Ingredients for the Best Ditalini Soup
Soup Base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage, removed from casing
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Pasta & Creaminess
- 1 cup ditalini pasta
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Let’s Get Cooking: Making Your Soup
Browning the Sausage and Aromatics
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Building the Soup
- Pour in the chicken broth and add the diced tomatoes (undrained), dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This step is crucial for creating deep, complex flavor.
Cooking the Pasta
- Add the ditalini pasta to the soup and cook according to package directions, usually about 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender. Remember, ditalini are small, so keep an eye on them!
Adding the Finishing Touches
- Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Heat through gently, but do not boil, as this can cause the cream to curdle. The Parmesan will melt into the soup, creating a luscious, creamy texture.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. I sometimes add a little extra Parmesan for an even richer flavor.
Serving Your Masterpiece
- Ladle the Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley and extra grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Soup Every Time
- Sausage Selection: I prefer using sweet Italian sausage for this recipe, but you can use mild or hot Italian sausage depending on your preference. For a leaner option, you can use Italian chicken sausage.
- Pasta Perfection: Ditalini is the classic choice for this soup, but you can substitute other small pasta shapes like orzo or elbow macaroni if you don’t have ditalini on hand. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Creamy Consistency: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) to the soup during the last few minutes of cooking. Stir it in well to avoid lumps.
- Make-Ahead Magic: This soup is even better the next day, as the flavors have more time to develop. You can make it a day or two ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop before serving.
- Freezing for Later: Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop. The pasta may be slightly softer after freezing, but the flavor will still be amazing.
- Dealing with Salt: Some chicken broths are saltier than others. Taste your soup before adding any additional salt and adjust accordingly.
- Spice It Up: If you like a little heat, add a pinch more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the soup.
- Vegetable Boost: Feel free to add extra vegetables to the soup, such as chopped carrots, celery, or spinach. Add the carrots and celery along with the onion, and stir in the spinach during the last few minutes of cooking until wilted.
- Looking for Good Creamy Soups? This Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup is a fantastic choice, but if you are in the mood for something with more vegetables, try Outback Potato Soup or Chicken Gnocchi Soup.
Serving Suggestions: Complete Your Meal
This Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup is delicious on its own, but it’s even better when served with a side of crusty bread for dipping. A simple green salad or a grilled cheese sandwich also makes a great accompaniment. For a heartier meal, consider serving it with a side of roasted vegetables. This soup also pairs well with similar Soups With Noodles Recipes. If you want a different kind of soup, give our Chicken Tortilla Soup a try.Why This Soup Is Perfect When You’re Feeling Under the Weather
This Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup isn’t just delicious; it’s also incredibly comforting, making it one of the Easy Dinners For Sick Family members. The warm broth and tender pasta are easy to eat, and the savory flavors can help stimulate the appetite. Plus, the chicken broth is packed with electrolytes, which can help with dehydration. For another comforting option, there’s always the classic Chicken Noodle Soup. Or maybe our Creamy Lasagna Soup.Other Soup Recipes To Try!
If you enjoyed this Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup, you might also like our Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup. This recipe is a great starting point!Enjoy Your Homemade Soup
With its rich, savory flavor and creamy texture, this Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup is sure to become a family favorite. It’s easy to make, customizable to your liking, and perfect for any occasion. So gather your ingredients, put on some music, and get ready to enjoy a delicious bowl of comfort!Can I substitute the ditalini pasta for another type?
Yes, you can substitute ditalini with other small pasta shapes like orzo or elbow macaroni. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
How can I make the soup thicker?
If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) to the soup during the last few minutes of cooking. Stir it in well to avoid lumps.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, this soup is even better the next day. You can make it a day or two ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop before serving.
What kind of Italian sausage should I use?
The recipe suggests sweet Italian sausage, but you can use mild or hot Italian sausage depending on your preference. Italian chicken sausage is also a leaner option.
Best Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup
Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Spoon
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Garlic press
- Measuring spoons
- Measuring cups
- Ladle
- Bowls
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage, removed from casing
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 1 cup ditalini pasta
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and add the diced tomatoes (undrained), dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Add the ditalini pasta to the soup and cook according to package directions, usually about 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.
- Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Heat through gently, but do not boil.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Ladle the Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley and extra grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.