BEST Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup
This Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup is a comforting and flavorful one-pot meal perfect for chilly evenings. It features savory Italian sausage, ditalini pasta, and a rich tomato broth, making it a family favorite in no time.
Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Spoon
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Ladle
- Bowls
Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage, removed from casings
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup ditalini pasta
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Remove the sausage from the pot and set aside.
- Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
- Add the ditalini pasta to the pot and cook according to package directions, usually about 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.
- Return the cooked sausage to the pot. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Notes
For a richer flavor, use a good quality Italian sausage and brown it well. Be careful not to overcook the pasta. The soup tastes even better the next day. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can customize the soup by adding vegetables like spinach, kale, diced carrots, or celery. Cannellini beans can also be added for extra protein and fiber. For a spicy kick, use hot Italian sausage and add more red pepper flakes. To make it vegetarian, omit the sausage and use vegetable broth. Stir in shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese for an extra cheesy flavor.