Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup: Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes. I often adapt Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup to dairy-free by swapping cream for cashew cream or almond milk. I still aim for a rich mouthfeel, so I add a touch of olive oil and a pinch of nutritional yeast to mimic Parmesan’s savor. Start with 1 cup of dairy-free cream substitute and adjust to taste. Taste as you go, and finish with fresh herbs for brightness. If you miss the dairy bite, a bit of miso or dairy-free cheese can help, too.

What sausage works best for Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup?

In my kitchen, Italian turkey sausage is the go-to for Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup. Remove casings, crumble, and brown well to release flavor. If you can’t find turkey sausage, use mild Italian sausage or chicken sausage. Pork sausage will work, but it’s richer and higher in fat. Lean options keep the soup lighter and still cozy.

How should I store leftovers of Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup?

Leftovers store beautifully in the fridge for 3–4 days in airtight containers. Let them cool slightly before refrigerating to prevent condensation. Reheat on the stove over medium-low, adding a splash of broth if it thickens. Stir in a touch of cream or Parmesan off heat to refresh the creamy texture.

Can I substitute pasta in Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup?

Absolutely. I swap ditalini for orzo, small shells, or gluten-free pasta depending on what’s in the pantry. Keep an eye on cooking times; orzo may finish quicker, so check earlier. The soup remains creamy and cozy with different shapes, while still tasting like Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup.

Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup 2 Bold Epic.

Name: Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup 2 Bold Epic.
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb Italian turkey sausage (casings removed if using links); 1 tbsp olive oil or butter; 1 small onion, diced; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 2 carrots, sliced; 2 celery stalks, chopped; 6 cups chicken broth; 1 cup ditalini pasta (uncooked); 1 tsp Italian seasoning; 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional); Salt and black pepper to taste; 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half); 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 3 cups fresh spinach or kale, chopped; Fresh parsley, for garnish

Description

Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup – a cozy, one-pot comfort dish featuring Italian turkey sausage, ditalini pasta, leafy greens, and a rich Parmesan-cream broth.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb Italian turkey sausage (casings removed if using links)
1 tbsp olive oil or butter
1 small onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 carrots, sliced
2 celery stalks, chopped
6 cups chicken broth
1 cup ditalini pasta (uncooked)
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
3 cups fresh spinach or kale, chopped
Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Cook sausage until browned, breaking it into crumbles.
Stir in onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened.
Add chicken broth, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
Stir in ditalini pasta and simmer 8–10 minutes until pasta is al dente.
Lower heat, add cream and Parmesan, stirring until smooth and creamy.
Stir in spinach or kale until just wilted.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan.

Notes

For a lighter version, use turkey sausage with less fat or skim milk instead of cream.
If you prefer a thicker soup, simmer a few extra minutes or add more Parmesan.
Leftovers refrigerate well for up to 3–4 days; reheat gently on the stove.
Omit red pepper flakes for a milder flavor.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Soup
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 420
Sugar: 6 g
Sodium: 840 mg
Fat: 28 g
Saturated Fat: 14 g
Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 30 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 24 g
Cholesterol: 95 mg

Keywords: Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup, Italian sausage soup, creamy pasta soup, ditalini soup, parmesan soup, one-pot soup, cozy soup