Traditional Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe

Easy Traditional Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe to Warm Your Soul

Comfort and hearty flavors merge in this traditional Italian sausage ditalini soup that warms you from the inside out.

Rustic ingredients create a symphony of taste dancing across your palate.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this delightful recipe, passing down wisdom through carefully selected components.

Robust Italian sausage provides a rich, meaty foundation that anchors every spoonful.

ditalini pasta adds a playful texture, creating little pockets of pure deliciousness.

Simmering vegetables and aromatic herbs infuse each bite with memories of classic Italian kitchens.

Let this soul-satisfying soup transport you to a cozy trattoria, where every ingredient tells a story of culinary passion.

Creamy Ditalini Soup That Hits Every Note

  • Boost Comfort Levels: Dive into a heartwarming soup packed with rich, creamy goodness that wraps you in pure culinary comfort.
  • Simplify Cooking Process: Master this recipe with easy-to-follow steps that require minimal kitchen skills and basic ingredients anyone can find.
  • Customize Your Meal: Adapt the soup by swapping sausage types, adding extra vegetables, or adjusting spice levels to match your taste preferences.
  • Quick Family Favorite: Create a satisfying one-pot meal that brings everyone together, perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients List for Parmesan Ditalini Soup

Protein Base:
  • Italian Sausage: A flavorful meat that adds richness and depth to the soup.
  • Chicken Broth: The liquid foundation that provides a savory base for the soup.
Vegetables and Aromatics:
  • Onion, Garlic, Carrots, Celery: A classic mirepoix that creates a robust and aromatic flavor profile for the soup.
  • Spinach: A fresh green vegetable that adds nutrition and color to the dish.
Dairy and Pasta Components:
  • Heavy Cream, Parmesan Cheese: Ingredients that create a smooth, creamy texture and add a rich, tangy flavor to the soup.
  • Ditalini Pasta: A small, tube-shaped pasta that provides a satisfying bite and helps thicken the soup.
Herbs and Seasonings:
  • Dried Oregano, Dried Basil, Salt, Pepper: Herbs and spices that enhance the overall taste and bring an Italian-inspired flavor to the soup.
  • Olive Oil: Used for sautéing and adding a subtle fruity undertone.
  • Fresh Parsley: An optional garnish that adds a fresh, bright finish to the dish.

Cooking Creamy Sausage Ditalini Soup

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Crumble the sausage into the pot and cook until it’s nicely browned and completely cooked through.

Once done, scoop out the sausage and set it aside for later.

Step 2: Saute Veggie Medley

In the same pot, toss in:
  • Diced onions
  • Minced garlic
  • Sliced carrots
  • Chopped celery

Cook these veggies until the onions turn translucent and everything softens up beautifully, about 5 minutes.

Step 3: Create the Flavor Base

Pour in chicken broth and sprinkle in dried oregano and basil. Give everything a good stir and bring the mixture to a gentle bubbling boil.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Drop the ditalini pasta into the boiling broth. Let it cook until it reaches that perfect al dente texture, stirring occasionally to keep it from sticking together.

Step 5: Make It Luxuriously Creamy

Lower the heat and stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Watch as these ingredients melt and transform the soup into a silky, rich delight.

Step 6: Final Touch of Goodness

Bring back the cooked sausage to the pot and toss in fresh chopped spinach. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes until the spinach wilts.

Season with salt and pepper to make the flavors pop.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the steaming soup into bowls.

If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top. Grab a crusty bread for dipping and get ready to dive into comfort in a bowl!

Solid Tips for Ditalini Soup Success

  • Brown the sausage thoroughly to develop deep, rich flavors that enhance the entire soup's taste profile.
  • Stir ditalini occasionally while cooking to ensure even cooking and prevent pasta from sticking together in the pot.
  • Adjust heavy cream quantity based on desired thickness, adding gradually to control soup's final consistency.
  • Dice vegetables uniformly for consistent cooking and balanced texture throughout the soup.
  • Grate Parmesan fresh and add gradually while stirring to ensure smooth melting without creating cheese clumps.

Flavor Variations for Ditalini Soup

  • Vegetarian Comfort Bowl: Replace Italian sausage with plant-based crumbles or diced mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian version that maintains rich flavor profiles.
  • Gluten-Free Friendly Soup: Swap ditalini pasta with gluten-free rice pasta or quinoa shells, ensuring those with wheat sensitivities can enjoy this creamy soup.
  • Spicy Southwest Adaptation: Add diced green chiles, swap basil with cumin, and include pepper jack cheese for a zesty southwestern-inspired soup variation.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Alternative: Substitute pasta with riced cauliflower, using fewer carbohydrates while keeping the creamy texture and robust seasonings intact.

