creamy Italian sausage ditalini soup.

Creamy Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup

Creamy Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup is a hearty, comforting soup packed with Italian sausage, vegetables, pasta, and a rich, creamy broth. Ditalini pasta gives it the perfect bite-sized texture, making every spoonful satisfying. This soup is ideal for chilly evenings, weeknight dinners, or meal prep for the week.

Why You’ll Love This Soup

Hearty and filling with sausage and pasta
Creamy, comforting, and flavorful
Easy one-pot meal
Perfect for meal prep and leftovers
Family-friendly and customizable

Ingredients

1 lb (450 g) Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
4 cups (960 ml) chicken or vegetable broth
1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
1 cup (120 g) ditalini pasta
1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 cups fresh spinach or kale, chopped
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
Optional: crushed red pepper flakes for heat

Instructions

1. Cook the Sausage

In a large pot over medium heat, cook Italian sausage until browned. Break into small pieces with a spoon. Remove sausage and set aside, leaving a little fat in the pot.

2. Sauté Vegetables

Add onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook 5–7 minutes until softened. Add garlic and Italian herbs; cook for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

3. Add Broth and Pasta

Return sausage to the pot and pour in chicken broth. Bring to a boil. Add ditalini pasta and reduce heat to simmer. Cook 8–10 minutes until pasta is al dente.

4. Add Cream and Greens

Stir in heavy cream and chopped spinach or kale. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until greens wilt and soup is heated through. Season with salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.

5. Serve

Ladle soup into bowls and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese. Serve with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

Tips for the Best Creamy Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup

Use high-quality Italian sausage for maximum flavor
Cook pasta separately for meal prep to prevent it from overcooking in leftovers
Adjust cream quantity for desired richness
Add other vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for extra nutrition

Variations

Spicy Version: Use hot Italian sausage and add crushed red pepper flakes
Low-Carb Version: Substitute ditalini pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower pasta
Cheesy Extra: Stir in more Parmesan or a handful of mozzarella before serving
Slow Cooker Version: Cook sausage and vegetables, then add broth and herbs; cook on low 4–6 hours, add cream and pasta near the end

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days
Reheat gently on the stovetop to prevent cream from curdling
Pasta may absorb liquid; add a splash of broth or cream when reheating

Serving Suggestions

Serve with crusty bread or garlic toast
Pair with a simple green salad
Top with extra Parmesan and freshly cracked black pepper

Final Thoughts

Creamy Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup is a hearty, flavorful, and comforting meal perfect for family dinners or cozy evenings. With a rich, creamy broth, tender pasta, and flavorful sausage, it’s easy to make and always satisfying.