Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe

Introduction

Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup is a deliciously comforting and hearty dish that combines savory Italian sausage, creamy Parmesan cheese, and tender ditalini pasta in a rich, flavorful broth. This soup is perfect for cozy evenings when you need something satisfying, flavorful, and easy to make. The creamy texture of the soup is perfectly balanced with the richness of the sausage and the depth of the Parmesan, creating a bowl full of delicious comfort food.

Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or simply craving a hearty bowl of soup, this recipe offers everything you need in one pot. It’s simple, packed with flavor, and the perfect dish to warm up on a cold day. Follow this step-by-step guide to make the perfect Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup that will quickly become a staple in your recipe collection.

Why You’ll Love Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup

• Rich, Creamy Texture: The creamy Parmesan broth is velvety and rich, providing the perfect comforting base for this hearty soup. The combination of cream, cheese, and sausage creates a luxurious texture.
• Savory and Flavorful: Italian sausage adds a rich, savory flavor that infuses the broth and gives the soup a deep, satisfying taste. The addition of Parmesan cheese elevates the flavor profile, creating a savory, umami-packed soup.
• Hearty and Filling: This soup is perfect for a filling meal. With the ditalini pasta, Italian sausage, and creamy base, it’s a soup that will keep you satisfied without being too heavy.
• Simple Ingredients: Made with easy-to-find ingredients like Italian sausage, ditalini pasta, cream, and Parmesan cheese, this soup doesn’t require any special ingredients or advanced cooking skills.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight family dinner or entertaining guests, this soup is a crowd-pleaser that will impress everyone at the table. It’s perfect for all seasons and occasions, from cozy winter nights to casual gatherings.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: Approximately 6 servings
• Calories per Serving: Around 400-450 calories per serving, depending on portion size and specific ingredients used.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 400-450 kcal
• Fat: 23-27g
• Carbohydrates: 30-35g
• Protein: 22-25g
• Fiber: 2-3g
• Sugar: 3-5g

Ingredients

For the Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup:

• 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, depending on preference)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium carrot, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 4 cups chicken broth (preferably low-sodium)
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 ½ cups ditalini pasta (uncooked)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Special Equipment

While making Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup doesn’t require any specialized tools, having the right equipment will make the process easier and ensure the best results:

1. Large Pot or Dutch Oven: A large pot or Dutch oven is perfect for this soup as it provides ample space for cooking and simmering the soup ingredients.
2. Sharp Knife: A sharp knife is essential for chopping the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. A good knife will make prep work faster and more efficient.
3. Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements ensure that the seasonings, broth, and cream are added in the correct proportions, resulting in the best flavor balance.
4. Wooden Spoon: A wooden spoon is great for stirring the soup and preventing it from sticking to the bottom of the pot. It’s gentle on the pot’s surface and durable for frequent stirring.
5. Grater: A box grater or microplane is essential for grating the Parmesan cheese. Freshly grated Parmesan will melt more smoothly into the soup than pre-grated cheese.
6. Soup Ladle: A soup ladle makes serving the soup easier and ensures that you get the perfect portion in each bowl.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Italian Sausage

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage (either mild or spicy, depending on your preference) to the pot, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Cook the sausage for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s browned and cooked through. Once cooked, remove the sausage from the pot and set it aside.

2. Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pot, add the diced onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté the vegetables in the remaining sausage drippings for about 5-7 minutes, or until they begin to soften. Stir occasionally to avoid burning. Once the vegetables have softened, add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

3. Add the Broth and Tomatoes

Add the chicken broth and diced tomatoes (with their juices) to the pot. Stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat. Once simmering, add the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir again to incorporate the seasonings. Let the soup simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the vegetables to become tender.

4. Cook the Pasta

Add the uncooked ditalini pasta to the pot, stirring to ensure the pasta is evenly distributed in the broth. Reduce the heat to medium and continue to simmer for another 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and fully cooked. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

5. Add the Cream and Parmesan

Once the pasta is cooked, reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Mix well until the soup becomes creamy and smooth. Next, add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until the cheese is fully melted and incorporated into the soup. The cheese will thicken the soup and add a velvety richness.

