Easy Creamy Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup

When the weather cools down and the evenings get a little longer, there’s nothing better than a warm bowl of homemade soup to bring comfort and joy. This Easy Creamy Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup is everything you crave in a cozy dinner—hearty, flavorful, and full of rich, creamy goodness. With savory Italian sausage, tender ditalini pasta, and a luscious Parmesan-infused broth, it’s the kind of recipe that becomes an instant family favorite.

You’ll love how easy this is to throw together on a busy weeknight or serve up as a satisfying weekend meal. Let’s dive into what makes this soup so delicious and why you’ll want to add it to your regular dinner rotation.

Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

This soup brings together a medley of pantry staples, fresh veggies, and comforting dairy for the ultimate Italian-inspired flavor. Here are a few highlights:

• Italian sausage: Choose either mild or spicy, depending on your preference. The sausage is the flavor base of the soup, so get a good-quality one!
• Ditalini pasta: These tiny tube-shaped pastas are perfect for scooping up all the creamy broth and bits of sausage. If you don’t have ditalini, elbow macaroni or small shells work too.
• Parmesan cheese: Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and meltability.
• Heavy cream: This adds richness and gives the broth that dreamy creamy texture.
• Spinach: Stirring in fresh spinach at the end gives this soup a nutritional boost and a pop of color.
• Veggies: Onion, garlic, carrots, and celery are sautéed until tender to add depth and sweetness to the soup.

Instructions

1. Brown the Sausage
Start by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook it, breaking it up into small pieces with a wooden spoon as it browns. This takes about 5–7 minutes. Once it’s fully cooked and browned, remove it from the pot and set it aside. Don’t wipe out the pot—those browned bits are pure flavor gold.

2. Sauté the Vegetables
To the same pot, add your chopped onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes, until the onion turns translucent and the veggies are just tender. This step creates the aromatic base of the soup and adds depth to every spoonful.

3. Add Broth and Herbs
Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Stir in dried oregano and basil. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil to let the flavors start mingling.

4. Cook the Pasta
Add your ditalini pasta and cook it right in the broth. This not only saves you an extra pot to wash, but the pasta also soaks up all those amazing flavors. Stir occasionally so it doesn’t stick to the bottom. Cook until just al dente—about 8–10 minutes, depending on the brand.

5. Make It Creamy
Reduce the heat to medium-low. Pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir gently until the cheese melts and the broth becomes rich and velvety. You’ll be amazed at how luxurious this soup becomes with just a few simple ingredients.

6. Finish with Spinach and Sausage
Stir the sausage back into the pot along with the chopped spinach. The spinach will wilt quickly in the hot soup—just a minute or two is all it takes. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.

7. Serve and Savor
Ladle the soup into bowls and top with more grated Parmesan and a little fresh parsley if you like. Serve with warm crusty bread or garlic knots for dipping, and prepare yourself for second helpings.

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Tips and Tricks

• Use spicy sausage if you want a little extra kick. Mild sausage is great for kids or anyone who prefers a gentler flavor.
• Make it vegetarian by swapping the sausage for a plant-based alternative and using vegetable broth. Omit the cream or substitute it with coconut cream or cashew cream.
• Don’t overcook the pasta. Ditalini can get mushy if it sits too long in the soup, so keep a close eye as it simmers.
• Add a parmesan rind to the soup while it simmers for an extra boost of umami flavor. Just remove it before serving.
• Want more veggies? Throw in chopped zucchini, red bell pepper, or mushrooms when you sauté the onions.

Storage Instructions

One of the best things about this soup is how well it stores. It actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have time to develop.

Refrigeration:
Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Freezing:
To freeze, skip adding the cream and spinach before freezing. Store the soup base in airtight freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove. Stir in the cream and spinach once it’s hot.

Reheating Tips:
The soup may thicken as it sits. To adjust the consistency, simply add a splash of chicken broth or cream while reheating. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Serving Suggestions

This soup is hearty enough to stand on its own, but here are a few ways to make your meal even more satisfying:

• Crusty bread: Perfect for soaking up every last drop of the creamy broth.
• Garlic breadsticks or knots: Adds a touch of indulgence.
• Simple green salad: Lightens up the meal and adds a fresh contrast.
• Grated Parmesan and fresh herbs: These garnishes make the soup feel restaurant-worthy.

Why You’ll Love This Soup

This soup is comfort food at its finest. It’s rich without being heavy, creamy without being over-the-top, and packed with protein and veggies to make it a complete meal. Whether you’re curled up on the couch or feeding a hungry family, this recipe delivers every single time.

Plus, the ingredients are easy to find and the process is simple enough for even beginner cooks. The sausage infuses every bite with flavor, the pasta adds satisfying texture, and the spinach brings a lovely freshness at the end. It’s the kind of soup that hugs you from the inside out.

FAQ

Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Use coconut cream or cashew cream instead of heavy cream, and swap Parmesan for nutritional yeast or your favorite dairy-free cheese.

Can I make it spicier?
Absolutely. Choose hot Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes when sautéing the vegetables.

What if I don’t have ditalini pasta?
No problem! Small shells, elbow macaroni, or even orzo can work well in this soup.

Can I use kale instead of spinach?
Definitely. Kale adds a nice bite and holds up well in soups. Just chop it finely and add it with the sausage to give it time to soften.

The Best Cozy Soup for Chilly Nights

Once you make this creamy Italian sausage soup, you’ll see why it’s such a hit. It checks all the boxes: cozy, flavorful, easy, and satisfying. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable and makes amazing leftovers.

So next time you’re craving something warm and comforting, whip up a pot of this Easy Creamy Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup—your taste buds (and your family) will thank you!