Best Matches for Ditalini Sausage Soup

  • Select a medium-bodied Italian red wine like Chianti Classico, which complements the rich sausage and creamy texture while cutting through the soup's heaviness with balanced acidity.
  • Serve with rustic garlic-rubbed ciabatta or focaccia, which provides delightful crunch and absorbs the soup's delicious flavors while adding a traditional Italian touch.
  • Prepare a crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, featuring sharp, peppery greens that refresh the palate and balance the soup's creamy, hearty profile with bright, zesty notes.

Storing Creamy Ditalini Soup Easily

  • Store soup in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth and maintain flavor intensity.
  • Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Freeze for maximum 2-3 months. Avoid freezing spinach for best texture.
  • Transfer desired portion to microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until soup reaches 165°F. Add splash of chicken broth if soup seems thick.
  • Pour soup into saucepan. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add extra broth or cream to restore original consistency. Heat until steaming and thoroughly warmed.

FAQs

  • What makes this soup different from other pasta soups?

This soup combines Italian sausage with creamy Parmesan and tender ditalini pasta, creating a rich, hearty meal that’s more satisfying than traditional broth-based soups.

  • Can I use a different type of pasta?

Ditalini works best for this recipe because its small shape holds the creamy broth well, but you can substitute with small shells or elbow macaroni if needed.

  • Is this soup spicy?

The spice level depends on the Italian sausage you choose. Mild sausage will create a gentle flavor, while hot sausage will add more kick to the soup.

  • How can I make this soup healthier?

Use lean Italian sausage, reduce the heavy cream by half, and add extra vegetables like zucchini or kale to boost nutritional value.

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Traditional Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe

Traditional Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe


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4.6 from 22 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty “Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup” brings robust flavors from rustic kitchens of Italy, blending rich sausage, tender pasta, and aromatic herbs. Comforting warmth welcomes you to savor each spoonful of this classic Mediterranean comfort dish.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 pound (1 lb / 454 grams) Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
  • 4 cups (946 milliliters) chicken broth
  • 1 cup (237 milliliters) ditalini pasta
  • 2 cups (480 milliliters) fresh spinach, chopped
  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese

Vegetables and Aromatics:

  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 medium carrots, sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced

Herbs and Seasonings:

  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium temperature. Crumble italian sausage and cook until thoroughly browned and crispy, approximately 5-7 minutes. Transfer cooked sausage to a separate dish.
  2. Using the same pot, sauté diced onions, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and chopped celery until onions become translucent and vegetables soften, around 5 minutes.
  3. Pour chicken broth into the vegetable mixture, incorporating dried oregano and basil. Stir ingredients and bring to a gentle simmer.
  4. Add ditalini pasta to the simmering broth. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring periodically to prevent pasta from sticking, until pasta reaches al dente consistency.
  5. Lower heat to medium-low. Gently incorporate heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, allowing them to meld into the broth and create a luxurious, velvety texture.
  6. Reintroduce cooked sausage to the pot. Fold in fresh spinach and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until spinach wilts completely. Season with salt and pepper according to preference.
  7. Portion soup into serving bowls. Optional: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve alongside crusty bread for an enhanced dining experience.

Notes

  • Swap Italian sausage with plant-based alternatives for vegetarian diets, ensuring protein and flavor remain robust.
  • Reduce cream and use half-and-half or milk for lighter versions without compromising creamy texture.
  • Choose gluten-free ditalini pasta to accommodate celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals, maintaining authentic soup experience.
  • Enhance nutritional profile by adding extra vegetables like zucchini or kale for increased vitamins and fiber content.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 312 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 620 mg
  • Fat: 24 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 10 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 14 g
  • Cholesterol: 65 mg
Mike Reynolds

Mike Reynolds

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Farm-to-table cuisine, Seasonal recipe development, Sustainable cooking techniques, Food photography

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College (A-B Tech)
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

Mike studied culinary arts with a strong focus on farm-to-table principles and sustainable cooking. His training emphasized the importance of fresh, local ingredients and environmentally responsible practices in the kitchen.


Mike’s food journey began deep in the Blue Ridge Mountains, where weekends at farmers’ markets and home-cooked meals sparked a lifelong obsession with simple, seasonal eating.
After earning his Associate Degree in Culinary Arts from Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, he set out to bring farm-to-table cooking into everyday kitchens, without the fuss.
Mike’s philosophy is all about keeping it fresh, unfussy, and full of heart. When he’s not crafting new single-serving recipes, he’s hiking mountain trails, chatting with local farmers, or experimenting with wild ingredients in his backyard kitchen.

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