Cozy Parmesan Ditalini Soup Recipe Perfect for Winter

Name: Cozy Parmesan Ditalini Soup Recipe Perfect for Winter
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed); 1 tbsp olive oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 yellow onion, diced; 2 carrots, sliced into rounds or diced; 2 celery stalks, chopped; 1 cup ditalini pasta; 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for garnish); 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped; 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme); Salt and pepper to taste

Posted on November 16, 2025

Main Dishes

Jump to Recipe

There’s something about a steaming bowl of soup that feels like a warm hug, isn’t there? Especially when it’s packed with tender pasta, seasoned sausage, and a rich, flavorful broth. This Cozy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup is pure comfort in a bowl and just perfect for those chilly winter evenings. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you want to curl up with a fuzzy blanket, a good book, and a generous helping of this soul-soothing soup.

I remember the first time I made this soup; it was one of those days when the weather seemed to chill you to the bone. I was looking for something hearty but not overly heavy, and this combination of ditalini pasta, savory Italian sausage, and a Parmesan-infused broth hit the spot like nothing else. Since then, it’s become a staple in our home, earning rave reviews from family and friends every time I make it.

If you’re a fan of Italian flavors and love dishes that come together with minimal effort but maximum taste, then you’re going to adore this Cozy Parmesan Ditalini Soup recipe. Let’s dive right in so you can bring this cozy comfort straight to your kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick & Easy: This soup comes together in about 40 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or when you need something warm and satisfying fast.
Simple Ingredients: You probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry or fridge, and the rest are easy to find at any grocery store.
Bold Italian Flavors: The combination of Italian sausage, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and herbs creates a flavor-packed soup that’s sure to please.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner party or just need some comfort food to get through the winter months, this soup is a crowd-pleaser.
Customizable: You can easily swap out ingredients to suit your dietary needs or preferences, making this recipe versatile and adaptable.

What sets this recipe apart is the way the Parmesan cheese melts into the broth, creating a creamy, velvety texture that’s utterly irresistible. The ditalini pasta is the perfect size for spoonful after spoonful, while the Italian sausage adds just the right amount of spice and richness. Honestly, it’s one of those dishes that makes you say, “Wow, this is exactly what I needed.”

Whether you’re looking to impress your guests or simply treat yourself to a comforting bowl of goodness, this Cozy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup is the recipe you’ve been waiting for.

What Ingredients You Will Need

This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients to create bold flavors and a hearty texture that’s perfect for winter meals.

Italian Sausage: Mild or spicy—choose your favorite! Remove the casings for crumbled sausage.
Olive Oil: For sautéing and adding a smooth richness to the base.
Garlic: Minced fresh garlic for that aromatic kick.
Yellow Onion: Diced for sweetness and depth in the soup base.
Carrots: Sliced into rounds or diced for a touch of natural sweetness.
Celery: Chopped for a fresh crunch and balance.
Ditalini Pasta: The star of this recipe! Perfectly small and tender for soups.
Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium for better control over salt levels.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated for a creamy, nutty flavor. (Save a little extra for garnish!)
Fresh Parsley: Chopped for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
Dried Italian Herbs: A pinch of oregano, basil, and thyme to bring those classic Italian flavors to life.
Salt and Pepper: To taste, for seasoning perfection.

Feel free to make substitutions based on what you have on hand. For instance, you can swap ditalini pasta for another small pasta shape like elbows or shells, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian option (if you skip the sausage).

Equipment Needed

Large Soup Pot: Essential for cooking the soup evenly and giving you plenty of room to stir.
Wooden Spoon: Perfect for breaking up the sausage and stirring the ingredients together.
Chef’s Knife: For chopping vegetables—make sure it’s nice and sharp!
Cutting Board: A sturdy surface for prepping your veggies.
Grater: For freshly grating the Parmesan cheese.
Ladle: To serve up that perfect bowl of soup.

Don’t have a soup pot? A Dutch oven works wonderfully as an alternative. And if you don’t have a grater for Parmesan, you can use pre-shredded cheese, though freshly grated does make a difference in flavor.

Detailed Preparation Method

Prepare the Ingredients: Dice the onion, slice the carrots and celery, mince the garlic, and remove the casings from the sausage.
Cook the Sausage: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks (about 5-7 minutes).
Sauté the Vegetables: Add the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic to the pot. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until the veggies are softened and aromatic.
Add the Broth and Herbs: Pour in the chicken broth and add the dried Italian herbs. Stir well and bring the mixture to a simmer.
Add the Pasta: Stir in the ditalini pasta and cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Finish with Parmesan: Lower the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt and thicken the broth slightly.
Season to Taste: Adjust salt and pepper as needed, keeping in mind the Parmesan adds saltiness.
Garnish and Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese.

Pro Tip: If the soup becomes too thick, you can add an extra splash of broth to thin it out to your preferred consistency. And don’t forget to taste as you go—seasoning is key!

Cooking Tips & Techniques

Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Ditalini cooks quickly, so keep an eye on it to avoid a mushy texture.
Use Fresh Parmesan: Pre-grated Parmesan isn’t as flavorful or creamy as freshly grated cheese.
Balance the Seasoning: Taste the soup before serving and adjust salt and pepper to your liking, especially since the sausage and Parmesan add their own saltiness.
Multitasking: To save time, prep your veggies while the sausage is cooking.
Layer the Flavors: Cooking the sausage first ensures the flavors infuse into the base of the soup.

I’ve learned the hard way that skipping steps, like sautéing the veggies, can lead to a lack of depth in the soup’s flavor. Trust me—take your time with each layer!

Variations & Adaptations

Vegetarian Option: Swap the sausage for white beans or chickpeas, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Low-Carb Version: Replace the ditalini pasta with cauliflower rice or spiralized zucchini for a lighter take.
Seasonal Twist: Add a handful of chopped kale or spinach just before serving for an extra dose of greens.
Spice It Up: Use hot Italian sausage or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Flavor Boost: Stir in a dollop of pesto or sun-dried tomato paste for a deeper, richer flavor.

One of my favorite variations is swapping the ditalini for tortellini—it adds even more richness and turns this soup into a meal all on its own!

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This soup is best served piping hot, with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan and parsley on top. Pair it with a crusty loaf of bread or garlic bread for dunking, and you’ve got a meal that’s both hearty and comforting.

If you have leftovers, allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

To reheat, simply warm on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup has thickened, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up. The flavors deepen over time, making the leftovers just as delicious as the first bowl!

Nutritional Information & Benefits

While exact values may vary, here’s an estimate for one serving of Cozy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup:

Calories: 350
Protein: 18g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fat: 15g

The Italian sausage provides hearty protein, while the Parmesan adds calcium and essential nutrients. The vegetables pack in vitamins and fiber, making this soup a well-rounded meal that’s comforting and nourishing.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a recipe that checks all the boxes—easy, comforting, and delicious—this Cozy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup is it. It’s a recipe I turn to time and time again during the colder months, and it never fails to bring smiles to the table.

Let me know in the comments if you try this recipe or put your own twist on it. I’d love to hear your thoughts and any creative adaptations you come up with. Happy cooking!

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! Small pasta shapes like elbows, shells, or even orzo work well in this recipe.

Is this soup freezer-friendly?

Absolutely. Just make sure to cool it completely before freezing in an airtight container.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, swap the sausage for beans and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of broth if it’s too thick.

Can I use pre-grated Parmesan?

You can, but freshly grated Parmesan melts better and has a superior flavor.