Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this creamy parmesan Italian sausage ditalini soup! It’s like a warm hug in a bowl, packed with hearty flavors that just scream comfort food. I remember the first time I made it on a chilly evening; the aroma of sizzling sausage filled my kitchen and made my heart sing. As I stirred in the creamy goodness and watched the ditalini pasta dance in the pot, I knew I had stumbled upon something special. It’s rich, it’s filling, and it’s the perfect dish for cozy nights or when you just need a little pick-me-up. Trust me, once you take that first spoonful, you’ll be hooked! This soup is not just a meal; it’s an experience that wraps you in warmth and satisfaction.
Ingredients List
- 1 pound Italian sausage – I love using the spicy variety for a little extra kick, but feel free to choose sweet or mild if you prefer!
- 1 cup diced onion – This adds a lovely sweetness and depth to the soup. I usually go for a yellow onion, but whatever you have works!
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – Fresh garlic is a must! It brings that incredible aroma and flavor that makes this soup irresistible.
- 4 cups chicken broth – Homemade is best, but store-bought works perfectly too! Just make sure it’s low-sodium if you’re watching your salt.
- 1 cup ditalini pasta – These little pasta tubes are perfect for holding onto all that creamy goodness. You can swap for any small pasta if needed!
- 1 cup heavy cream – This is where the magic happens! It makes the soup rich and velvety. Don’t skimp on this one!
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese – Freshly grated is the way to go for the best flavor! It melts beautifully into the soup.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – A little sprinkle of this will enhance all those delicious flavors. You can adjust to your taste!
- Salt and pepper to taste – Always important to season your dish! Start with a pinch and adjust as you go.
How to Prepare Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup
Step 1: Cook the Sausage
First things first, grab a large pot and heat it over medium heat. Toss in that pound of Italian sausage, and cook it up until it’s beautifully browned, about 5 to 7 minutes. You’ll want to break it apart with a spatula as it cooks, letting those savory flavors fill your kitchen. The goal here is to get it nice and crispy around the edges. Mmm!
Step 2: Add Aromatics
Once your sausage is all browned and delicious, it’s time to add in the aromatics! Stir in 1 cup of diced onion and 2 cloves of minced garlic. Cook them for about 3 to 4 minutes until the onions are translucent and fragrant. This is where the magic really starts to happen; the combination of sausage, onion, and garlic is simply irresistible!
Step 3: Combine Broth and Pasta
Now, pour in 4 cups of chicken broth and bring it to a rolling boil. Once it’s bubbling, add in 1 cup of ditalini pasta. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, usually around 8 to 10 minutes, until it’s al dente. The soup will start to come together beautifully as the pasta absorbs all those lovely flavors!
Step 4: Stir in Cream and Cheese
Next up, it’s time for the creamy goodness! Lower the heat and stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1 cup of grated parmesan cheese. Mix it all together until the cheese melts into the soup, creating that rich, velvety texture we all crave. Don’t forget to taste it at this point—yum!
Step 5: Season and Simmer
Finally, sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, along with salt and pepper to taste. Let your soup simmer on low heat for about 5 minutes, allowing all those flavors to meld beautifully. Serve hot, and watch everyone fall in love with this comforting bowl of creamy parmesan Italian sausage ditalini soup!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hearty and Flavorful: Each spoonful is a delightful explosion of flavors, thanks to the savory Italian sausage and rich parmesan.
- Quick and Easy: With just 30 minutes from start to finish, this soup is perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Comfort in a Bowl: It’s the ultimate comfort food that warms you up from the inside out, making it perfect for chilly days!
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the spices and ingredients to suit your taste or to use up what’s in your pantry!
- Family-Friendly: This soup is loved by both kids and adults alike, making it a great choice for family dinners.
- Leftover Magic: It tastes even better the next day, as the flavors deepen and meld together beautifully.
- Gluten-Free Option: Just swap the ditalini for a gluten-free pasta, and you’re good to go!
Tips for Success
To make sure your creamy parmesan Italian sausage ditalini soup turns out absolutely perfect, I’ve got some handy tips that I always follow!
- Quality Ingredients: Use the best Italian sausage you can find! Fresh, high-quality sausage makes a world of difference in flavor. And definitely go for freshly grated parmesan cheese; it melts beautifully and tastes so much better than pre-packaged stuff.
- Don’t Skip the Browning: When cooking the sausage, make sure to let it brown nicely. This caramelization adds amazing depth and richness to the soup. Keep that heat at medium; you want it sizzling but not burning!
- Season Gradually: When adding salt and pepper, start with a small amount and taste as you go. It’s easier to add more seasoning than to fix an overly salty soup!
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Keep an eye on the ditalini while it cooks! You want it al dente, which means it should have a slight bite to it. Remember, it’ll continue cooking a bit once you add the cream.
- Let It Simmer: Allow your soup to simmer after adding the cream and cheese. This helps all those flavors meld together beautifully, creating a richer taste overall.
