (optional) | ¼ tsp | Heat |
| Fresh parsley (optional) | For garnish | Finish |
How to Make Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup
1. Brown the Sausage
First, heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess grease if needed.
👉 Tip: Browning the sausage well builds deep, savory flavor.
2. Sauté the Aromatics
Next, add onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook for 4–5 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add Broth & Pasta
Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil. Add ditalini pasta, reduce heat, and simmer for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente.
4. Make It Creamy
Lower heat and stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Simmer gently for 3–5 minutes until smooth and creamy.
❗ Important: Do not boil after adding cheese to prevent separation.
5. Taste & Serve
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan.
Tips for the Best Creamy Parmesan Sausage Soup
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for smooth melting
- Keep heat low after adding cream and cheese
- Stir pasta occasionally to prevent sticking
- Serve immediately for the creamiest texture
Variations & Substitutions
Flavor Variations
- Add spinach or kale at the end
- Stir in sun-dried tomatoes
- Use garlic Parmesan seasoning for extra depth
Protein Options
- Turkey Italian sausage
- Chicken sausage
Diet-Friendly Options
- Use gluten-free pasta
- Replace cream with half-and-half
- Low-carb: skip pasta and add cauliflower
What to Serve With Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup
- Crusty bread or garlic bread
- Side salad with vinaigrette
- Roasted vegetables
- Grilled cheese sandwich
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator:
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheating:
Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or cream.
Freezing:
Freeze without pasta for best texture; add fresh pasta when reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, it tastes even better the next day.
2. Does the pasta get mushy?
If overcooked, yes—cook just until al dente.
3. Can I use a different pasta?
Yes, small shapes like orzo or small shells work well.
4. Is this soup spicy?
Only if you use spicy sausage or red pepper flakes.
5. Can I use milk instead of cream?
Yes, but the soup will be thinner.
6. Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely—spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms are great.
7. Is this soup gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta to make it gluten-free.
8. Can I make it dairy-free?
Use dairy-free cream and cheese alternatives.
9. How do I thicken the soup?
Add more Parmesan or simmer uncovered briefly.
10. Can I cook this in a slow cooker?
Yes—add pasta during the last 30 minutes.
More Cozy Soup Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoyed this creamy Italian-inspired soup, here are a few more cozy favorites to try next: