Mediterranean Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup
This hearty soup is cozy, rich, and full of Mediterranean-inspired flavor. With Italian sausage, tender pasta, fresh vegetables, and a creamy Parmesan base, it’s a bowl of pure comfort. Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or chilly nights when you need something warming and satisfying.
Time:
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 30–35 minutes
Total: 45–50 minutes
Ingredients
Protein:
1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
Vegetables:
1 small onion, diced
2–3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
2 cups fresh spinach or kale, chopped
3 large carrots, peeled and diced
2 ribs celery, sliced
Pasta:
1 cup ditalini pasta (or other small pasta)
Liquids:
4–5 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream or milk
Dairy:
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for garnish)
2–4 oz cream cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
Seasonings & Garnish:
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp Italian seasoning (or oregano/basil)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Red pepper flakes (optional)
Ground fennel (optional, for deeper flavor)
Instructions
Cook the sausage:
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add sausage, breaking it into crumbles with a spoon, and cook until browned (about 5–6 minutes). Remove excess grease if needed.
Sauté vegetables:
Add onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook for 4–5 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
Add broth and tomatoes:
Pour in chicken broth and diced tomatoes. Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and optional ground fennel or red pepper flakes. Bring to a gentle boil.
Cook the pasta:
Add ditalini pasta to the pot. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook until pasta is al dente (about 8–10 minutes).
Make it creamy:
Stir in heavy cream (or milk), Parmesan cheese, and cream cheese if using. Simmer gently for 3–5 minutes until the cheeses melt and the soup becomes creamy.
Add greens:
Stir in chopped spinach or kale and cook just until wilted (about 2 minutes). Adjust seasoning to taste.
Serve:
Ladle into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan, and serve warm with crusty bread.
Tips
Use quality sausage: The sausage is the main flavor base. Choose a good-quality Italian sausage (spicy if you like heat, mild if not).
Cook pasta separately if storing: If you plan to keep leftovers, cook the pasta separately and add it to each bowl before serving. Otherwise, the pasta may soak up too much broth overnight.
Control creaminess: For a lighter version, use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream. For extra richness, don’t skip the cream cheese.
Adjust thickness: If the soup becomes too thick, stir in extra chicken broth before serving.
Cheese tip: Grate Parmesan fresh if possible. It melts better and adds a smoother, more authentic flavor.
Variations
Different Pasta: Swap ditalini for small shells, elbow macaroni, or orzo.
Protein Alternatives: Try ground turkey, chicken sausage, or even plant-based sausage for a lighter option.
Veggie Boost: Add zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms for more Mediterranean flair.
Tomato Base: For a tangier, more tomato-forward soup, add 2 tablespoons of tomato paste along with the broth.
Herb Twist: Replace Italian seasoning with fresh basil, thyme, or rosemary for different herbal notes.
Spicy Kick: Use spicy sausage and add extra red pepper flakes for a bold, warming version.
Cheese Lovers’ Version: Mix in a little shredded mozzarella or fontina along with Parmesan for a gooey, cheesy texture.
Q&A
Q: Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes. You can make the base soup ahead and reheat gently. For best results, cook the pasta separately and add it when serving, so it doesn’t get soggy.
Q: Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, but freeze without the pasta and cream. Add those fresh when reheating for the best texture and taste.
Q: Can I make it healthier?
Absolutely. Use turkey sausage, whole wheat pasta, and light cream or milk. You can also add extra vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms.
Q: What can I serve with it?
Crusty bread, garlic toast, or a fresh Mediterranean salad pairs perfectly.
Q: Is it spicy?
It depends on your sausage choice. Mild sausage makes it kid-friendly, while spicy sausage or red pepper flakes can add heat.
Nutrition Facts
(per serving, 6 servings)
(Values are approximate and may vary depending on ingredients used)
Calories: 480 kcal
Protein: 21g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fat: 29g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 1080mg
Cholesterol: 85mg
Conclusion
This Mediterranean Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup is the ultimate comfort food, blending the richness of Italian sausage, the freshness of vegetables, and the creaminess of Parmesan into one hearty bowl. It’s versatile, family-friendly, and perfect for cold evenings or a satisfying weeknight dinner. Whether you keep it light with turkey sausage and milk or go all out with cream and extra cheese, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again.