Description
This Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for any day. Packed with flavorful Italian sausage, tender Ditalini pasta, fresh vegetables, and a creamy Parmesan broth, it offers a rich and satisfying meal that is easy to prepare in under 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat
- 1 lb Italian sausage (turkey or chicken sausage as a pork alternative)
Vegetables
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Liquids and Dairy
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Pantry and Seasonings
- 1 cup Ditalini pasta
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Sausage: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it into small crumbles, and cook until browned. Remove the sausage from the pot and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, add diced onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and chopped celery. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add Broth and Seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth, then stir in the dried oregano and dried basil. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Cook the Pasta: Add the Ditalini pasta to the boiling broth. Cook for about 8 minutes, or until the pasta is tender but still firm to the bite.
- Combine Cream and Sausage: Lower the heat to medium. Stir in the cooked sausage, heavy cream, and grated Parmesan cheese. Simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the soup to thicken slightly.
- Add Spinach and Season: Stir in the fresh spinach until it wilts into the soup. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm for a cozy, delicious meal.
Notes
- You can substitute pork sausage with turkey or chicken sausage for a leaner option.
- For a richer flavor, use homemade chicken broth if possible.
- Adjust the cream quantity to make the soup lighter or creamier depending on preference.
- Fresh spinach can be swapped with kale or Swiss chard for variation.
- To reduce sodium, choose low-sodium chicken broth.
- Make sure not to overcook the pasta to avoid mushy texture.
