Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup

Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe

Creating a comforting and flavorful soup often brings memories of family gatherings and cozy evenings spent in the kitchen. The aroma of sizzling Italian sausage mingling with sautéed vegetables instantly transports you back to family dinners where laughter and warmth filled the air. Every spoonful of this creamy Parmesan Italian sausage ditalini soup tells a story, blending rich ingredients to create a delightful meal that warms not just the belly but also the heart.

Italian sausage adds a robust flavor that shines in this soup, making it a favorite for family meals. The creamy texture complements the hearty ditalini pasta, creating a satisfying dish perfect for any occasion. Each ingredient in this recipe works together to build flavors that resonate, ensuring that this soup becomes a staple in your cooking repertoire.

As you dive into this recipe, envision the smiles at the dinner table as you serve up bowls of this delicious soup. Cooking isn’t just about the food; it’s about the joy of sharing and connecting with others through the love and care put into every dish. Let’s explore how to make this wonderful creamy Parmesan Italian sausage ditalini soup.

Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup

Fundamentals

The foundation of a great soup begins with choosing quality ingredients. For this ditalini soup, you need 1 pound of Italian sausage, which can be mild or spicy based on your preference. The sausage lends a rich, savory flavor that forms the core of the dish. By cooking the sausage first, you create a flavor base that enhances the overall taste of the soup.

Next, essential vegetables like onions, carrots, and celery add sweetness and depth to the broth. Sautéing these vegetables in olive oil allows them to soften and release their flavors. Minced garlic brings a fragrant aroma that elevates the soup, transforming everyday ingredients into an extraordinary dish.

Using low-sodium chicken broth allows you to control the saltiness of the final soup while delivering the meaty flavor you expect. Diced tomatoes provide both acidity and texture, balancing the richness of cream and cheese. Finally, don’t forget the ditalini pasta, which adds heartiness and grit to each bowl.

Preparation/Setup

Before diving into the cooking process, gather all your ingredients. This preparation ensures a smooth cooking experience without delays. Start by dicing the onion, carrot, and celery into small, even pieces. Chop the garlic cloves finely. Measure out the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and cream to simplify the cooking steps.

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook for 6-8 minutes until it’s browned and cooked through.
3. Remove the sausage from the pot and set it aside, leaving behind the flavorful drippings.

Next, sauté the diced onion, carrot, and celery in the same pot for 5-7 minutes or until they soften. This step enhances the sweetness and allows the vegetables to absorb the sausage’s flavors. Add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Now, incorporate the chicken broth and diced tomatoes, stirring well. Bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. Season the soup with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper, adjusting to your taste as it simmers for 10-15 minutes.

Technique

Achieving the perfect creamy texture requires careful attention during the cooking process. Once your soup simmers and the vegetables soften, it’s time to add the ditalini pasta. The pasta will absorb the soup’s flavors, adding more heartiness to each serving.

1. Stir in 1 ½ cups of uncooked ditalini pasta.
2. Reduce the heat to medium and continue simmering for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Cooking the pasta directly in the soup allows it to soak up the broth’s flavors while creating a unified dish. Keep an eye on the texture; overcooking can lead to mushy pasta.

Once the pasta is tender, switch the heat to low and stir in 1 cup of heavy cream. This step creates a rich and velvety texture that makes the soup irresistible. Then, add 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until fully melted and incorporated. This cheese rounds out the flavors, ensuring every bite remains deliciously creamy.

Tips/Tricks

Don’t hesitate to adjust flavors and ingredients according to your preferences. For those who enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding red pepper flakes while sautéing the vegetables. Fresh herbs such as thyme or basil can add another layer of aroma and taste if available.

If you’re short on time, consider using pre-cooked Italian sausage for quicker preparation. However, cooking raw sausage allows you to infuse more flavor into the soup.

When cooking pasta in the soup, monitor the timing closely. If pasta sits in the broth too long after cooking, it may absorb too much liquid, leading to a less satisfying texture.

Perfecting Results

The key to perfecting this creamy Parmesan Italian sausage ditalini soup lies in balancing flavors and textures. After mixing in the cream and cheese, return the cooked sausage to the pot. This step warms the sausage through while integrating it with the other ingredients.

Simmer for an additional 5 minutes. This moment allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Taste the soup and modify any seasoning as necessary; a touch more salt, pepper, or even a sprinkle of Italian seasoning can elevate the dish to perfection.

Troubleshooting/Variations

If your soup appears too thick after simmering, add a splash of chicken broth or water to achieve the consistency you desire. For a lighter version, substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, keeping in mind this may slightly alter the creaminess.

For a vegetarian alternative, substitute the sausage with plant-based sausage or omit it entirely. You can enhance the vegetable component by adding spinach or kale, boosting the nutrients and flavors in the soup.

Serving/Presentation

Once you finish cooking, it’s time to plate this delicious soup. Ladle the creamy soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. This small touch adds color and vibrancy, making the dish visually appealing.

The soup pairs perfectly with a slice of crusty bread. Enjoy dipping the bread into the rich broth, soaking up every delightful drop. Additionally, consider serving this dish with a simple green salad for a well-rounded meal.

Pairings/Storage

Creamy Parmesan Italian sausage ditalini soup stands strong on its own but can easily fit into a larger meal. Pair it with a fresh garden salad or some garlic bread for a delightful combination.

When it comes to storage, leftovers keep well. Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth if the pasta has absorbed too much liquid. Alternatively, you can freeze the soup for up to three months. Just remember to thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.

Conclusion

Crafting a bowl of creamy Parmesan Italian sausage ditalini soup can transform a simple meal into a heartwarming experience. By focusing on quality ingredients and embracing each step, you create not just a dish, but a memory filled with comfort and flavor. Whether shared at the dinner table or enjoyed on a chilly night, this soup offers warmth and satisfaction that everyone will love. So grab your ingredients, dive into this recipe, and celebrate the joy of cooking at home.

Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup

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• Author: cov3
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A comforting and flavorful soup featuring Italian sausage, ditalini pasta, and creamy Parmesan, perfect for family gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound Italian sausage
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 ½ cups uncooked ditalini pasta
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Italian seasoning, to taste
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook for 6-8 minutes until browned.
3. Remove sausage from pot, leaving drippings.
4. Sauté onion, carrot, and celery in the pot for 5-7 minutes until softened.
5. Add minced garlic and sauté for another 1-2 minutes.
6. Stir in chicken broth and diced tomatoes; bring to a simmer.
7. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper; simmer for 10-15 minutes.
8. Add ditalini pasta and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
9. Reduce heat and stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until melted and combined.
10. Return sausage to the pot and simmer for an additional 5 minutes. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Notes

For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half. Adjust flavors as desired with fresh herbs or red pepper flakes.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Soup
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 60mg

Keywords: soup, Italian sausage, creamy soup, ditalini pasta, comfort food