Description
This Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup is the ultimate cold-weather comfort food. With flavorful Italian sausage, hearty ditalini pasta, and a rich parmesan-infused cream broth, it’s a family-friendly, freezer-friendly soup that comes together in just one pot. Customizable, quick, and incredibly satisfying.
Ingredients
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1 lb Italian sausage (mild or hot)
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1 tbsp olive oil (optional, for lean sausage)
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1 small yellow onion, diced
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3 garlic cloves, minced
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4 cups chicken broth
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1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
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1½ cups ditalini pasta (uncooked)
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1 cup heavy cream
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1½ cups freshly grated parmesan cheese
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2 cups baby spinach (or kale)
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1 tsp Italian seasoning
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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Red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
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Brown the sausage: In a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook Italian sausage until browned and cooked through. Drain excess grease if needed.
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Build the flavor base: Add diced onion and sauté 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Simmer the soup: Pour in chicken broth and diced tomatoes. Add Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle boil.
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Add pasta: Stir in ditalini and cook uncovered for 8–10 minutes, until just al dente.
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Make it creamy: Reduce heat to low. Slowly stir in the heavy cream. Gradually add parmesan, stirring until melted and smooth.
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Add greens: Stir in spinach until wilted, about 1–2 minutes. Adjust seasoning.
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Serve hot: Ladle into bowls and garnish with extra parmesan and a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired.
Notes
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No ditalini? Small shells, elbows, or orzo work well.
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Make it lighter: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, or try evaporated milk.
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Storage: Soup thickens as it sits. Add broth or water when reheating.
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Freezer tip: Omit pasta and cream before freezing; add fresh when reheating.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Method: One-pot, stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1¼ cups
- Calories: ~510 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 33g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 85mg