6. Finish and Serve

Return the cooked Italian sausage to the pot, stirring to incorporate it into the soup. Let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes to heat everything through. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning if needed.

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor. Serve hot with a slice of crusty bread or a simple green salad.

Tips for Perfect Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup

• Use Fresh Parmesan: For the best flavor and creaminess, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Pre-grated Parmesan often contains additives that prevent it from melting smoothly into the soup.
• Adjust the Spice Level: You can control the spice level of this soup by choosing mild or spicy Italian sausage. If you want to add more heat, try stirring in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a small diced chili pepper.
• Avoid Overcooking the Pasta: Keep an eye on the pasta as it cooks. Ditalini pasta is small and cooks quickly, so be sure to test it for doneness around the 10-minute mark. Overcooking the pasta will result in a mushy texture in the soup.
• Make It Ahead: This soup stores well and can be made ahead. If you plan to make it in advance, stop cooking the pasta when it’s still al dente, as it will continue to cook and soften when reheated. When reheating, you may need to add extra broth or cream to adjust the consistency.
• Add Extra Veggies: For added nutrition, you can toss in extra vegetables like spinach, kale, or zucchini. Add these towards the end of the cooking time to prevent them from becoming too soft.

Variations of Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup

• Vegetarian Version: For a vegetarian version of this soup, swap the Italian sausage for plant-based sausage or crumbled tofu. You can also increase the amount of vegetables, such as mushrooms or bell peppers, to add flavor and texture.
• Spicy Sausage Version: If you enjoy extra heat, use spicy Italian sausage or add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the soup base. This will give the soup a nice kick without overpowering the other flavors.
• Cream Cheese Version: If you prefer a tangier, creamier texture, try substituting some of the heavy cream with cream cheese. The cream cheese will add a slightly different flavor profile but still give the soup a rich, velvety finish.
• Gluten-Free Version: To make this soup gluten-free, simply substitute the ditalini pasta with gluten-free pasta. There are many good gluten-free pasta options available, including rice-based or corn-based pasta.
• Chicken Sausage Version: If you prefer a lighter version of the soup, you can swap out the pork sausage for chicken sausage. Chicken sausage has a slightly milder flavor but still provides a nice savory base for the soup.

Storage and Shelf Life

Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup can be stored and enjoyed later. Here’s how to store and reheat it:

• Refrigerator: Allow the soup to cool to room temperature before storing it in an airtight container. The soup will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, you may need to add a bit of extra broth or cream as the soup may thicken during storage.
• Freezer: This soup can also be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. To reheat, thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight and then warm it on the stove. Add extra broth or cream if needed.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup

To make this meal complete, pair the soup with a few simple sides:

• Garlic Bread: A warm slice of garlic bread is the perfect accompaniment to this creamy soup. It’s great for dipping into the broth and adding some extra flavor to the meal.
• Simple Green Salad: A light, crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the soup. Opt for mixed greens, arugula, or spinach for a fresh side dish.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots, or sweet potatoes complement the flavors of the soup and provide a bit of extra texture to the meal.
• Crusty Bread: A rustic loaf of bread, such as sourdough or baguette, pairs wonderfully with this soup. Use it to soak up the delicious broth for the ultimate cozy meal.

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Conclusion

Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup is the ultimate comfort food. It’s hearty, creamy, and packed with bold flavors that will satisfy your cravings and warm you up on any day. The combination of savory Italian sausage, rich Parmesan cheese, and tender pasta in a creamy broth creates a dish that is both filling and flavorful.

With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, this soup is perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prepping, or any time you want a satisfying and cozy meal. Don’t forget to pair it with some garlic bread or a fresh salad to make the meal complete. Enjoy the comforting goodness of this soup and share it with your loved ones!