Name: Creamy Parmesan Sausage Ditalini Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb beef sausage (mild or spicy, depending on preference); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 small onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 4 cups chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained; 1 cup ditalini pasta (or small pasta of choice); 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for garnish); Salt and black pepper, to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

This hearty and creamy soup combines tender ditalini pasta with savory beef sausage, fresh spinach, and a rich Parmesan cream base. Perfect for cold evenings or when you need a comforting meal that comes together quickly.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Creamy Parmesan Sausage Ditalini Soup is the ultimate comfort food with a gourmet touch. The combination of small, tender pasta with savory sausage creates a satisfying texture in every spoonful. It’s incredibly simple to make but tastes like it simmered all day. The creamy broth, enhanced with Parmesan cheese, offers a luxurious quality while the spinach adds color, nutrition, and freshness. This one-pot wonder is perfect for weeknight dinners yet impressive enough for guests. Even better, it takes just 25 minutes from start to finish!

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Beef sausage provides the hearty foundation of this soup, offering rich flavor and satisfying protein. You can choose mild or spicy varieties depending on your heat preference, or even substitute with Italian sausage or turkey sausage for a lighter option.
Olive oil helps to brown the sausage and sauté the aromatics, adding a subtle fruity undertone to the soup’s base flavors.
Onion and garlic form the aromatic base of this soup, providing depth and complexity. Their flavors mellow and sweeten as they cook, infusing the entire dish with a savory foundation.
Chicken broth serves as the liquid base, providing a savory backdrop that complements the richness of the other ingredients. You can substitute vegetable broth if needed.
Heavy cream transforms this from a basic soup to a luxurious, silky creation. It melds with the Parmesan to create the signature creamy texture.
Diced tomatoes add brightness, acidity, and a pop of color to balance the richness of the cream and cheese. Draining them prevents the soup from becoming too watery.
Ditalini pasta is the perfect small shape that cooks quickly and distributes evenly throughout the soup. Its hollow, tube-like structure captures the creamy broth in every bite.
Fresh spinach introduces a nutritional boost along with a pleasing color contrast. It wilts down considerably, so don’t worry about adding what seems like too much.
Parmesan cheese brings a nutty, salty depth that enriches the entire soup. Freshly grated works best for optimal melting and flavor.
Salt and black pepper are essential for balancing and enhancing all the other flavors in the soup. Add gradually and taste as you go.
Fresh parsley brightens the finished soup with color and a fresh, herbaceous note that cuts through the richness.

Directions

In a large pot, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Add the beef sausage and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces. Once done, remove from the pot and set aside.
In the same pot, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, allowing them to soften and release their aroma.
Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in the drained diced tomatoes and the cooked sausage. Add the ditalini pasta and cook according to package instructions, about 8-10 minutes.
Stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped spinach. Allow the soup to simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the spinach wilts and the soup becomes creamy. Adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper to your liking.
Ladle the soup into bowls, garnishing with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. Serve with crusty bread for a complete meal.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 6 generous servings, perfect for a family dinner with potential leftovers. The total preparation and cooking time is just 25 minutes, with 10 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes of cooking time. Each serving contains approximately 485 calories, making it a substantial main course.

Variations

Vegetarian Version: Replace the beef sausage with plant-based sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Seafood Twist: Substitute the sausage with cooked shrimp or a mixture of seafood for a luxurious seafood version.
Extra Veggie Load: Add diced carrots, celery, and bell peppers to the aromatics for more vegetables and flavor complexity.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta such as rice or corn-based ditalini and ensure your broth is gluten-free.
Spicy Upgrade: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to give the soup a pleasant heat that complements the creamy base.
Herbed Version: Incorporate Italian herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme for an aromatic Mediterranean flair.
Lighter Alternative: Use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream, and turkey sausage instead of beef for a lighter but still delicious soup.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The pasta may continue to absorb liquid as it sits, thickening the soup.
Freezing: While you can freeze this soup, be aware that the cream-based broth may separate slightly upon thawing and the pasta texture might change. For best results, freeze in individual portions for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Warm refrigerated soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. You may need to add a splash of broth or water to reach desired consistency, as the pasta will have absorbed some liquid. Microwave individual portions at 50% power, stirring halfway through heating.
Refreshing: After reheating, a sprinkle of fresh Parmesan and parsley can revitalize leftover soup, bringing back the fresh flavors of the original dish.

FAQs

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this soup 1-2 days ahead. For best results, cook the pasta separately and add it to individual portions when serving to prevent it from absorbing too much liquid and becoming mushy.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

Half-and-half or whole milk can be used for a lighter version, though the soup won’t be quite as rich. For a dairy-free option, full-fat coconut milk or cashew cream can work, though they will alter the flavor profile.

My soup is too thick. How can I thin it out?

Simply add more chicken broth, a little at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. Remember that the soup will continue to thicken as it cools due to the pasta absorbing liquid.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Any small pasta shape works well—try small shells, orzo, or even broken spaghetti. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta package directions.

Is there a way to make this soup less caloric?

Use turkey or chicken sausage instead of beef, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, and reduce the amount of Parmesan cheese. You can also increase the vegetable content by adding more spinach or other vegetables.

How do I know when the soup is done?

The soup is ready when the pasta is tender, the spinach is wilted, and the broth has thickened slightly. This typically takes 2-3 minutes after adding the cream, cheese, and spinach.

What can I serve with this soup?

Crusty bread, garlic bread, or a simple green salad make excellent accompaniments. For a heartier meal, serve with a sandwich or bruschetta.

My Parmesan isn’t melting smoothly. What did I do wrong?

Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Use freshly grated Parmesan and add it gradually, stirring constantly. Also, ensure your soup isn’t boiling when you add the cheese.

Can I add other vegetables to this soup?

Certainly! Bell peppers, zucchini, carrots, or kale would all be excellent additions. Add harder vegetables like carrots early with the onions, and tender vegetables like zucchini when you add the pasta.

How spicy is this soup?

The spice level depends entirely on the type of sausage you choose. For a mild soup, use sweet or mild sausage. For heat lovers, spicy Italian sausage or adding red pepper flakes will give the soup a pleasant kick.

Conclusion

This Creamy Parmesan Sausage Ditalini Soup represents comfort food at its finest—rich, satisfying, and surprisingly simple to prepare. The combination of tender pasta, savory sausage, and velvety Parmesan cream creates a restaurant-quality dish that’s accessible even on busy weeknights. Whether you’re seeking warmth on a cold evening or a crowd-pleasing dish for casual entertaining, this versatile soup delivers exceptional flavor with minimal effort. With endless opportunities for customization, it can easily become a staple in your recipe collection, adaptable to different dietary needs and ingredient availability. Enjoy this delightful soup as written, or use it as inspiration for your own signature creation.