Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup
A Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup is the perfect comfort food that warms the soul and delights the taste buds. This hearty soup combines savory Italian sausage, tender ditalini pasta, and a rich parmesan broth, making it ideal for family dinners or gatherings with friends. With its creamy texture and robust flavors, this dish stands out as a favorite for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich Flavor: The combination of Italian sausage and parmesan creates a deliciously savory broth that satisfies every palate.
- Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and readily available ingredients, you can whip up this comforting soup in under 40 minutes.
- Versatile Ingredient Options: Feel free to customize with your favorite vegetables or pasta shapes to suit your taste.
- Perfect for Leftovers: This soup stores well in the fridge, allowing you to enjoy it for days after cooking.
- Hearty and Filling: Packed with protein and carbs, this soup serves as a complete meal on its own.
Tools and Preparation
To make the Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup, having the right tools on hand will make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Wooden spoon
- Ladle
- Cutting board
- Knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Essential for cooking the soup evenly without splatter.
- Wooden spoon: Great for stirring without scratching your pot’s surface.
- Ladle: Perfect for serving soup without mess.
Ingredients
A hearty soup featuring Italian sausage and ditalini pasta in a rich, creamy parmesan broth. Perfect comfort food for any occasion.
For the Soup Base
- 1 lb Italian sausage, deboned.
- 1 tbsp olive oil.
- 1 small onion, chopped.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced.
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes.
- 2 quarts chicken stock.
For Creaminess
- 1/2 cup heavy cream.
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated.
For Flavoring
- 1 cup ditalini pasta.
- 1/2 tsp each dried basil, oregano.
- Salt and pepper to taste.
For Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped.
How to Make Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
1. Add the deboned Italian sausage to the pot.
2. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks.
3. Once browned, remove the sausage from the pot and set it aside.
Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic
In the same pot, it’s time to build more flavor.
1. Add chopped onions and minced garlic to the rendered fat left from the sausage.
2. Cook until fragrant and translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Now add all those wonderful ingredients together!
1. Stir in the diced tomatoes along with their juices and chicken stock.
2. Return the browned sausage back into the pot along with dried basil and oregano.
3. Bring everything to a gentle simmer for about 10 minutes.
Step 4: Cook Pasta
Next, we’ll incorporate our ditalini pasta into this hearty mix.
1. Add ditalini pasta to the simmering broth.
2. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes.
Step 5: Make It Creamy
Finally, let’s finish off this delicious soup!
1. Stir in heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese until melted and incorporated smoothly into the soup.
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving hot garnished with fresh parsley.
Enjoy your creamy masterpiece!
How to Serve Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup
Serving Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup can elevate your dining experience. This hearty soup pairs wonderfully with various accompaniments that enhance its rich flavors.
With Crusty Bread
- Garlic Bread – A perfect complement, garlic bread adds a crispy texture and a burst of flavor.
- Italian Focaccia – This soft, herb-infused bread absorbs the creamy broth beautifully.
Topped with Fresh Herbs
- Chopped Parsley – Fresh parsley not only enhances the presentation but also adds a fresh, vibrant taste.
- Basil Leaves – Whole basil leaves provide an aromatic freshness that pairs well with the soup.
With a Side Salad
- Caesar Salad – Crisp romaine and creamy dressing contrast nicely with the soup’s richness.
- Mixed Green Salad – A light salad with vinaigrette can balance the heaviness of the soup.
As Part of a Meal
- With Grilled Cheese Sandwiches – The gooey cheese complements the soup perfectly for a comforting meal.
- Accompanied by Antipasto Platter – A selection of cured meats and cheeses adds variety to your table.
How to Perfect Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup
To achieve restaurant-quality Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup at home, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Ingredients – Opt for fresh herbs and high-quality sausage for the best flavor.
- Monitor Cooking Time – Ensure you don’t overcook the ditalini pasta; it should be al dente for perfect texture.
- Adjust Spice Levels – Feel free to add red pepper flakes if you prefer a bit of heat in your soup.
- Incorporate Spinach or Kale – Adding greens boosts nutrition and adds color to your dish.
Best Side Dishes for Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup
Pairing side dishes with Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup can enhance your meal. Here are some great options:
- Bruschetta – Toasted bread topped with tomatoes and basil makes for a refreshing starter.
- Caprese Skewers – Cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze offer bright flavors.
- Stuffed Peppers – Bell peppers filled with rice and cheese add substance to your meal.
- Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal veggies roasted until tender create a colorful side dish.
- Potato Wedges – Crispy potato wedges seasoned with herbs are always a crowd-pleaser.
- Antipasto Salad – A mix of olives, cheese, and salami provides a savory contrast.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup can be easy, but here are some common mistakes to watch out for.
- Overcooking the sausage: This can make the sausage dry and tough. Cook it just until browned and remove it from the pot before adding other ingredients.
- Ignoring the herbs: Fresh herbs add depth. Don’t skip them! Consider using fresh basil or oregano instead of dried for a more vibrant flavor.
- Not adjusting seasoning: Always taste your soup before serving! You may need to add more salt or pepper based on your preference.
- Using low-quality cheese: The right cheese is crucial for flavor. Opt for freshly grated Parmesan instead of pre-grated for a richer taste.
- Neglecting pasta cooking time: Adding pasta too early can lead to mushy noodles. Follow package instructions for the best texture.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Allow soup to cool completely before refrigerating.
Freezing Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
- Leave space at the top of the container, as soup expands when frozen.
Reheating Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. Ensure it’s heated evenly.
- Stovetop: Pour into a pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally until warmed through, about 5-10 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup.
Can I use another type of sausage?
Yes, feel free to substitute turkey sausage or chicken sausage if you prefer a lighter option.
How do I make this soup gluten-free?
You can use gluten-free ditalini pasta instead of regular pasta to keep this dish gluten-free.
Can I add vegetables to the soup?
Absolutely! Spinach, kale, or carrots can be great additions for extra nutrition and flavor.
What if I don’t have ditalini pasta?
You can substitute with any small pasta shape like elbow macaroni or mini shells.
How long does this soup last in the fridge?
The soup lasts about 3 days when stored properly in an airtight container.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup is not just hearty and comforting; it’s also versatile! Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the spices. It’s perfect for any occasion and sure to delight your family and friends. Try it today!
Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x
Description
Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup is the ultimate comfort food that warms both the heart and the palate. This deliciously hearty soup features savory Italian sausage, tender ditalini pasta, and a rich, creamy parmesan broth. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends, this dish is not only easy to prepare but also customizable, allowing you to incorporate your favorite vegetables or pasta shapes. Ready in under 40 minutes, this soup is a satisfying meal that promises to delight everyone at the table.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage (deboned)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion (chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 quarts chicken stock
- 1 cup ditalini pasta
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Dried basil and oregano (to taste)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat and brown the Italian sausage, breaking it apart as it cooks. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, sauté chopped onions and minced garlic until fragrant.
- Stir in diced tomatoes and chicken stock; add back the browned sausage along with dried herbs. Simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Add ditalini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Finish by stirring in heavy cream and grated Parmesan until smooth. Season with salt and pepper before serving hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
