This Cozy Ditalini Soup with Creamy Parmesan and Italian Sausage is the perfect meal for chilly evenings. Packed with savory Italian sausage, hearty ditalini pasta, and a rich, creamy broth, this soup will warm you up from the inside out. It’s simple to make, full of comforting flavors, and sure to become a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This soup has everything you want in a cozy, satisfying meal. The Italian sausage adds a savory, slightly spicy kick, while the creamy Parmesan and heavy cream create a rich, velvety texture that complements the pasta perfectly. It’s the ideal dish for those colder months when you crave something hearty and comforting, and it’s ready in just 30 minutes!
Ingredients
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1/2 lb Italian sausage, removed from casing
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1 cup ditalini pasta
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4 cups chicken broth
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1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
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1/2 cup heavy cream
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1 onion, chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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Salt and pepper to taste
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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In a large pot, cook the Italian sausage over medium heat until browned, about 5 minutes.
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Add the chopped onion and garlic to the pot, cooking for an additional 3 minutes until softened.
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Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer.
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Add the ditalini pasta and cook until tender, about 10 minutes.
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Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and heavy cream, then season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
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Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes, then serve hot.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 4
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cooking Time: 20 minutes
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Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
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Vegetarian version: Omit the sausage and replace with sautéed mushrooms or a blend of vegetables for a meatless option.
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Spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat if you like a spicier soup.
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Extra vegetables: Add in spinach, kale, or zucchini for added nutrition and color.
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Different pasta: Swap out ditalini pasta for other small pasta shapes like elbow macaroni, orzo, or small shells.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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Reheating: Reheat the soup on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through. You may need to add a bit more chicken broth or cream as the pasta absorbs some of the liquid.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of sausage?
Yes, you can substitute Italian sausage with ground turkey, chicken sausage, or any other type of sausage you prefer. Adjust the seasoning accordingly for different flavor profiles.
2. Can I make this soup in advance?
Yes, you can make the soup ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just be aware that the pasta may absorb some of the broth, so you might need to add a bit more chicken broth or cream when reheating.
3. Can I use a different type of pasta?
You can use any small pasta you like, such as elbow macaroni, small shells, or orzo, in place of ditalini pasta.
4. Can I freeze this soup?
While the soup can be frozen, the texture of the pasta and cream may change slightly when thawed. If you plan to freeze it, I recommend freezing the soup without the pasta and adding freshly cooked pasta when reheating.
5. How do I make the soup thicker?
To make the soup thicker, you can reduce the amount of chicken broth or add a little more Parmesan cheese. You could also puree a small portion of the soup and return it to the pot for added creaminess.
6. Can I use fresh garlic instead of minced garlic?
Yes, fresh garlic works perfectly! Mince or crush it before adding it to the soup for that great garlic flavor.
7. Can I add more cheese to the soup?
Absolutely! If you love cheese, feel free to add extra Parmesan or try another cheese like mozzarella for a different flavor and texture.
8. How can I make this soup spicier?
For extra heat, add red pepper flakes, a diced jalapeño, or a dash of hot sauce to your liking.
9. Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?
Yes, you can use half-and-half if you prefer a lighter version of the soup. However, the soup will be less rich and creamy compared to using heavy cream.
10. Can I add beans to this soup?
Yes, adding beans like white beans or kidney beans can add extra protein and texture. Just be sure to drain and rinse canned beans before adding them to the soup.
Conclusion
Cozy Ditalini Soup with Creamy Parmesan and Italian Sausage is the ultimate heartwarming dish for chilly nights. The rich, savory broth, creamy texture, and flavorful sausage make it a truly comforting meal. It’s quick to prepare, packed with flavor, and perfect for cozying up with on a cold evening. Enjoy every hearty spoonful of this delicious, satisfying soup!
Print
Cozy Ditalini Soup with Creamy Parmesan and Italian Sausage
Warm up your evening with this Cozy Ditalini Soup with Creamy Parmesan and Italian Sausage. Packed with savory sausage, creamy Parmesan, and tender ditalini pasta, this hearty soup is perfect for chilly nights. With a rich, velvety broth, it’s an easy-to-make meal that will become a family favorite in no time. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s ideal for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
1/2 lb Italian sausage, removed from casing
1 cup ditalini pasta
4 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
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In a large pot, cook the Italian sausage over medium heat until browned, about 5 minutes.
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Add the chopped onion and garlic to the pot, cooking for an additional 3 minutes until softened.
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Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer.
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Add the ditalini pasta and cook until tender, about 10 minutes.
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Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and heavy cream, then season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
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Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes, then serve hot.
Notes
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For a vegetarian version, replace the sausage with sautéed mushrooms or a blend of vegetables.
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Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to spice it up.
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Feel free to add extra veggies like spinach, kale, or zucchini for more flavor and nutrition.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
