Creamy, hearty, and full of flavor, this Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup is perfect for cozy family dinners or casual gatherings. The combination of tender pasta and rich Italian sausage in a silky Parmesan broth makes it a standout comfort food. Easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy, this soup will become a favorite in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comforting Flavor: The blend of savory ingredients creates a deliciously rich taste that warms you from the inside out.
- Simple Preparation: With straightforward steps, this soup can be on your table in under an hour, making it great for busy weeknights.
- Versatile Dish: Perfect as a main course or as a starter, this soup adapts well to any meal setting.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with wholesome components, you can feel good about serving it to your loved ones.
- Easily Customizable: Feel free to add vegetables or adjust spices to suit your family’s preferences.
Tools and Preparation
To make the cooking process smoother, gather the following essential tools before you start.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: This allows you to cook all ingredients together without worrying about spills or overflow.
- Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring without scratching your pot’s surface, ensuring an even mix of flavors.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements help maintain the recipe’s integrity, ensuring consistent results every time.

Ingredients
For the Soup Base
- 1 lb Italian sausage (sweet or spicy)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes, drained
For the Broth
- 2 quarts chicken stock
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup ditalini pasta
For Seasoning
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
For Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How to Make Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the sausage, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks until browned. Once done, remove the sausage and set aside, leaving drippings in the pot.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Add diced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté them until soft and fragrant for about 3–4 minutes.
Step 3: Build the Base Flavor
Stir in the drained tomatoes along with chicken stock, dried basil, and dried oregano. Return the browned sausage to the pot. Bring everything to a gentle simmer for approximately 10 minutes.
Step 4: Cook Ditalini Pasta
Add ditalini pasta into the mixture. Cook until al dente, which should take around 8–10 minutes.
Step 5: Create Creamy Consistency
Reduce heat and stir in heavy cream along with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese melts completely into the soup creating a creamy texture.
Step 6: Final Seasoning and Serve
Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper according to your taste. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving hot. Enjoy your delicious Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup!
How to Serve Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup
This delicious Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup is perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends, serving it right can enhance the overall experience.
Garnish with Fresh Herbs
- Chopped Parsley – Sprinkle fresh parsley on top just before serving for a burst of color and freshness.
- Basil Leaves – A few whole basil leaves can add an aromatic touch to each bowl.
Pair with Crusty Bread
- Garlic Bread – Serve warm garlic bread on the side for a flavorful dip into the creamy soup.
- Sourdough – A slice of sourdough bread can complement the soup’s flavors beautifully.
Add a Side Salad
- Caesar Salad – A classic Caesar salad with crisp romaine and creamy dressing pairs well with the soup’s richness.
- Mixed Greens – Lightly dressed mixed greens can provide a refreshing contrast to the hearty soup.
How to Perfect Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup
To ensure your Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup reaches its full potential, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh herbs and high-quality ingredients will elevate the flavors in your soup.
- Adjust Seasoning – Always taste your soup before serving. Adjust salt and pepper as needed for the best flavor.
- Don’t Overcook Pasta – Keep an eye on your ditalini pasta; cook it until just al dente to maintain the perfect texture in your soup.
- Let It Rest – Allow the soup to sit for a few minutes before serving; this helps meld all the flavors together.
- Use Low-Sodium Broth – For better control over seasoning, opt for low-sodium chicken stock, especially if you’re watching sodium intake.
Best Side Dishes for Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup
Complement your meal with these delightful side dishes that pair perfectly with Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup.
- Garlic Breadsticks – Soft and buttery breadsticks infused with garlic flavors that are perfect for dipping.
- Caprese Salad – Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze create a refreshing side dish.
- Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal vegetables roasted until tender add color and nutrients to your meal.
- Bruschetta – Toasted baguette slices topped with diced tomatoes, basil, and a drizzle of olive oil offer a crunchy contrast.
- Cheesy Stuffed Peppers – Bell peppers filled with rice, cheese, and herbs make for a hearty addition.
- Antipasto Platter – A mix of olives, marinated artichokes, and cheeses provides variety and flavor alongside your soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To ensure your Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup turns out perfectly, here are some common mistakes to avoid.
- Using low-quality sausage – Low-quality sausage can affect the overall flavor of the soup. Choose a good quality Italian sausage for the best taste.
- Not sautéing the onions and garlic enough – Skipping this step can lead to a bland soup. Ensure you sauté them until soft and fragrant to enhance the flavor.
- Overcooking the ditalini pasta – Overcooked pasta can become mushy. Cook it just until al dente for the best texture in your soup.
- Neglecting seasoning adjustments – Always taste and adjust seasoning before serving. This ensures a well-balanced flavor in your dish.
- Forgetting to garnish – Garnishing with fresh parsley adds color and freshness. Don’t skip this final touch for a more appealing presentation.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Allow the soup to cool completely before refrigerating.
Freezing Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup
- Freeze in suitable containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 2 months.
- Leave space at the top of containers as soup expands when frozen.
Reheating Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup
- Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish until warmed throughout, about 20 minutes.
- Microwave – Heat in short bursts, stirring between intervals, until hot, usually about 2-3 minutes.
- Stovetop – Gently reheat on medium-low heat while stirring occasionally until hot, about 5-10 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some commonly asked questions about making Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup.
Can I use other types of pasta in this soup?
Yes! While ditalini is traditional, you can substitute with any small pasta like elbows or shell pasta.
How do I make this soup vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, replace Italian sausage with a plant-based sausage or mushrooms for added flavor.
What herbs pair well with Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup?
Basil and oregano are great choices. You can also experiment with thyme or rosemary for extra depth.
How can I customize my Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup?
Feel free to add vegetables like spinach, carrots, or bell peppers for more nutrition and color!
Final Thoughts
This Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup is creamy, hearty, and packed with flavor, making it an ideal comfort food option. Its versatility allows for numerous customization options—from adding vegetables to using different pasta shapes. Give it a try, and enjoy a bowl of warmth on chilly days!
Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup
Creamy, hearty, and bursting with flavor, this Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup is the ultimate comfort food for chilly evenings or family gatherings. The rich broth made from chicken stock blends seamlessly with tender ditalini pasta and savory Italian sausage to create a satisfying dish that warms you from the inside out. Easy to prepare in under an hour, this versatile soup can be customized with your choice of vegetables or spices, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. Prepare to delight your taste buds with this delicious recipe that will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage (sweet or spicy)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes, drained
- 2 quarts chicken stock
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup ditalini pasta
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pot over medium heat, heat olive oil and brown the Italian sausage until fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
- Add diced onion and minced garlic to the same pot, sautéing until softened.
- Stir in the drained tomatoes, chicken stock, basil, and oregano. Return the sausage to the pot and let it simmer gently for about 10 minutes.
- Add ditalini pasta and cook until al dente, approximately 8–10 minutes.
- Reduce heat and stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese; mix until well combined and creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper as desired, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 300g)
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 810mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 19g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Leave a Comment