Creamy Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup for Cozy Winter Nights

On chilly winter nights, there's nothing quite like a warm bowl of creamy Italian sausage ditalini soup. My son, Jake, always asks for seconds when I make this soup, claiming it tastes like a hug in a bowl. This comforting dish combines savory sausage, tender ditalini pasta, and a rich broth, making it a perfect family meal.

Why Youโ€™ll Love It

  • It’s easy to make and comes together in one pot.
  • The flavors are rich and satisfying, perfect for cold weather.
  • Kids love the pasta, and adults enjoy the hearty sausage.

Pure Comfort

This creamy Italian sausage ditalini soup is pure comfort food. The creamy texture and flavorful broth warm you from the inside out. Plus, itโ€™s a great way to sneak in some veggies for the little ones.

What You Need

  • 1 lb 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed – Use sweet or spicy sausage based on your preference.
  • 1 1 large yellow onion, diced – Onions add sweetness to the soup.
  • 3 cloves 3 cloves garlic, minced – Garlic enhances the flavor.
  • 1 1 large carrot, diced – Carrots add color and sweetness.
  • 1 1 large celery stalk, diced – Celery gives a nice crunch.
  • 6 cups 6 cups chicken broth – Low-sodium broth is a good option.
  • 1 can 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained – Adds acidity and depth.
  • 1 cup 1 cup ditalini pasta – You can substitute with any small pasta.
  • 1 cup 1 cup heavy cream – For a lighter version, use half-and-half.
  • 1 tsp 1 tsp Italian seasoning – This adds classic Italian flavor.
  • to taste Salt and pepper to taste – Adjust according to preference.

Time to Cook

Prep: 10 minutes | Cook: 30 minutes | Total: 40 minutes | Difficulty: Easy | Make-Ahead: Yes, this soup can be made ahead and stored.

Steps to Make It

  1. In a large pot, heat over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5 to 7 minutes. The sausage should be nicely browned and fragrant.
  2. Next, add the diced onion, carrot, and celery to the pot. Sautรฉ for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened. You’ll see the onions turning translucent and the carrots brightening in color.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. The aroma of garlic will fill your kitchen, making it hard to resist.
  4. Pour in the chicken broth and add the diced tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes to meld the flavors together.
  5. Add the ditalini pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually about 8 to 10 minutes. Stir occasionally and watch as the pasta cooks to al dente perfection.
  6. Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the heavy cream and Italian seasoning. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes until the soup is creamy and heated through. The soup should look luscious and inviting.
  7. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Adjust the seasoning to your liking, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
  8. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy the warmth and comfort this soup brings to your table.

Make It Perfect

  • For a spicier kick, use hot Italian sausage instead of sweet.
  • If you have leftover soup, it thickens as it sits. Add a splash of broth when reheating.
  • This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread for dipping.

Mix It Up

  • For a vegetarian option, substitute sausage with plant-based crumbles.
  • Add leafy greens like spinach or kale for extra nutrition.

Perfect Partners

  • Serve with a side of garlic bread for a complete meal.
  • A simple green salad complements the richness of the soup.

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FAQs

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, this soup can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Can I freeze this soup?

Absolutely! Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Just thaw and reheat.

What can I use instead of ditalini pasta?

You can use any small pasta like elbow macaroni or orzo.

Is this soup spicy?

It depends on the sausage you use. Sweet sausage is mild, while hot sausage adds a kick.

Conclusion

This creamy Italian sausage ditalini soup is a delightful dish that warms the heart and the belly. It’s perfect for cozy winter nights and sure to become a family favorite. So gather your loved ones, serve it up, and enjoy the smiles around the table.

creamy Italian sausage ditalini soup in bowl close-up

Creamy Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup for Cozy Winter Nights

A warm, creamy Italian sausage ditalini soup combining savory sausage, tender pasta, and rich broth. This comforting one-pot meal is easy to make and perfect for cold weather, offering a delicious way to include vegetables for the whole family.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Dinner, Soup
Cuisine American

Equipment

  • Large Pot

Ingredients
  

Main

  • 1 lb Italian sausage casings removed, use sweet or spicy
  • 1 large yellow onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 large carrot diced
  • 1 large stalk celery diced
  • 6 cups chicken broth low-sodium recommended
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes undrained
  • 1 cup ditalini pasta or any small pasta
  • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half for lighter version
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning adds classic Italian flavor
  • to taste salt and pepper adjust seasoning as needed

Instructions
 

  • Heat a large pot over medium heat and add Italian sausage, breaking it up and cooking until browned and no longer pink, about 5 to 7 minutes.
  • Add diced onion, carrot, and celery to the pot and sautรฉ for about 5 minutes until softened.
  • Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
  • Pour in chicken broth and add diced tomatoes. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 10 minutes.
  • Add ditalini pasta and cook according to package instructions, about 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Stir in heavy cream and Italian seasoning and simmer for 5 more minutes until soup is creamy and heated through.
  • Taste and season with salt and pepper as desired.
  • Serve hot garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Keyword Comfort Food, Creamy, ditalini, Italian sausage, one-pot, winter