1. Brown the Sausage
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes until the sausage is browned and cooked through. Use a slotted spoon to remove the sausage from the pot and set it aside, leaving any rendered fat in the pot for added flavor.
2. Sauté the Vegetables
- In the same pot, add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté over medium heat for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables start to soften.
- Add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add the Broth and Simmer
- Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits on the bottom of the pot for extra flavor.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
4. Cook the Ditalini Pasta
- Stir in the ditalini pasta and cook according to package instructions (usually around 8-10 minutes), until the pasta is tender. Make sure to stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
5. Add the Cream and Parmesan
- Once the pasta is cooked, reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine.
- Gradually add the Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until it melts into the soup and creates a creamy texture. Be sure not to let the soup boil at this stage, as it can cause the cream to separate.
6. Season and Serve
- Season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir the cooked sausage back into the pot, letting it heat through for 1-2 minutes.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil for a burst of color and freshness.
Serving Suggestions
This creamy soup pairs perfectly with crusty bread, garlic toast, or a fresh side salad. It’s also hearty enough to serve as a main course on its own!
Why You’ll Love This Soup
This Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup combines savory sausage, creamy Parmesan, and tender pasta in a flavorful broth that’s both rich and comforting. The Italian herbs add warmth, while the ditalini pasta makes each bite filling and satisfying. With just a hint of spice and a silky texture, this soup is sure to warm you up from the inside out.