There’s nothing quite like a warm, hearty bowl of soup to comfort your soul on a chilly evening. This Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup is the perfect choice for those nights when you want something flavorful, creamy, and satisfying. Packed with savory Italian sausage, tender ditalini pasta, and a touch of Parmesan cheese, this soup will quickly become a family favorite. Whether you’re looking for a cozy weeknight meal or a dish to impress guests, this recipe has you covered.
Why You’ll Love This Soup
• Rich and Creamy Texture: The Parmesan cheese and cream combine to create a velvety soup base.
• Savory and Hearty: Italian sausage adds a bold, savory flavor, making it both filling and delicious.
• Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is beginner-friendly.
Let’s dive into the recipe and learn how to make this comforting masterpiece!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this flavorful soup:
• 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup ditalini pasta
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish
Instructions
1. Prepare the Ingredients
Before you begin cooking, ensure all ingredients are prepped. Dice the onion, mince the garlic, and remove the casings from the sausage. This will make the cooking process smoother.
2. Cook the Sausage
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, remove the sausage from the pot and set it aside.
3. Sauté Aromatics
Using the same pot, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
4. Add Broth and Seasonings
Pour in the chicken broth and stir in the dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
5. Cook the Pasta
Once the broth is boiling, add the ditalini pasta. Reduce the heat to medium and cook the pasta according to the package instructions (usually 8-10 minutes) until al dente.
6. Incorporate Cream and Cheese
Lower the heat to a simmer and stir in the heavy cream. Gradually add the Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly to prevent clumping. The soup should become rich and creamy.
7. Add the Sausage Back
Return the cooked sausage to the pot and stir until evenly distributed. Let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes to allow all the flavors to meld together.
8. Garnish and Serve
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or basil. Serve hot with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
Tips for the Best Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup
1. Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: Pre-shredded cheese may not melt as smoothly. Grate your Parmesan fresh for the best texture.
2. Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Since the pasta will continue to soften as it sits in the soup, cook it to al dente.
3. Adjust the Consistency: If the soup becomes too thick, add a splash of chicken broth to thin it out.
4. Choose Quality Sausage: The sausage is the star ingredient, so opt for a high-quality brand for maximum flavor.
5. Make Ahead: This soup reheats beautifully. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
FAQs
1. Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?
Absolutely! While ditalini is perfect for this recipe, other small pasta shapes like macaroni or orzo can work as substitutes.
2. Can I Make This Soup Gluten-Free?
Yes, simply use a gluten-free pasta or omit the pasta altogether and add more vegetables like zucchini or spinach.
3. How Do I Store and Reheat the Soup?
Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to adjust the consistency.
4. Can I Freeze This Soup?
While you can freeze this soup, the pasta may become mushy upon reheating. If you plan to freeze it, cook the pasta separately and add it when reheating.
5. What Can I Serve With This Soup?
Crusty bread, garlic toast, or a fresh green salad are excellent accompaniments.
This Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup is more than just a meal—it’s a warm hug in a bowl. Whether you’re cozying up on a cold winter night or sharing it with loved ones, it’s sure to be a hit. Give it a try and let us know how it turns out!