Amazing Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup

Hey there, friend! Clara here, ready to warm up your kitchen and your heart with my Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup. I know how hectic life can get, so I’ve crafted this recipe to be a simple, comforting, and utterly delicious meal that you can whip up in under 45 minutes. It’s the perfect way to nourish your family (and yourself!) with something special, even on the busiest of days. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup

Let me tell you, this isn’t just any soup. This Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup is a bowlful of warmth and flavor. Here’s why it will become a staple in your kitchen:

• Flavorful: The combination of savory smoked beef bacon, aromatic Italian herbs, and rich Parmesan cheese creates a symphony of flavors that will delight your taste buds.
• Comforting: There’s something incredibly soothing about a warm bowl of soup, especially when it’s packed with hearty ingredients like pasta and vegetables.
• Quick to Prepare: Time is precious, so I’ve designed this recipe to be ready in under 45 minutes. That means you can enjoy a homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Family-Friendly: This soup is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, even with picky eaters. The small ditalini pasta is fun for kids, and the creamy broth is simply irresistible.

Why Ditalini?

Now, you might be wondering, “Why ditalini?” Well, this tiny, tube-shaped pasta is perfect for soups! Its small size and shape allow it to nestle perfectly among the other ingredients, ensuring that every spoonful is bursting with flavor. Plus, ditalini holds its shape well, so it won’t turn to mush even after simmering in the broth. While I don’t know the precise historical roots that led me to choose ditalini, it is a popular pasta choice in Sicilian cuisine which uses many of the same ingredients.

Ingredients for Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup

Here’s everything you’ll need to create this heartwarming soup. Remember, good-quality Parmesan is key to achieving that rich, cheesy flavor!

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound (16-ounces) ground smoked beef bacon (mild or hot)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 large yellow onion (finely chopped (1-1/2 cups))
• 3 large carrots (finely chopped (1-1/2 cups))
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• Salt and pepper
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 8 cups chicken broth (see note 1)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1-3/4 cups (8-ounces) ditalini
• 1 cup finely grated Parmesan ((sandy texture), see note 2)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 packed cups finely shredded kale
• Crusty buttered bread (optional, for serving)

Let’s Make Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup: Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious pot of soup simmering in no time.

1. In a large pot over high heat, add olive oil. Once hot, add smoked beef bacon. Sear for a minute on each side, then crumble and cook until browned. Remove smoked beef bacon with a slotted spoon, leaving 1 tablespoon of grease in the pot and draining off the excess. Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pot when browning the smoked beef bacon. Work in batches if necessary to ensure even browning.
2. Reduce heat to medium. Add butter, onions, carrots, and garlic. Season to taste (I add 1/2 teaspoon each of salt & pepper). Sauté until tender, about 7–9 minutes. Sprinkle flour on top and cook for another minute, stirring constantly. Tip: Stir the vegetables frequently to prevent them from sticking to the bottom of the pot. Cooking the flour for a minute helps to get rid of the raw flour taste.
3. Gradually add 1 cup of broth, whisking constantly to create a slurry. Add the remaining broth slowly, whisking and scraping the bottom of the pot. Add Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes, if using. Tip: Whisking constantly prevents lumps from forming.
4. Bring broth to a boil, then add pasta. Cook according to package instructions, minus two minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Tip: Cooking the pasta slightly less than the package directions ensures it stays al dente in the soup.
5. Reduce heat to low. Add cream, kale, and return smoked beef bacon, stirring well. Add Parmesan gradually, 1/4 cup at a time, to avoid clumping. Stir until melted. Season with salt as needed. Add more broth for a thinner consistency, if desired. Tip: Stirring the Parmesan in gradually helps it melt smoothly into the soup.
6. Serve hot with hearty buttered bread on the side. Tip: A drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan on top adds a touch of elegance.

Ingredient Swaps & Tips for the Best Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup

Want to customize this soup to your liking? No problem! Here are some ingredient swaps and tips to help you create the perfect bowl:

Ingredient	Swap Option	Why It Works
Smoked beef bacon	Sweet Italian sausage, hot Italian sausage, or chorizo	Sweet sausage will add a touch of sweetness, while hot sausage or chorizo will give the soup a spicy kick. Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes accordingly.
Kale	Spinach or Swiss chard	Spinach is a milder alternative to kale, while Swiss chard adds a slightly earthy flavor.
Parmesan	Pecorino Romano	Pecorino Romano has a sharper, saltier flavor than Parmesan.
Chicken broth	Vegetable broth	Vegetable broth is a great option for a vegetarian version of this soup.
Ditalini	Other small pasta shapes like elbow macaroni, orzo, or small shells	These pasta shapes have a similar size and texture to ditalini.

And remember, using good-quality Parmesan makes a big difference in the flavor of the soup. The better the cheese, the richer and more complex the taste!

Serving Suggestions

This Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup is a meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a few simple sides. I especially love serving it with:

• Crusty Buttered Bread: For dipping into the flavorful broth. A sourdough or baguette works wonderfully.
• Simple Green Salad: The crispness of the salad provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the soup. I often make a simple salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette.

The bread is fantastic for soaking up every last drop of the delicious broth, while the salad adds a refreshing element to the meal.

Make-Ahead Instructions

Busy week ahead? You can definitely prep some of this soup in advance!

• Vegetables: Chop the onions, carrots, and garlic up to 2 days in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Soup Base: You can make the entire soup base (everything except the pasta, cream, kale, and Parmesan) a day or two in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, simply heat the base, add the remaining ingredients, and cook until the pasta is tender.

Storing Your Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup

Got leftovers? Here’s how to store your soup so it tastes just as good the next day:

• Refrigerator: Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the soup in freezer-safe containers for up to 2-3 months. Keep in mind that the pasta may become slightly softer after freezing and thawing. To minimize this, you can slightly undercook the pasta when you first make the soup.

To prevent mushy pasta, consider cooking the pasta separately and adding it to the soup just before serving.

Recipe Variations

Want to shake things up? Here are a few variations to try:

Variation	Description	Key Ingredients/Changes
Spicy	Add a fiery kick to your soup.	Increase the amount of red pepper flakes, use hot Italian sausage, or add a splash of hot sauce.
Vegetarian	A meat-free version that’s still packed with flavor.	Omit the Italian sausage and use vegetable broth. Add extra vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms.
Low-Carb	A lighter version with fewer carbs.	Replace the ditalini with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.

Common Mistakes When Making Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup

Even the best cooks make mistakes sometimes! Here are a few common pitfalls to watch out for:

• Overcooking the pasta: This results in mushy soup. Cook the pasta al dente and remember that it will continue to cook in the hot broth.
• Not browning the sausage enough: Browning the sausage adds depth of flavor to the soup. Make sure to cook it until it’s nicely browned and crispy.
• Using low-quality Parmesan: Good-quality Parmesan is essential for achieving that rich, cheesy flavor. Avoid pre-shredded Parmesan, which often contains cellulose that prevents it from melting smoothly.

Equipment Recommendations

Having the right tools can make cooking so much easier! For this soup, I recommend:

• Large Pot or Dutch Oven: A 6-quart pot or Dutch oven is perfect for making a big batch of soup.
• Good Quality Knife: A sharp knife makes chopping vegetables a breeze.
• Wooden Spoon: For stirring and scraping the bottom of the pot.

The Story Behind This Soup

This recipe is actually inspired by a dish I made when Basil was just a tiny kitten. I had very little money and lots of time, so I combined some classic Italian flavors with ingredients I could afford. It was comforting and delicious. Now, it’s one of my favorite quick and easy soups to make on a chilly evening, and it always reminds me of those early days with my furry friend!

Nutritional Information

Here’s an estimated nutritional breakdown per serving:

• Calories: 450
• Fat: 30g
• Protein: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 20g

Disclaimer: This is an estimate only. Actual nutritional information may vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Let’s tackle some common questions about making this soup:

• “Can I freeze Italian Sausage Soup?” Yes, you can! Store it in freezer-safe containers for up to 2-3 months. The pasta may become slightly softer after thawing, but it will still taste delicious.
• “How long does Italian Sausage Soup last in the refrigerator?” It will last for 3-4 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• “What can I add to Italian Sausage Soup to make it taste better?” A squeeze of lemon juice, a sprinkle of fresh herbs (like parsley or basil), or a dollop of pesto can all brighten up the flavor.
• “Is Italian Sausage Soup healthy?” It can be! This soup is packed with vegetables and protein. You can make it even healthier by using lean smoked beef bacon, whole-wheat pasta, and low-fat cream.
• “Can I use a different type of broth?” Absolutely! Chicken broth is my go-to, but vegetable broth or beef broth will also work well.
• “Can I add other vegetables?” Of course! Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms.

Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe

Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 30 minutes Servings: 6

Conclusion

And there you have it, my friend! A bowl of Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup that’s as comforting as it is easy to make. I hope this recipe brings a little warmth and joy to your kitchen. Now, I’d love to hear from you! What are your favorite soup toppings? Share your tips and tricks in the comments below, and don’t forget to snap a photo of your creation and tag me on social media. Happy cooking!