Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup
A comforting and delicious soup that combines savory Italian sausage, fresh vegetables, and creamy broth, perfect for cold evenings.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, based on preference)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 3 medium carrots (diced)
- 2 stalks celery (diced)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) For added spice
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 ounces, undrained)
- 1 cup ditalini pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- to taste Salt and pepper
- for garnish Fresh parsley (chopped)
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large pot over medium heat, add the olive oil and Italian sausage. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add the diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables are softened.
- Stir in the oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Cooking
- Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Add the ditalini pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until al dente.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Notes
To store leftovers, let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing it. When freezing, use freezer-safe containers and it can last for up to 3 months. Let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. For a thicker soup, you can add more cream or reduce the amount of broth. Feel free to add in more vegetables like spinach or kale for extra nutrition. For a spicier kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes.