When comfort food calls, nothing satisfies quite like a Cozy Ditalini Soup with Creamy Parmesan and Italian Sausage Recipe. Rich, creamy, and full of hearty Italian flavor, this comforting bowl of soup warms both the body and soul. Perfect for chilly nights or cozy family dinners, it combines tender ditalini pasta, savory sausage, and a velvety Parmesan broth that feels like a hug in a bowl.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Whether you’re craving something creamy, filling, and deeply satisfying, or looking for a dish that makes your kitchen smell like an Italian bistro, this recipe delivers all that and more.
Why You’ll Love This Cozy Ditalini Soup
Rich, Creamy Texture: The blend of Parmesan cheese and heavy cream creates a silky, luxurious broth.
Quick & Easy: Made in just one pot with simple ingredients.
Hearty and Filling: Packed with sausage and pasta for a full, balanced meal.
Perfect for Meal Prep: Reheats beautifully for easy weekday lunches.
Crowd-Pleaser: A family-friendly comfort soup that everyone loves.
Restaurant-Level Flavor: Combines authentic Italian herbs and spices with a creamy twist.
Customizable: Easy to adapt for different diets — see variations below!
Ideal for Cold Nights: The ultimate cozy comfort dish for winter or rainy evenings.
Ingredients
Here’s everything for your Creamy Ditalini Soup with Italian Sausage — plus expert tips for substitutions and quality.
Main Ingredients:
½ lb Italian sausage – Choose mild or spicy depending on your heat preference. You can also use turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter version.
1 cup ditalini pasta – Small and perfect for capturing the creamy broth. Elbow or orzo can work as substitutes.
4 cups chicken broth – Use low-sodium for better control over salt levels.
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese – Adds nutty depth and richness; freshly grated gives the best melt.
½ cup heavy cream – The key to achieving that velvety texture. You can replace it with half-and-half for a lighter option.
1 onion, chopped – Adds sweetness and balance.
2 cloves garlic, minced – Enhances aroma and depth of flavor.
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – A blend of herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme to tie everything together.
Salt and pepper to taste – Always adjust at the end to preserve flavor integrity.
How to Make Cozy Ditalini Soup with Creamy Parmesan and Italian Sausage Recipe
Follow these steps to bring this comforting Italian-inspired soup to life:
1. Brown the Sausage
In a large pot, cook the Italian sausage over medium heat until browned and cooked through, about 5 minutes. Use a wooden spoon to break it into small crumbles for even texture. The goal is to develop a flavorful fond — those browned bits will infuse the soup with depth.
2. Sauté Onions and Garlic
Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Cook for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fragrant and translucent. This step builds the aromatic base of your Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup with Parmesan.
3. Simmer the Broth
Pour in chicken broth, scraping the bottom to release flavorful browned bits. Bring to a gentle simmer to marry the sausage and aromatic flavors.
4. Cook the Pasta
Add ditalini pasta directly into the simmering broth. Cook uncovered for 8–10 minutes until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
5. Add Cheese and Cream
Reduce the heat and stir in Parmesan cheese and heavy cream. Mix until the cheese melts completely and the soup turns thick, creamy, and glossy.
6. Season and Finish
Add Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to taste. Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes so all flavors blend beautifully.
Serve immediately with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
Pro Tips
How do you keep pasta from getting mushy in soup?
Cook the ditalini until just al dente and avoid overcooking during reheating. You can also cook pasta separately and add it just before serving.
Can I make this Ditalini Soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the soup up to the creamy stage but hold off on adding the pasta. Add cooked pasta when reheating to keep texture perfect.
How can I thicken my Ditalini Soup?
If you prefer a thicker texture, add 1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water or a bit more Parmesan cheese for a naturally thickened, creamy finish.
Can I use milk instead of cream?
Yes — but the flavor and texture will be lighter. For the same richness, mix milk with a small pat of butter.
Best Ways to Serve It
This Cozy Creamy Ditalini Soup with Sausage pairs beautifully with:
Warm garlic rosemary focaccia muffins 🥖 (internal link to bread recipes)
A crisp green salad for balance
A glass of Italian white wine or sparkling water with lemon
Nutrition Breakdown (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 460 | 23% |
| Protein | 21g | 42% |
| Carbohydrates | 32g | 11% |
| Fat | 25g | 38% |
| Calcium | 180mg | 15% |
| Sodium | 810mg | 34% |
Storage & Leftovers
Refrigerator: Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months (without pasta for best results).
Reheating: Warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to restore consistency.
Recipe Variations
Lighter Version: Use turkey sausage and half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
Spicy Twist: Add crushed red pepper flakes or hot Italian sausage.
Vegetable Boost: Stir in baby spinach, kale, or roasted zucchini before serving.
Low-Carb Option: Substitute ditalini with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
Cheesy Upgrade: Mix in mozzarella or Asiago for extra creaminess.
FAQs
Is this soup gluten-free?
Not by default, but you can easily use gluten-free ditalini pasta and double-check the sausage ingredients.
What’s the best cheese to use if I don’t have Parmesan?
Pecorino Romano or Asiago make excellent substitutes, giving a sharper, saltier flavor.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes — replace sausage with sautéed mushrooms or plant-based crumbles and use vegetable broth.
Conclusion
There’s nothing quite like the Cozy Ditalini Soup with Creamy Parmesan and Italian Sausage Recipe to bring warmth, richness, and happiness to your table. Each spoonful delivers the perfect balance of creamy comfort and hearty Italian charm.