Warm up with this Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup

Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup is the perfect comfort food for colder days! It’s hearty, creamy, and packed with flavorful Italian sausage, tender pasta, and lots of savory Parmesan. This soup is filling, satisfying, and will warm you right up. Here’s a delicious recipe to try:

Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup

Ingredients:

• 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, depending on your preference)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 carrot, peeled and diced
• 1 stalk celery, diced
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juice)
• 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
• 1 cup heavy cream (for the creamy base)
• 1 ½ cups ditalini pasta (or any small pasta of your choice)
• 1 ½ cups fresh spinach, chopped (optional, but adds great color and flavor)
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)

Instructions:

1. Cook the sausage:

   • In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
   • Remove the casing from the Italian sausage (if using links) and crumble the sausage into the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes.
   • Remove any excess grease from the pot, leaving about a tablespoon to add flavor.

2. Sauté the vegetables:

   • Add the chopped onion, carrot, and celery to the pot. Sauté for about 4-5 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and the onion becomes translucent.
   • Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

3. Add liquids and pasta:

   • Stir in the diced tomatoes (with juice) and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
   • Once simmering, add the ditalini pasta to the pot. Cook according to the package directions, typically around 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente.

4. Add cream and spinach:

   • Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the heavy cream, spinach (if using), and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and the soup becomes creamy.
   • Season with salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using) to taste.

5. Simmer and serve:

   • Let the soup simmer for another 2-3 minutes to combine all the flavors. The soup should be thick and creamy with a lovely balance of savory flavors.
   • Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

6. Serve:

   • Ladle the soup into bowls and top with additional Parmesan cheese for extra creaminess and flavor.
   • Optionally, drizzle with a little extra olive oil or sprinkle with fresh herbs like parsley for added freshness.

This Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup is so hearty and comforting! The sausage gives it a savory kick, the creaminess of the Parmesan makes it indulgent, and the little ditalini pasta adds texture. It’s perfect served with some crusty bread for dipping.

Are you planning to make this for a cozy dinner, or do you just love a good soup during the colder months?