Description
This Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup is a comforting and hearty dish featuring flavorful Italian sausage, tender ditalini pasta, and a rich Parmesan cream broth. Perfect for cozy dinners, this soup combines savory sausage with fresh vegetables and Italian seasonings to create a satisfying and delicious meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat & Oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
Liquids & Seasonings
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups water
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Pasta & Dairy
- 1 1/2 cups ditalini pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook the Sausage: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it into small pieces with a spoon, and cook until browned. Remove any excess fat if necessary to keep the soup from getting greasy.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, diced carrots, and diced celery to the pot. Sauté the vegetables for about 5 minutes until they soften and the onions become translucent, enhancing their flavor.
- Add Liquids & Seasoning: Pour in the chicken broth and water. Stir in the dried Italian seasoning and crushed red pepper flakes if you want a little heat. Bring the soup to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Simmer the Soup: Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and the vegetables to continue softening.
- Cook the Pasta: Add the ditalini pasta to the soup and cook uncovered for about 8 to 10 minutes, until the pasta is al dente, tender but still slightly firm to the bite.
- Add Cream & Cheese: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well until the cheese melts and the soup becomes creamy and smooth.
- Season & Garnish: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning by adding salt and black pepper as desired. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving to add a fresh, herbal finish.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or whole milk in place of the heavy cream.
- You can add fresh spinach or kale during the simmering step for extra greens and nutrients.
- Use gluten-free pasta if you are gluten sensitive or prefer a gluten-free diet.
- If you prefer less spice, omit the crushed red pepper flakes.
