![For my Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup, you will need: - 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil - 1 pound Italian sausage (choose mild or spicy, with casings removed) - 1 small onion, finely diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 2 medium carrots, diced into small cubes - 2 celery stalks, diced - 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth - 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup ditalini pasta - 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped - 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried basil - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish You can make this soup your own. Here are some optional ingredients: - Red pepper flakes for heat - Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary - Additional vegetables, such as zucchini or bell peppers - Different pasta shapes, like macaroni or shells I know some folks have special diets. Here are some easy swaps: - For a vegetarian option, use plant-based sausage. - For gluten-free, choose gluten-free pasta or skip it altogether. - For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. 1. Gather your ingredients. You need: - 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil - 1 pound Italian sausage - 1 small onion - 2 cloves garlic - 2 medium carrots - 2 celery stalks - 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth - 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup ditalini pasta - 1 cup fresh spinach - 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried basil - Salt and freshly ground black pepper - Fresh parsley for garnish 2. Dice the onion, carrots, and celery into small pieces. Mince the garlic. This helps them cook evenly in the soup. 1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until it shimmers. 2. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it into smaller pieces. Cook it for 5-7 minutes until it's browned all over. 3. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté for 5 minutes until the veggies soften and the onion turns clear. 4. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute, just until it smells great. 5. Carefully pour in the chicken broth, then add the drained diced tomatoes, oregano, and basil. Stir and bring it to a gentle simmer. 6. Add the ditalini pasta and cook according to the package, usually 8-10 minutes, until it's al dente. 7. Lower the heat a little, then mix in the heavy cream. Stir gently to combine everything. 8. Add the fresh spinach and Parmesan cheese. Stir until the spinach wilts and the cheese melts. Taste and add salt and pepper as needed. 9. Serve the soup hot in bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley and more Parmesan if you like. - Serve with crusty bread for dipping. - A sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds heat. - Pair with a light salad for a complete meal. For the full recipe, refer to the section above. To make your soup super creamy, use heavy cream. It adds richness and depth. Stir it in slowly after cooking the pasta. This keeps the cream from curdling. For extra creaminess, add more Parmesan cheese. The cheese melts and thickens the soup. If you want more flavor, try adding a splash of white wine before the cream. This gives it a nice touch. Choosing the right sausage is key. I recommend Italian sausage for its great taste. You can pick mild or spicy based on your preference. The casing must be removed before cooking. This helps the sausage blend well with the other ingredients. For a twist, try using chicken sausage or turkey sausage. They add a different flavor while keeping it lighter. Cooking time can vary based on your stove and pot size. Always keep an eye on your soup as it cooks. The pasta usually takes about 8-10 minutes to become tender. If you like it softer, cook it a bit longer. When you add the spinach, let it wilt but don’t overcook it. This keeps its bright green color and nutrients. For the best results, taste as you go. Adjust the seasonings if needed to make it just right. For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. {{image_4}} You can enjoy this soup without meat. To make it vegetarian, swap out the Italian sausage. Use plant-based sausage or mushrooms for a hearty texture. For a vegan version, replace the heavy cream with coconut milk or a nut-based cream. Add extra veggies like zucchini or bell peppers for more flavor. This keeps the soup rich and satisfying. If you want a low-carb meal, skip the ditalini pasta. Instead, use cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. These options keep the soup light while still adding bulk. You can also add more greens like kale or Swiss chard. They add nutrients and flavor without extra carbs. Want some heat? Choose spicy Italian sausage instead of mild. You can also add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for an extra kick. For a smoky flavor, try a dash of smoked paprika. Adjust the spice to your taste, and enjoy a warm and spicy bowl of soup. To keep your Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup fresh, cool it first. Once cool, pour it into an airtight container. This helps keep out air and moisture. Store it in the fridge if you plan to eat it within three days. For longer storage, freezing is best. When you want to enjoy the soup again, reheat it gently. Pour the soup into a pot and warm it over low heat. Stir often to prevent sticking. You can also use the microwave. Heat it in a bowl, stirring every minute, until warm. Add a splash of cream to bring back the creaminess. To freeze your soup, use freezer-safe containers. Leave space at the top for expansion. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat as mentioned above. This soup freezes well, so you can enjoy it later. For the full recipe, check the main article. Yes, you can make this soup ahead of time. It tastes even better the next day! Just cool it and store it in the fridge. When ready to eat, reheat it on the stove over low heat. Stir often to keep it smooth. You may want to add a splash of cream if it thickens too much during storage. If you can't find ditalini, use small pasta shapes like elbows or orzo. These shapes hold the soup well and add great texture. You can even use rice if you want a different twist. Just adjust the cooking time based on what you choose. To make this soup gluten-free, swap out ditalini for gluten-free pasta. You can also check that your chicken broth is gluten-free. Most brands are safe, but it’s always best to read the label. This way, you can enjoy the creamy goodness without worry. This post covered key ingredients for a tasty soup, including options for dietary needs. I shared simple steps to make the soup, from prep to serving tips. You learned helpful tricks for the creamiest version and explored various tasty adaptations. I also gave advice on storage and reheating, answering common questions along the way. Remember, cooking is fun and with these tips, you can enjoy a soup that fits your taste. Dive in and create your own delicious bowl!](https://tossedflavors.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/45e50d44-ab5f-4d7f-9caf-65a4ebc4296c-300x300.webp)
Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup
Warm up with this creamy Parmesan Italian sausage ditalini soup that’s bursting with flavor! This easy recipe combines savory Italian sausage, fresh veggies, and hearty ditalini pasta in a rich, creamy broth. Perfect for cozy family dinners or meal prep, this dish is sure to impress. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a comforting bowl of goodness that everyone will love. Click through to explore the full recipe and bring this delicious soup to your table!