Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe

why make this recipe

Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup is a delightful dish that warms the heart and soul. It’s perfect for cozy nights at home or when you’re entertaining guests. The savory combination of Italian sausage, fresh vegetables, and creamy broth makes it a comforting meal for any occasion. Plus, it’s easy to make and great for leftovers!

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how to make Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup

Ingredients

• 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, depending on preference)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium carrot, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 4 cups chicken broth (preferably low-sodium)
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 ½ cups ditalini pasta (uncooked)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

1. Cook the Italian Sausage
   In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage (either mild or spicy, depending on your preference) to the pot, breaking it up with a wooden spoon while it cooks. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally until it’s browned and cooked through. Once cooked, remove the sausage from the pot and set it aside.

2. Sauté the Vegetables
   In the same pot, add the diced onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté the vegetables in the remaining sausage drippings for about 5-7 minutes, or until they begin to soften. Stir occasionally to avoid burning. When the vegetables have softened, add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

3. Add the Broth and Tomatoes
   Add the chicken broth and diced tomatoes (with their juices) to the pot. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat. Once simmering, add the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir again to mix everything. Let the soup simmer for 10-15 minutes so the flavors meld and the vegetables become tender.

4. Cook the Pasta
   Add the uncooked ditalini pasta to the pot, stirring to ensure the pasta is evenly distributed in the broth. Reduce the heat to medium and continue to simmer for another 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and fully cooked. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

5. Add the Cream and Parmesan
   Once the pasta is cooked, reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Mix well until the soup becomes creamy and smooth. Next, add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until the cheese is fully melted and incorporated into the soup. This will thicken the soup and give it a rich taste.

6. Finish and Serve
   Return the cooked Italian sausage to the pot, stirring to incorporate it into the soup. Let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes to heat everything through. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning if needed. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor. Serve hot with a slice of crusty bread or a simple green salad.

how to serve Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup

Serve the soup hot in individual bowls. You can garnish it with freshly chopped parsley for a nice touch. It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a side salad, making it a full meal.

how to store Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup

To store, let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2-3 months. When reheating, you may need to add a bit of water or broth since the pasta will absorb some liquid.

tips to make Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup

• Use mild or spicy sausage based on your preference for heat.
• Make sure not to overcook the pasta in the soup to keep it from getting mushy.
• Add more vegetables like spinach or zucchini for added nutrition and flavor.
• For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.

variation

You can make this soup vegetarian by substituting the Italian sausage with a meatless sausage or mushrooms. Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or spinach to change things up.

FAQs

1. Can I use different types of pasta?
Yes, you can use other small pasta shapes like macaroni or shells if you can’t find ditalini.

2. Can I prepare this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make it a day ahead. Just reheat it gently on the stove before serving.

3. Is this soup gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and ensure that the broth and other ingredients are labeled gluten-free.

4. Can I add more cheese?
Of course! Feel free to add extra Parmesan or even other cheeses like mozzarella or fontina for a cheesy twist.

5. What can I do if the soup is too thick?
If the soup becomes too thick, simply stir in some additional chicken broth or water until it reaches your desired consistency.

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