When the weather turns crisp and you’re craving something hearty, cozy, and bursting with flavor, this Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup is the answer. It’s a bowl full of comfort that brings together savory Italian sausage, perfectly tender ditalini pasta, a medley of vegetables, and a rich, creamy Parmesan-infused broth. Every spoonful is like a warm hug.

This soup is the ultimate winter companion, ideal for family dinners or meal prepping for the week. The combination of robust flavors and a creamy texture makes it feel indulgent, while still being practical and easy to whip up. Plus, it fills your kitchen with the most irresistible aroma while it simmers.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make the most out of this soup, a little preparation and the right tools can go a long way:

Large Dutch Oven or Heavy-Bottomed Soup Pot: Essential for even heat distribution and depth, allowing flavors to develop beautifully without scorching the cream base.
Sharp Chef’s Knife and Cutting Board: You’ll need these to finely chop your aromatics like onion, garlic, and carrots.
Wooden Spoon or Heat-Resistant Spatula: Ideal for stirring sausage and scraping up flavorful bits from the bottom of the pan.

Measuring Cups & Spoons: To keep your broth, cream, and cheese ratios just right.
Fine Grater or Microplane: For grating fresh Parmesan, which adds a nutty sharpness and melts smoother than pre-shredded cheese.
Colander: To drain the cooked ditalini pasta to the perfect al dente texture.

Taking the time to prep these tools ensures the cooking process is seamless and enjoyable.

Ingredients for the Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup

Italian Sausage: Brings bold, savory flavor and hearty texture to the soup.
Ditalini Pasta: The small shape holds the creamy broth beautifully in every bite.

Yellow Onion: Provides a sweet and aromatic base.
Carrots: Add color, natural sweetness, and a gentle bite.
Garlic: Enhances the savory foundation with rich depth.

Chicken Broth: Creates the flavorful base of the soup.
Heavy Cream: Gives the soup its silky, rich texture.
Parmesan Cheese: Offers a salty, umami-packed finish.

Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the vegetables and sausage.
Salt and Pepper: To enhance and balance all the flavors.
Fresh Parsley (optional): Adds freshness and color to the final dish.

How To Make the Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chopped onions and carrots and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook another minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

Add Italian sausage to the pot. Use a spoon to break it into crumbles and cook until browned and fully cooked through. This step builds the meaty base of your soup.

Step 3: Simmer with Broth

Pour in chicken broth and bring everything to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and let flavors meld for 10–15 minutes.

Step 4: Add Cream and Cheese

Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan. Continue to simmer gently until the soup is creamy and well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Cook the Pasta

In a separate pot, cook ditalini pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and stir into the soup right before serving.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Ladle the hot soup into bowls and top with more Parmesan and a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley if desired.

How to Serve and Store This Soup

Serve this creamy Italian sausage soup piping hot, topped with freshly grated Parmesan and a touch of chopped parsley. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or garlic knots for dipping.

For storage, allow the soup to cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days. The pasta may absorb some of the broth, so you can add a splash of broth or cream when reheating. For longer storage, freeze the soup without the pasta, and add freshly cooked pasta when serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! Make the soup up to 3 days ahead and store it in the fridge. Cook and add the pasta just before serving for the best texture.

Can I use a different pasta?

Yes! While ditalini is traditional here, you can substitute with elbow macaroni, small shells, or orzo.

Is there a dairy-free alternative?

You can swap the heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative. The flavor will be different but still delicious.

Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, but for best results, freeze the soup without the pasta. Add fresh cooked pasta when reheating to avoid mushy texture.

What kind of sausage works best?

Mild or hot Italian sausage, either ground or in casing (removed), works great. Turkey sausage is a leaner option if preferred.

How can I make it spicier?

Use hot Italian sausage and add a pinch of red pepper flakes while sautéing the aromatics.

Want More Soup Ideas?

If you love this Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup, you might want to try these cozy soup creations from my kitchen:

Creamy Alfredo Lasagna Soup for layers of cheesy, noodle-filled bliss.
Hearty Vegetarian Tortellini Soup that satisfies without the meat.
Louisiana Seafood Gumbo for a bold, comforting Southern classic.

Rich Creamy Mushroom Stroganoff with earthy depth and a silky finish.
Moroccan Sweet Potato Soup for a lightly spiced, plant-based bowl of goodness.

For even more comforting recipes like this one, head over to my Pinterest board: Life With Olivia on Pinterest.

Save This Recipe for Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest soup board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you spice it up with hot sausage? Add extra veggies?

I love seeing the creative twists you bring to these dishes. Share your questions or tips below — let’s make every bowl even better!

Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup

Author: Olivia McKenney
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings

Print Recipe

Description

A cozy and creamy Italian-inspired soup made with savory sausage, tender ditalini pasta, sweet carrots, and sharp Parmesan cheese in a luscious cream broth. Perfect for chilly evenings or anytime you crave comfort in a bowl.

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add diced onion and carrots and saute for about 5 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.

2. Add the Italian sausage to the pot and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until fully browned and cooked through.

3. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and let it cook for 10-15 minutes to deepen the flavor.

4. Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Let the soup simmer gently until the cheese is fully melted and the soup is creamy. Season with salt and pepper.

5. Meanwhile, cook the ditalini pasta in a separate pot according to package instructions. Drain and add it to the soup just before serving.

6. Ladle into bowls and top with additional Parmesan and fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot with crusty bread.

Notes

Use freshly grated Parmesan for best melting and flavor. Pre-shredded cheese may not blend as smoothly.

Cook the pasta separately to avoid it soaking up too much broth and becoming mushy.

For a spicier version, use hot Italian sausage and a pinch of red pepper flakes during cooking.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes

Category: Soup
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1.5 cups
Calories: 510
Sugar: 3g

Sodium: 960mg
Fat: 36g
Saturated Fat: 16g

Unsaturated Fat: 17g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 25g

Fiber: 2g
Protein: 23g
Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: creamy soup, sausage ditalini soup, Parmesan soup, winter comfort food