Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup
This Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup is a comforting and flavorful meal, perfect for a chilly evening. It features tender ditalini pasta, savory Italian sausage, and a rich, creamy broth infused with Parmesan cheese, creating a symphony of flavors that will warm you from the inside out.
Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Spoon
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Ladle
- Bowls for serving
Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup ditalini pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage: In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the Italian sausage over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain off any excess grease.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add the olive oil to the pot and sauté the onion, carrots, and celery over medium heat until softened, about 5-7 minutes. The onions should be translucent and fragrant.
- Add Garlic and Spices: Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the Broth and Tomatoes: Pour in the chicken broth and add the diced tomatoes (undrained). Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer the Soup: Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Add the Pasta: Stir in the ditalini pasta and cook until tender, about 8-10 minutes. Keep an eye on the pasta so it doesn't overcook.
- Stir in the Cream and Parmesan: Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy. The soup should thicken slightly as the Parmesan melts.
- Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning to your liking.
- Garnish and Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley and extra grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
For best results, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Simmer the soup gently after adding the cream to prevent curdling. This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Add other vegetables like spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking. For a spicier soup, use hot Italian sausage or add a pinch of red pepper flakes.