Introduction

This Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup is the perfect easy weeknight dinner, ready in under 30 minutes. Loaded with savory sausage, tender pasta, and a rich, cheesy broth, it’s comfort in a bowl. For another cozy soup option, try this Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup Recipe. It’s a simple, family-friendly meal that everyone will love.

Ingredients

This creamy Italian sausage soup delivers rich, savory flavors with tender pasta and vegetables in every comforting spoonful.

• 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup ditalini pasta (or other small pasta)
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Timing

Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	25 minutes
Total Time	40 minutes

Context: This recipe is about 20% faster than similar recipes, making it a great choice for a quick and easy meal.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare the Dough

Combine flour, yeast, salt, and warm water in a large mixing bowl. Mix until a shaggy dough forms, then knead on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Tip: Use water heated to 105–115°F (40–46°C) to activate the yeast without killing it.

Step 2 — First Rise

Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with a damp cloth and let rise in a warm place for 1–2 hours, or until doubled in size.

Tip: For a faster rise, place the bowl in a turned-off oven with the light on.

Step 3 — Shape the Dough

Punch down the risen dough and turn it out onto a floured surface. Divide and shape into rounds or loaves as desired.

Tip: Handle the dough gently to preserve air bubbles for a lighter texture.

Step 4 — Second Rise

Place shaped dough on a parchment-lined baking sheet or in loaf pans. Cover and let rise again for 30–60 minutes until puffy.

Tip: The dough is ready when it springs back slowly after a gentle poke.

Step 5 — Preheat and Score

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Just before baking, use a sharp knife or lame to score the top of the dough about ¼-inch deep.

Tip: Scoring controls expansion and creates an attractive crust.

Step 6 — Bake to Perfection

Bake for 25–35 minutes until the crust is deep golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 190–200°F (88–93°C).

Tip: For a crispier crust, place a pan of water in the oven during baking to create steam.

Step 7 — Cool Completely

Transfer baked bread to a wire rack immediately. Allow to cool completely before slicing—at least 1–2 hours.

Tip: Cutting warm bread causes it to become gummy as the steam escapes.

Step 8 — Store Properly

Store cooled bread in a paper bag or bread box at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze.

Tip: Avoid plastic bags at room temperature as they create moisture and soften the crust.

Nutritional Information

Calories	…
Protein	…
Carbohydrates	…
Fat	…
Fiber	…
Sodium	…

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.

Healthier Alternatives

• Lean ground turkey — A lighter protein alternative with a mild, savory flavor that absorbs seasonings well.
• Spiralized zucchini noodles — A low-carb, gluten-free swap that adds freshness and a delicate texture.
• Coconut milk — A rich, creamy dairy-free option that lends a subtle tropical sweetness.
• Nutritional yeast — A dairy-free, low-sodium alternative that provides a cheesy, umami flavor.
• Cauliflower rice — A low-carb, gluten-free base with a neutral taste that pairs well with bold sauces.
• Unsalted vegetable broth — A low-sodium liquid base that enhances depth without excess salt.
• Avocado oil — A heart-healthy fat with a buttery, mild flavor suitable for high-heat cooking.
• Mashed avocado — A creamy, dairy-free spread alternative with rich texture and healthy fats.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a crisp green salad and crusty bread for a light lunch.
• Serve alongside roasted vegetables for a hearty dinner.
• Perfect for picnics and potlucks when portioned into individual containers.
• Elevate presentation by garnishing with fresh herbs and a drizzle of high-quality olive oil.
• Create an elegant appetizer by serving in small ramekins or on toasted crostini.
• Complement with a chilled glass of white wine or sparkling water with lemon for a refreshing meal.

These ideas work wonderfully for both casual family meals and more formal entertaining occasions.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Overcrowding the pan. Fix: Cook in batches to ensure proper browning and avoid steaming your ingredients.
• Mistake: Not preheating your cooking surface. Fix: Always allow your pan or oven to reach the correct temperature for a perfect sear and even cooking.
• Mistake: Inaccurate seasoning. Fix: Taste as you go and season in layers, not just at the end, for a more balanced flavor profile.
• Mistake: Using the wrong oil for high-heat cooking. Fix: Opt for oils with a high smoke point, like avocado or refined peanut oil, to prevent burning and off-flavors.
• Mistake: Overmixing batters and doughs. Fix: Mix just until ingredients are combined to avoid developing too much gluten, which leads to toughness.
• Mistake: Improperly measuring flour. Fix: Use a kitchen scale for accuracy, or fluff the flour and spoon it into the measuring cup to avoid dense baked goods.
• Mistake: Not resting meat after cooking. Fix: Let meat rest for a few minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful bite.
• Mistake: Substituting ingredients without considering their role. Fix: Understand the function of an ingredient (e.g., leavening, fat, acid) before making a swap to maintain the recipe’s integrity.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Ensure it cools to room temperature before refrigerating.
• Freezer: Use freezer-safe bags or containers; it will keep for 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheat: Reheat thoroughly until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for food safety. Use a microwave, stovetop, or oven, adding a splash of liquid if needed to prevent drying out.

Always use shallow containers for quicker cooling and more even reheating. Discard any leftovers that have been at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

Conclusion

This Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup is a comforting, satisfying meal perfect for chilly evenings. We hope you love it as much as we do! Try pairing it with Brussels Sprouts Gratin or Cauliflower Gratin for a complete dinner. Don’t forget to leave a comment with your thoughts, and subscribe for more delicious recipes!

Print

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this recipe in advance. It stores well in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat gently before serving.

What can I substitute for an ingredient if I don’t have it?

You can often substitute similar ingredients based on what you have available. For best results, choose a substitute that matches the original ingredient’s flavor and texture.

How can I adjust this recipe to serve more people?

To scale this recipe, simply double or triple the ingredient quantities. Ensure your cooking vessel is large enough to accommodate the increased volume for even cooking.