The Best Classic Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe Ever

Comfort wraps around you like a warm hug when classic Italian sausage ditalini soup bubbles gently in your kitchen.

Hearty aromas drift through every room, promising a meal that speaks directly to your soul.

Rustic ingredients mingle together, creating a symphony of flavors that transport you to a cozy trattoria.

Robust sausage chunks nestle among tender pasta pieces, promising pure satisfaction in each spoonful.

Simple ingredients come together with unexpected magic, turning an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.

Perfectly balanced and deeply nourishing, this soup invites you to slow down and savor every delicious moment.

Grab a bowl and let the first taste convince you that culinary magic is waiting.

FAQs

• What kind of pasta is used in this soup?

Ditalini pasta is used, which are small, short tube-shaped pasta that work perfectly in this creamy soup, allowing the sauce to coat each tiny pasta piece evenly.

• Can I use a different type of sausage?

Yes, you can substitute Italian sausage with mild or hot sausage based on your preference. Ground turkey sausage or chicken sausage are also great alternatives for a lighter version.

• Is this soup spicy?

The soup has a mild heat from optional crushed red pepper flakes. You can control the spice level by adding more or less pepper flakes, or omitting them completely for a non-spicy version.

Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup Highlights

• Savor Quick Comfort: A hearty soup packed with robust Italian sausage and tender pasta that delivers maximum flavor in minimal preparation.
• Customize With Ease: Swap spinach for kale, adjust spice levels, or add extra vegetables to personalize this flexible one-pot wonder according to your taste preferences.
• Crowd-Pleasing Meal: Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or cozy gatherings where everyone craves a warm, satisfying dish that brings people together around the table.
• Nutrition in a Bowl: Combines protein-rich sausage, nutrient-dense vegetables, and comforting pasta into a balanced meal that feels indulgent yet provides substantial nutritional value.

Complete Ingredients List For Sausage Ditalini Soup

• Italian Sausage: A flavorful and hearty protein that provides the foundation for this rich soup.

• Onion, Carrots, Celery: A classic mirepoix that adds depth and aromatic sweetness to the soup.
• Garlic: A pungent ingredient that enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Fresh Spinach: A nutritious green that adds color and a light, fresh element to the soup.

• Chicken Broth: A savory liquid base that helps develop the soup's robust flavor.
• Heavy Cream: Adds richness and creates a smooth, luxurious texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Provides a salty, nutty flavor and helps thicken the soup.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings authentic Italian flavor.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Offers a subtle heat and spicy kick.

• Ditalini Pasta: A small, tube-shaped pasta that is perfect for soups.
• Fresh Parsley: A bright, fresh herb used for garnishing.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing the overall taste of the soup.

Stepwise Instructions To Make Sausage Ditalini Soup

Step 1: Sizzle the Sausage

Heat a large pot over medium flame. Drop in the Italian sausage and break it into tiny crumbles using a wooden spoon.

Cook until the meat turns golden brown and completely done. Drain any extra grease from the pot.

Step 2: Awaken the Vegetables

• Diced onions
• Chopped carrots
• Sliced celery

Saute these veggies with the cooked sausage for 5-7 minutes until they soften. Sprinkle in garlic, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes.

Stir and cook for another minute until the kitchen fills with a fragrant aroma.

Step 3: Pour the Liquid Gold

Stream chicken broth into the pot and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Let it bubble softly for 10 minutes, allowing flavors to dance and mingle.

Step 4: Pasta Perfection

Add ditalini pasta and cook according to package directions, typically 8-10 minutes, until the pasta reaches a tender, toothsome texture.

Step 5: Create Creamy Magic

• Heavy cream
• Parmesan cheese

Stir until the cheese melts completely, transforming the soup into a luxurious, velvety delight. Fold in fresh spinach and let it wilt for 2 minutes.

Taste and season with salt and black pepper as needed.

Step 6: Serve with Flair

Ladle the soup into warm bowls.

Sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley on top. Serve alongside crusty bread or garlic toast for the ultimate comfort meal.

Expert Advice To Perfect Sausage Ditalini Soup

• Opt for lower-fat Italian sausage to reduce calories without sacrificing flavor, ensuring a healthier soup option.
• Cook ditalini pasta just until al dente to prevent mushiness, maintaining a pleasant bite in the soup.
• Toast Italian seasoning briefly before adding liquid to intensify the herb's aromatic qualities and boost overall taste profile.
• Swap spinach with kale or Swiss chard for added nutrients and a slightly different green vegetable twist.
• Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version that still delivers rich, creamy satisfaction.

Unique Twists To Customize Sausage Ditalini Soup

• Vegetarian Sausage Swap: Replace Italian sausage with plant-based sausage crumbles or chopped mushrooms for a meat-free version that maintains robust flavor and texture.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Substitute ditalini pasta with gluten-free rice pasta or quinoa shells, ensuring the soup remains safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Low-Carb Option: Trade pasta for cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles, reducing carbohydrate content while keeping the soup's creamy Italian-inspired essence.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan cheese, creating a lactose-free soup that still delivers rich, comforting flavors.

Pairings That Enhance Sausage Ditalini Soup Flavors

Choose a medium-bodied Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the rich, savory sausage and creamy texture of the soup.

Crisp, herbed focaccia provides the perfect crunchy contrast to the smooth, velvety soup, and helps soak up all the delicious flavors.

Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the soup’s richness and add a fresh, peppery element to the meal.

Sprinkle fresh basil or thyme on top to brighten the soup’s profile and add an aromatic layer of complexity to each spoonful.

Best Storage Methods To Keep Sausage Ditalini Soup

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Avoid freezing spinach, as it can become mushy.
• Pour soup into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed. Add a splash of chicken broth to restore original consistency if needed.
• Warm soup in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add extra broth or water to prevent sticking and maintain creamy texture. Heat until steaming and reaching desired temperature.

Classic Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Comforting classic italian sausage ditalini soup brings hearty warmth to winter dining tables with rich, savory flavors. Packed with tender sausage, vegetables, and pasta, this rustic Italian recipe promises a satisfying meal that warms hearts and delights palates.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (1 lb) Italian sausage (mild or spicy)

Vegetables:

• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped

Seasonings and Other Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1.5 cups ditalini pasta
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• Extra grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Sizzle Italian sausage in a large pot over medium heat, methodically crumbling with a wooden spoon until golden brown and fully cooked. Drain excess fat, leaving a flavorful base.
2. Introduce diced onion, carrots, and celery into the pot, sautéing for 5-7 minutes until vegetables soften and release aromatic essence. Incorporate minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and optional red pepper flakes, stirring until fragrant.
3. Stream chicken broth into the vegetable-sausage mixture, elevating to a gentle simmer. Allow flavors to harmonize for 10 minutes, creating a robust foundation.
4. Cascade ditalini pasta into the simmering liquid, cooking for 8-10 minutes until pasta reaches perfect al dente texture. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
5. Reduce heat to low, whisk in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until sauce transforms into a luxurious, silky consistency. Fold fresh spinach into the soup, letting leaves delicately wilt for 2 minutes.
6. Season with salt and black pepper, tasting and adjusting flavor profile. Ladle into warm bowls, crown with additional Parmesan and chopped parsley. Accompany with crusty bread for an indulgent dining experience.

Notes

• Choose lean Italian sausage to reduce overall fat content while maintaining rich flavor profile.
• Drain excess sausage fat thoroughly to prevent greasy soup texture and maintain clean taste.
• Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels and customize seasoning according to personal preference.
• Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for lighter version without compromising creamy consistency.
• Add kale or Swiss chard instead of spinach for different nutrient-dense green vegetable option.
• Cook pasta separately and add just before serving to prevent overcooking and mushy texture.
• Freeze soup without cream and pasta, adding those components fresh when reheating for best quality.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 370 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 680 mg
• Fat: 26 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg