Hearty Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe

Cozy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe for Comfort

Comfort flows through every spoonful of this parmesan Italian sausage ditalini soup, a culinary embrace that warms you from the inside out.

Rich flavors dance together, creating a symphony of textures and aromas that speak directly to your soul.

Tender ditalini pasta swirls alongside savory Italian sausage, releasing an irresistible fragrance that fills the kitchen.

Vibrant vegetables add depth and color to this hearty soup, transforming simple ingredients into a memorable meal.

Parmesan cheese melts gently, casting a creamy spell over each bite and enhancing the robust profile of the dish.

This soup stands as a testament to the beauty of rustic, home-style cooking that nourishes both body and spirit.

One taste will transport you to a cozy Italian kitchen, where love is stirred into every pot.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 335 kcal

Servings: 7

Ingredients for Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup

For Protein:
  • Italian Sausage: Adds rich, savory flavor and hearty texture to the soup, choose fresh ground sausage with robust spices for maximum taste impact.
  • Chicken Broth: Creates the soup's foundational liquid base, select low-sodium versions for better flavor control.
For Vegetables and Aromatics:
  • Onion, Garlic: Provide deep, complex flavor base and aromatic foundation for the soup's taste profile.
  • Carrots, Celery: Introduce subtle sweetness and nutritional boost, select crisp, vibrant vegetables for best texture.
  • Spinach: Brings fresh, green nutrients and delicate leafy texture, choose tender baby spinach for quick wilting.
For Creamy and Finishing Elements:
  • Heavy Cream: Delivers luxurious, velvety smoothness to the soup, opt for full-fat cream for richest consistency.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Contributes sharp, salty depth and creamy thickness, use freshly grated for most intense flavor.
  • Ditalini Pasta: Provides classic Italian soup structure, select high-quality pasta that holds its shape well.
  • Olive Oil: Enables initial sautéing and adds subtle fruity undertone.
  • Dried Oregano, Dried Basil: Infuse traditional Italian herb essence, use dried herbs for concentrated flavor.
  • Salt, Pepper: Enhance and balance overall taste profile, adjust according to personal preference.
  • Fresh Parsley (Optional): Adds bright, fresh garnish with mild herbal notes.

Cooking Tools for Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup

  • Large Pot or Dutch Oven: Essential for cooking sausage, sautéing vegetables, and simmering the entire soup.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for breaking up sausage and stirring ingredients while cooking.
  • Cutting Board: Needed for chopping onions, garlic, carrots, celery, and spinach.
  • Sharp Knife: Used to dice vegetables and chop herbs precisely.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Helpful for accurately measuring broth, cream, and seasonings.
  • Ladle: Great for serving the hot soup into bowls.
  • Cheese Grater: Required for grating fresh Parmesan cheese.

How to Cook Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup

  • Sizzle the Sausage

Brown tasty Italian sausage in a hot pot, breaking it into delicious bite-sized pieces until it develops a gorgeous golden color and releases its rich flavors.

  • Dance the Veggies

Toss chopped onions, garlic, carrots, and celery into the same pot, letting them sway and soften until they become tender and aromatic.

  • Build the Liquid Foundation

Pour chicken broth into the vegetable mix, sprinkle in oregano and basil, then bring everything to a gentle, bubbling simmer.

  • Welcome the Pasta

Drop ditalini pasta into the steaming broth, letting it cook until perfectly tender and ready to absorb all the delicious surrounding flavors.

  • Create Creamy

Lower the heat and swirl in heavy cream and Parmesan, watching the broth transform into a luxurious, silky mixture that hugs each pasta piece.

  • Final Symphony

Reunite the sausage with the soup, add fresh spinach, and let everything mingle for a couple of minutes until the greens become soft and vibrant.

  • Serve with Love

Ladle the hearty soup into waiting bowls, and if you’re feeling fancy, scatter some fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness.

Tips to Elevate Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup

  • Experiment with different sausage varieties like spicy Italian, turkey sausage, or chicken sausage to change the flavor profile and create a unique twist on the classic recipe.
  • Prepare the soup base in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Add fresh pasta and cream just before serving to maintain perfect texture and prevent soggy noodles.
  • Replace sausage with plant-based alternatives like crumbled tofu, mushrooms, or vegetarian sausage crumbles. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to create a completely meat-free version of this comforting soup.
  • Substitute ditalini pasta with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a lower-carbohydrate option. This modification keeps the creamy, flavor-packed essence of the soup while reducing overall carbohydrate content.
  • Swap heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream, and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese to create a dairy-free alternative that still delivers rich, satisfying flavor.

How to Serve Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup

  • Cozy Bread Companion: Slice up a warm, crusty Italian bread or rustic sourdough to dunk into the rich, creamy soup. The bread will soak up all those delicious flavors and provide a perfect textural contrast.
  • Hearty Salad Sidekick: Pair the soup with a crisp mixed green salad topped with a light vinaigrette. The fresh, tangy salad will balance the soup's creamy and savory profile, creating a well-rounded meal.
  • Cheese Lover's Dream: Sprinkle extra grated Parmesan or some sharp Romano cheese on top of each serving. The additional cheese will enhance the soup's already decadent flavor and add a delightful salty crunch.
  • Wine Pairing Perfection: Serve alongside a glass of medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese. The wine's acidity and fruitiness will complement the soup's rich, creamy texture and herbaceous notes.

Store Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup the Smart Way

  • Cool soup completely before refrigerating in airtight containers to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months, leaving slight room for expansion when liquid solidifies.
  • Warm gently on stovetop, adding small splash of chicken broth to restore original creamy consistency and prevent pasta from becoming mushy.
  • Separate soup into individual meal-sized containers for quick grab-and-go lunches or weeknight dinners, ensuring convenient meal preparation.

FAQs

  • Can I use a different type of pasta?

You can substitute ditalini with other small pasta shapes like small shells, orzo, or small elbow macaroni. Just ensure they cook in a similar time frame.

  • Is this soup freezer-friendly?

Yes, you can freeze this soup. Store in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a little extra broth if needed.

  • How can I make this soup healthier?

Use lean Italian chicken sausage instead of pork, swap heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, and add extra vegetables like zucchini or kale for more nutrients.

  • Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Replace sausage with plant-based sausage or add extra protein like white beans. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to maintain a similar flavor profile.

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Hot Honey Glazed Salmon Recipe

Hot Honey Glazed Salmon Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 25 reviews

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Sizzling hot honey glazed salmon brings Mediterranean flavors straight to your dinner table with irresistible sweet and spicy notes. Delicate fish gets perfectly caramelized under a glaze that promises restaurant-quality excitement, inviting you to savor each perfectly balanced bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 4 salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless)

Spices and Seasonings:

  • ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) salt
  • ¼ teaspoon (1.25 ml) black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) red pepper flakes
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Sauce and Liquid Ingredients:

  • ⅓ cup (80 ml) honey
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) hot sauce
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) Dijon mustard

Instructions

  1. Thoroughly dry salmon fillets using a clean paper towel to remove excess moisture, ensuring a crisp exterior when cooking.
  2. Massage olive oil onto each fillet, creating a light, even coating that will help seasonings adhere and promote beautiful caramelization.
  3. Generously sprinkle a blend of salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder over the salmon, pressing the spices gently into the fish to maximize flavor absorption.
  4. Preheat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat, allowing the surface to become thoroughly heated for optimal searing.
  5. Place seasoned salmon fillets skin-side down, allowing them to cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes until the skin turns crispy and golden brown.
  6. Carefully flip the fillets and continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the fish reaches desired internal temperature and flakes easily with a fork.
  7. While salmon cooks, prepare hot honey glaze by whisking together honey, red pepper flakes, and a splash of apple cider vinegar for a sweet and spicy finish.
  8. During the final minute of cooking, brush the hot honey glaze generously over the salmon, creating a glossy, caramelized exterior.
  9. Remove salmon from heat and let rest for 1-2 minutes, allowing the glaze to set and flavors to meld together.
  10. Garnish with fresh chopped herbs like parsley or chives and serve immediately for maximum flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Ensure salmon is patted completely dry to achieve a crispy, golden exterior when searing.
  • Use high-quality, fresh salmon for the best flavor and texture, preferably wild-caught if possible.
  • Allow salmon to come to room temperature before cooking to guarantee even cooking and prevent drying out.
  • Adjust cooking time based on the thickness of your salmon fillets, typically 3-4 minutes per side for medium doneness.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 500 mg
  • Fat: 16 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
John Nicholson

John Nicholson

Lead Writer & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Recipe Testing and Development, Kitchen Hacks and Time-Saving Tips, Flavor Pairing and Ingredient Selection, Engaging Food Writing and Storytelling

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Program: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: A hands-on curriculum emphasizing farm-to-table cooking, local ingredient sourcing, and creative menu development. Students gained real-world restaurant experience, learning both classic techniques and modern approaches to sustainable cooking.

John Nicholson honed his skills at Johnson & Wales University, learning how to use fresh, local ingredients and down-to-earth techniques to make cooking simple and satisfying.

His recipes blend Southern comfort flavors with a modern touch, inviting everyone to cook with ease and confidence.

Living in Charleston, John takes cues from the city’s lively food scene, local markets, and seasonal produce. He’s all about making meals stress-free through easy tips, flavor pairings, and fun experiments in the kitchen

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