- Play with Flavors: Feel free to experiment with different herbs or add a splash of white wine before adding the broth for an extra layer of flavor. It’s your soup, so make it your own!
- Storage Tips: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container and try to refrigerate them within two hours. The soup keeps well for about three days, and as mentioned, it tastes even better the next day!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous and want to switch things up a bit, here are some fun variations for your creamy parmesan Italian sausage ditalini soup. Trust me, each twist brings its own delightful flavor!
- Vegetable Boost: Toss in some chopped spinach, kale, or even diced carrots for an extra veggie punch. They’ll add color, nutrition, and a lovely texture!
- Spicy Kick: Love a little heat? Add some red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños when you sauté the onions and garlic. It’s a great way to spice things up!
- Different Proteins: Swap out the Italian sausage for ground turkey or chicken, or even try diced ham for a different flavor profile. You could also go vegetarian with some hearty mushrooms!
- Herb Infusion: Instead of Italian seasoning, try using fresh herbs like basil or thyme. Just toss them in at the end for a fresh, aromatic finish.
- Cheesy Goodness: Mix things up with different cheeses! Try adding mozzarella for a stringy, melty texture or some sharp cheddar for a bolder cheese flavor.
- Creamy Alternatives: For a lighter version, you can replace the heavy cream with half-and-half or even a plant-based cream if you want to make it dairy-free.
- Flavor Twists: Add a splash of balsamic vinegar or some sun-dried tomatoes for a pop of tangy flavor that will elevate your soup to a whole new level!
Feel free to mix and match these ideas based on what you have on hand or what you’re in the mood for. The beauty of this soup is its versatility, so get creative! You can’t go wrong!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your creamy parmesan Italian sausage ditalini soup is super simple, and trust me, you’ll want to save those delicious leftovers! After your soup has cooled down a bit, pour it into an airtight container. Make sure to refrigerate it within two hours of cooking to keep it fresh. It’ll stay good in the fridge for up to 3 days, but I have to warn you—it’s so tasty, it might not last that long!
When it comes to reheating, there are a couple of options to keep that creamy texture intact. The best method is to gently warm it on the stovetop over medium heat. Just pour the soup into a pot and stir occasionally until it’s heated through. This way, you can also add a splash more cream or broth if it looks a little thick after sitting in the fridge.
If you’re in a hurry, you can microwave it! Just transfer a bowl of soup into the microwave, cover it loosely to avoid splatters (we don’t want a mess, right?), and heat it in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until it’s hot. But do keep an eye on it—microwave temperatures can be tricky!
And there you have it! Quick and easy storage and reheating tips to ensure your creamy parmesan Italian sausage ditalini soup tastes just as good the next day. Enjoy every last spoonful!
Nutritional Information
Let’s chat about the nutritional goodness of this creamy parmesan Italian sausage ditalini soup! Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, but here’s a typical breakdown per serving (about 1 cup):
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Cholesterol: 80mg
This soup not only fills you up but also provides a good amount of protein and some healthy fats, thanks to the sausage and cream. It’s a fantastic meal to enjoy, especially on those chilly days when you need something warm and hearty! Just remember, if you’re watching your sodium or fat intake, you can always adjust the ingredients to fit your dietary needs. Enjoy every spoonful without guilt!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While ditalini is perfect for this creamy parmesan Italian sausage ditalini soup, you can swap it for any small pasta shape like elbow macaroni, shells, or even orzo. Just keep an eye on the cooking time!
Is this soup gluten-free?
It can be! Simply replace the ditalini with a gluten-free pasta, and you’re all set! It’s a great way to enjoy this comforting soup without worrying about gluten.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
You sure can! It’s actually a great make-ahead meal. Just prepare the soup, let it cool, and store it in the fridge. The flavors will deepen and meld together beautifully. Just remember to reheat gently!
How do I store leftovers?
After your creamy parmesan Italian sausage ditalini soup has cooled, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate it. It should stay fresh for up to 3 days. Just be sure to reheat it thoroughly before enjoying again!
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes! If you want to store it for longer, you can freeze the soup before adding the cream and cheese. Just let it cool completely, then pour into freezer-safe containers. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight, then reheat and stir in the cream and cheese!
What can I add for more veggies?
Great question! You can easily add chopped spinach, kale, or diced carrots to the pot along with the onions and garlic. They’ll cook through and add a lovely texture and nutrition to your soup!
Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Definitely! To make a dairy-free version, swap the heavy cream for a plant-based cream or coconut milk, and use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan for a cheesy flavor without dairy.
Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup: 5 Comforting Flavors
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Creamy parmesan Italian sausage ditalini soup is a hearty dish packed with flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 1 cup diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup ditalini pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot, cook Italian sausage over medium heat until browned.
- Add diced onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil.
- Add ditalini pasta and cook until al dente.
- Stir in heavy cream and parmesan cheese.
- Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer for 5 minutes, then serve hot.
Notes
- Adjust seasoning to your taste.
- Use fresh parmesan for better flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: creamy parmesan Italian sausage ditalini soup
