Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup

If you’re in the mood for a warm, hearty, and comforting soup, this Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup is the perfect choice. With its rich and creamy base, zesty Italian sausage, tender ditalini pasta, and the umami-packed flavor of Parmesan cheese, this soup is an instant favorite. It’s an ideal meal for a chilly evening, packed with bold flavors that will make you feel cozy and satisfied. Plus, it’s easy to make and comes together in just under an hour, so you can enjoy a homemade meal with minimal effort.

Ingredients

For this delicious Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Soup Base:

• 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, based on preference)
• 2 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium carrot, diced
• 1 celery stalk, diced
• 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for extra spice)
• 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version)
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (preferably no-salt-added)
• 1 (15 oz) can cannellini beans (or white beans, drained and rinsed)
• 1 cup heavy cream (for creaminess)
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (preferably freshly grated)
• 2 cups ditalini pasta (or any small pasta)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Optional Garnishes:

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Additional Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the Italian sausage and break it up with a spoon or spatula. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the sausage is browned and cooked through. Remove any excess grease by draining the sausage on a paper towel-lined plate and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

In the same pot, add chopped onion, minced garlic, diced carrot, and diced celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables have softened and the onions become translucent. Stir occasionally to avoid burning the garlic.

Step 3: Add the Seasonings

Add the dried Italian seasoning and crushed red pepper flakes (if using) to the vegetables. Stir well to coat everything evenly with the seasonings, and let it cook for about 1 minute to release the aromas.

Step 4: Add Liquids and Beans

Pour in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and cannellini beans. Stir to combine, scraping up any bits from the bottom of the pot for extra flavor. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 5: Cook the Pasta

While the soup is simmering, add the ditalini pasta. Cook according to the package directions, usually about 8-10 minutes. Stir the soup occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking together. Once the pasta is al dente, check the consistency of the soup. If it’s too thick, you can add a little more broth or water to adjust.

Step 6: Add Cream and Parmesan

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese has melted and the soup becomes smooth and creamy. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed.

Step 7: Simmer and Serve

Let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to blend together. Once ready, ladle the soup into bowls, and garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired.

Helpful Tips for the Best Soup

1. Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and adds a richer, more flavorful taste compared to pre-grated Parmesan, which may have added anti-caking agents.
2. Adjust the Creaminess: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can reduce the amount of broth and increase the heavy cream. Alternatively, use half-and-half for a lighter version of the soup.
3. Spice It Up: For those who like a little heat, feel free to add more crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to give the soup an extra kick.
4. Make it Ahead: This soup keeps well in the fridge for 2-3 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months. However, note that the pasta may absorb some of the liquid as it sits, so you might need to add a little more broth or cream when reheating.
5. Use Other Pasta Types: While ditalini is a great choice for this soup due to its small size and shape, you can substitute with other small pasta like orzo, shells, or small elbows.

Serving Suggestions

This Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup is hearty enough to be a meal on its own but can be served with a variety of delicious sides for a complete dinner:

• Crusty Bread: Serve with a thick slice of crusty baguette or garlic bread for dipping into the creamy broth.
• Side Salad: A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the richness of the soup perfectly.
• Cheese: Top with even more freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of cracked black pepper for an extra burst of flavor.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted zucchini, eggplant, or brussels sprouts would pair wonderfully as a side to balance out the richness of the soup.

Nutritional Information (Approximate Per Serving)

• Calories: 380 kcal
• Protein: 23g
• Fat: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 5g
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 850mg

(Note: These values are based on an estimated serving size of 1 bowl of soup, and can vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)

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Conclusion

This Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup is the ultimate comfort food, with its rich and creamy broth, zesty sausage, and tender pasta. It’s a perfect soup for chilly days or when you need a hearty, satisfying meal that’s easy to make and full of flavor. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this soup will surely become a favorite. So, grab your ingredients and enjoy a bowl of this cozy, creamy soup tonight!