Creamy Parmesan Italian Ditalini

This ultra creamy parmesan Italian sausage ditalini soup is my favorite fix for chilly nights and family gatherings when you want something filling yet cozy. I love how the rich tomato broth is packed with tender pasta and savory sausage while the cream cheese and parmesan bring so much velvety comfort with every spoonful

The first time I simmered this up my house smelled absolutely incredible and since then it is my most requested Sunday supper whenever my friends come over

Ingredients

• Italian sausage: this is the heart of the soup choose a good quality sausage with fresh herbs if possible for the deepest flavor
• Olive oil: helps brown the sausage while adding subtle richness use a robust extra virgin if you have it
• Onion: foundational for sweetness and depth look for a firm onion with no soft spots for maximum flavor
• Garlic: brings bold aromatic warmth to the broth crush your own cloves for the best punch
• Chicken broth: creates the base go for low sodium if you want more control over the seasoning and choose a broth with a clear savory scent
• Petite diced tomatoes: provide a gentle tang and a bit of texture opt for San Marzano style if available for the best tomato flavor
• Ditalini pasta: these tiny tubes hold onto the creamy broth and make every spoonful fun look for bronze cut pasta for a heartier texture
• Italian seasoning: a shortcut to loads of herby flavor pick a blend that is fragrant and not too dusty or old
• Cream cheese: delivers that trademark velvety richness use block style for creamiest results and let it soften fully for easy melting
• Parmesan cheese: adds bold salty depth always grate your own from a wedge for the best creamy melt
• Heavy cream: rounds out the saucey broth with even more silkiness fresh cream without additives yields a better mouthfeel
• Salt and black pepper: fine tune these to your taste so every bite is balanced and lively
• Fresh parsley: offers herby freshness and makes each bowl pop pick bright green flat leaf parsley for fresh flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sauté the Sausage and Vegetables:

Add the olive oil to a large heavy pot and warm over medium heat until it shimmers Then crumble in the Italian sausage Break it up with a spoon as it cooks for about five to seven minutes letting the edges get golden for deep flavor Once browned add the diced onion Stir occasionally and let it sweat gently for three to four minutes until it looks glossy and translucent Tumble in the minced garlic and go for another minute so the kitchen fills with that delicious savory aroma

Add Broth and Tomatoes:

Pour the chicken broth over the sausage mixture then tip in the drained petite diced tomatoes Pour in the Italian seasoning along with a little salt and pepper Give everything a good stir Turn the heat up and bring the pot to a lively boil

Cook the Pasta:

As soon as the liquid boils shake the ditalini pasta into the pot Lower the heat to medium low so you have a gentle simmer Stir every couple of minutes and cook for about eight to ten minutes The pasta should be just barely tender with a little bite so it soaks up flavor without getting mushy

Incorporate Cream and Cheese:

Turn the heat down to low and add the cream cheese cubes into the soup Stir patiently as they melt and disappear into the broth Now pour in the heavy cream and shower the soup with the grated parmesan Stir slowly until everything is silky smooth and the cheese has fully melted

Adjust and Serve:

Taste and see if it needs a pinch more salt or pepper Adjust as needed Use a big ladle to serve the soup piping hot in wide bowls Sprinkle with a generous handful of fresh chopped parsley right before serving for a flash of color and flavor

Pin it

The tomato cream broth helps the sausage flavor shine through without being overpowering Parmesan is my secret ingredient and watching it melt right into the pot is always my favorite moment It reminds me of Sunday kitchen days with my mom as we both snuck spoonfuls of that cheesy broth before anyone else could even grab a bowl

Storage Tips

Let the soup cool completely before storing and keep it airtight in the fridge for up to four days The pasta will soak up the broth a bit as it sits so I always stash an extra splash of broth separately When reheating add a little water or broth to loosen it up and heat gently on the stove to keep it velvety

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap spicy Italian sausage for sweet if you want less heat For a lighter option ground turkey or chicken sausage works but adds a milder flavor If you have no ditalini elbow macaroni or small shells are perfect stand ins A handful of baby spinach stirred in at the end is delicious if you like some greens

Serving Suggestions

I love serving this soup with garlicky toasted bread or thick slices of focaccia for sopping up the creamy broth A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette keeps the meal fresh and balanced Sometimes I top each bowl with extra parmesan or a drizzle of good olive oil to finish

Cultural Context

Creamy sausage and pasta soups are staples in Italian American homes blending classic rustic flavors with easy comfort food vibes While ditalini actually means little thimbles in Italian its shape is just perfect for nestling into every spoonful soaking up each bit of cheesy broth The combination of tomatoes fresh cheese and sausage is a true nod to Italian home cooking

Pin it

One bowl of this soup is always the coziest reward after a chilly day Enjoy every spoonful and make it your new Sunday favorite

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What type of sausage works best?

Use spicy or mild Italian sausage based on your taste. Remove the casings for best texture.

→ Can I use a different pasta shape?

Ditalini is best for a classic feel, but small shells or elbow macaroni also work well.

→ How do I make it creamier?

Let the cream cheese fully melt and stir in heavy cream at the end for optimal creaminess.

→ Can I prepare it ahead of time?

Yes, but cook pasta separately and add when reheating to avoid sogginess.

→ How should I season the dish?

Adjust salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to taste just before serving for balanced flavor.