A Cozy, Comforting Soup for Chilly Nights
Ingredients:
- 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup small pasta (ditalini or elbow)
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Construction (Step-by-Step Instructions):
1. Cook the Sausage:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart as it cooks.
- Cook until browned, then remove it from the pot and set aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
- In the same pot, add diced onion and minced garlic.
- Cook for 3–4 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent.
3. Add Tomatoes and Broth:
- Stir in the drained diced tomatoes, chicken broth, dried basil, and dried oregano.
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
4. Cook the Pasta:
- Add the pasta to the boiling broth mixture.
- Cook for 8–10 minutes until pasta is al dente.
5. Make it Creamy:
- Reduce heat to medium-low.
- Stir in heavy cream and shredded Parmesan cheese.
- Let the cheese melt and the soup thicken.
6. Add the Sausage Back In:
- Return the cooked sausage to the pot and stir everything together.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
- Ladle the soup into bowls.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm!
Variations:
- Spicy Twist – Use hot Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Vegetable Boost – Add spinach, kale, zucchini, or bell peppers for more nutrients.
- Cheese Upgrade – Mix in some mozzarella or cream cheese for an even creamier texture.
- Different Pasta – Try orzo, shell pasta, or rotini instead of ditalini.
- Lighter Version – Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and turkey sausage instead of pork.
Tips for the Best Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup:
✔ Brown the sausage well – It adds extra flavor to the soup.
✔ Use freshly shredded Parmesan – Pre-grated cheese may not melt as smoothly.
✔ Let the flavors meld – Simmering the soup for a few extra minutes enhances the taste.
✔ Don’t overcook the pasta – It will continue to absorb liquid as it sits.
✔ Make ahead – This soup tastes even better the next day! Just add a splash of broth when reheating.
Would you like any side dish recommendations to serve with this soup?