Cold nights call for warm bowls, and Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup answers the craving. This soup is a creamy, hearty combination of Italian sausage, spinach, Ditalini pasta, and Parmesan cheese, simmered in a flavorful broth and finished with rich dairy comfort.
If you’re a fan of thick, Italian-style soups, this is right up there with classics like Pasta e Fagioli and Pumpkin Chili, both of which bring their own seasonal flair.
But unlike tomato-based soups, this one delivers a smooth, creamy broth and is an excellent base for customization.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe
- Creamy and comforting without being overly heavy
- Packed with Italian flavors, sausage, basil, oregano
- Quick to make: 35 minutes start to finish
- Freezer-friendly and meal-prep approved
- Family-friendly (even kids love it!)
Ingredients Needed For Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup
Here’s everything you’ll need:
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- Sub: Turkey or chicken sausage, or plant-based sausage
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cups chicken broth
- Sub: Vegetable broth for a vegetarian version
- 1 cup Ditalini pasta
- Sub: Small elbow macaroni or orzo
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp dried basil
- ½ cup heavy cream
- Sub: Coconut milk or half-and-half for a lighter version
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese. Use freshly grated cheese like authentic Parmigiano Reggiano for rich, nutty flavor instead of pre-shredded blends for the best melt and taste.
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- Sub: Kale, Swiss chard, or frozen spinach
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish
How To Make Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup
1. Cook the Sausage
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add sausage and break it into small pieces.
- Cook until browned (7–8 minutes).
- Remove and set aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables
- In the same pot, add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery.
- Sauté for 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
3. Add Broth and Herbs
- Pour in chicken broth.
- Add dried oregano and basil.
- Bring to a boil.
4. Add the Pasta
- Stir in Ditalini.
- Cook for 8–10 minutes until al dente.
5. Make It Creamy
- Lower heat to medium.
- Return sausage to the pot.
- Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese.
- Simmer for 5 minutes to thicken.
6. Add Spinach
- Stir in chopped spinach until wilted.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve & Garnish
- Ladle into bowls.
- Garnish with parsley, extra Parmesan, or crushed red pepper.
Pro Tips for Success
- Cook pasta separately if planning to store or freeze soup to avoid sogginess.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan, it melts better and adds more flavor.
- Add sausage fat back in for a deeper flavor.
- Use an immersion blender on half the soup for extra creaminess.
Creative Variations
- Spicy Kick: Use hot Italian sausage and a pinch of chili flakes
- Vegetarian: Replace sausage with mushrooms and use veggie broth
- Tomato Twist: Add ½ cup tomato paste for a tomato-cream base
- Low Carb: Replace pasta with cauliflower florets or zucchini noodles
- Rustic Italian: Stir in white beans for a heartier texture
Serving Suggestions
Pair this creamy soup with:
- Garlic bread or cheesy toast
- A crisp arugula salad with balsamic dressing
- Toppings like:
- Extra shaved Parmesan
- Chopped herbs
- Drizzle of chili oil or olive oil
- Crispy Focaccia Croutons if you want extra crunch
Nutrition Info (Estimated Per Serving)
- Calories: 430
- Protein: 22g
- Carbs: 28g
- Fat: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
Make it lighter by using chicken sausage and coconut milk instead of heavy cream.
Storage & Meal Prep Tips
- Fridge: Store in airtight container for up to 4 days
- Freezer: Freeze without the pasta for up to 3 months
- Reheating: Reheat gently over medium heat, add more broth if too thick
- Meal prep tip: Make a double batch and freeze in individual containers
Looking for another creamy dish to prep ahead? Try this Creamy Spinach Chicken Casserole, it’s just as rich and freezer-friendly.
FAQs About Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! Small pasta like elbow macaroni, shells, or orzo works well.
How do I make this dairy-free?
Swap heavy cream for coconut milk and use nutritional yeast or a vegan Parmesan substitute.
Can I use pre-cooked sausage?
Absolutely. Just slice or crumble and add during the simmering step.
How do I thicken the soup more?
Simmer a bit longer uncovered, or mash a few of the veggies.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes. Brown sausage first, then cook all ingredients (except pasta and cream) on low for 6 hours. Add pasta and cream in the last 30 minutes.
How do I keep the pasta from absorbing all the broth?
Either cook pasta separately or store it separately from the soup
Is it gluten-free?
Not by default, but swap in gluten-free pasta and confirm the sausage is gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup is the ultimate weeknight comfort meal. It’s hearty, creamy, and so versatile. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal-prepping lunches for the week, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Already planning your next bowl? Pair it with Easy Lasagna Soup for an Italian soup night or follow it up with a warm slice of Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread for dessert.
Print
Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
A rich and hearty Italian-inspired soup made with creamy Parmesan broth, Italian sausage, tender Ditalini pasta, and fresh spinach. Perfect for cozy dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
1 lb Italian sausage
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 medium carrots, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup Ditalini pasta
½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon dried basil
½ cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add sausage, crumble, and cook until browned. Remove and set aside.
In the same pot, sauté onion, garlic, carrots, and celery until soft.
Pour in chicken broth, then add oregano and basil. Bring to a boil.
Add Ditalini pasta and cook until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes.
Lower the heat and stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, and cooked sausage. Simmer for 5 minutes.
Add spinach and stir until wilted. Season with salt and pepper.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.
Notes
For a spicier version, use hot Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes.
To freeze, omit the pasta and cook it fresh when reheating.
Substitute turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter version.
Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and melting quality.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soups
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 940mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: creamy sausage soup, ditalini soup, Italian pasta soup, Parmesan soup, spinach and sausage soup