Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup
A warm bowl of Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup is just what you need for a comforting meal. This hearty soup combines Italian sausage and ditalini pasta in a rich, creamy parmesan broth, making it perfect for cozy dinners or family gatherings. With its savory flavors and easy preparation, this dish stands out as a go-to comfort food option for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can have this delicious soup on the table in under an hour.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of Italian sausage and parmesan cheese creates a depth of flavor that’s hard to resist.
- Comforting Texture: The creamy broth and tender pasta provide a satisfying texture that warms you from the inside out.
- Versatile Ingredients: You can easily swap ingredients based on what you have on hand or your dietary needs.
- Feeds a Crowd: This recipe makes six servings, making it ideal for feeding family or friends.
Tools and Preparation
To make the Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup, you’ll need a few basic tools to streamline your cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot or Dutch oven: Essential for cooking the soup evenly and allowing all the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring without scratching your cookware, helping to combine ingredients thoroughly.
Ingredients
A hearty soup featuring Italian sausage and ditalini pasta in a rich, creamy parmesan broth. Perfect comfort food for any occasion.
Meat
- 1 lb Italian sausage, deboned.
Vegetables
- 1 small onion, chopped.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced.
Canned Goods
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes.
Liquids
- 2 quarts chicken stock.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream.
Pasta
- 1 cup ditalini pasta.
Cheese & Seasonings
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese.
- 1/2 tsp each dried basil, oregano.
- Salt and pepper to taste.
Garnish
- Fresh parsley for garnish.
How to Make Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Brown the Italian sausage in the olive oil over medium heat. Use a wooden spoon to break it up while cooking. Once browned, remove the sausage from the pot and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until fragrant and translucent, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Stock
Add the diced tomatoes, chicken stock, dried herbs, and return the browned sausage to the pot. Stir well and let it simmer gently for about 10 minutes.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
Add in the ditalini pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to keep it from sticking together.
Step 5: Stir in Cream and Cheese
Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Mix until melted and combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 6: Serve
Ladle your delicious soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley before serving hot. Enjoy this wholesome dish that brings warmth to any mealtime!
How to Serve Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup
Serving your Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup can elevate the meal experience. It’s not just about taste; presentation and pairing can enhance enjoyment. Here are some delightful serving suggestions.
Garnish with Fresh Herbs
- Parsley: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness.
- Basil: Add whole or torn basil leaves for an aromatic touch.
Complement with Bread
- Crusty Bread: Serve with warm, crusty bread for dipping into the creamy broth.
- Garlic Bread: Pair with garlic bread for a flavorful side that complements the soup’s richness.
Add a Side Salad
- Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad adds crunch and a tangy flavor contrast.
- Mixed Greens: Lightly dressed mixed greens can balance the richness of the soup.
Include Cheese Options
- Shredded Parmesan: Offer extra shredded Parmesan cheese at the table for those who love cheesy goodness.
- Crumbled Feta: For a twist, crumbled feta adds a salty tang that contrasts nicely with the soup.
How to Perfect Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup
To ensure your Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup turns out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh herbs and high-quality sausage for the best flavor.
- Monitor Pasta Cooking Time: Cook ditalini pasta just until al dente to avoid mushiness in your soup.
- Adjust Seasoning Gradually: Taste as you go when seasoning to achieve the perfect balance of flavors.
- Incorporate Leftovers Creatively: Use leftover soup as a filling for baked dishes or casseroles to minimize waste.
Best Side Dishes for Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup
Pairing your soup with the right sides can enhance your meal. Here are some excellent side dish options to consider.
- Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze create a refreshing complement.
- Antipasto Platter: A selection of cured meats, cheeses, olives, and marinated vegetables adds variety and texture.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables provide a healthy and colorful addition to your meal.
- Stuffed Mushrooms: Savory stuffed mushrooms introduce an earthy flavor that pairs well with the creamy soup.
- Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges seasoned with herbs offer a satisfying crunch alongside your soup.
- Cheesy Garlic Biscuits: Fluffy biscuits loaded with cheese make for an indulgent side that everyone will love.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup can be simple, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for. Here are some mistakes to avoid for the best results.
- Using the wrong sausage: Not all sausages provide the same flavor. Stick to Italian sausage for an authentic taste.
- Overcooking the pasta: Cooking ditalini too long can turn it mushy. Always follow package instructions for al dente texture.
- Skipping the seasoning: Neglecting herbs and spices can make your soup bland. Don’t skip on basil and oregano!
- Adding cream too early: Adding heavy cream at the beginning can prevent it from blending well. Stir it in towards the end for a creamy finish.
- Neglecting garnishes: Forgetting fresh parsley takes away from the presentation. Always add a sprinkle of parsley for color and freshness.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store soup in an airtight container.
- It will last up to 3-4 days in the fridge.
Freezing Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag.
- It can be stored for up to 3 months.
Reheating Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F, cover with foil, and heat until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every minute until hot.
- Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat, stirring frequently until warmed.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have questions about making Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries.
How do I make Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup healthier?
You can substitute turkey sausage for a leaner option and use low-fat cream instead of heavy cream.
Can I use other types of pasta?
Absolutely! If you don’t have ditalini, try small shells or elbow macaroni as alternatives.
How can I customize this soup?
Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or carrots for extra nutrition and flavor!
What should I serve with this soup?
It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup is perfect comfort food that warms both heart and belly. Its versatility allows for various customization options, from adding more veggies to trying different pasta shapes. Give it a try—you’ll love how easy and satisfying it is!
Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly evenings and family gatherings. This hearty soup features savory Italian sausage and tender ditalini pasta swimming in a rich, creamy parmesan broth. With its delightful blend of flavors and creamy texture, this dish will warm you from the inside out. Plus, it’s quick to prepare—ready in under an hour! Ideal for busy weeknights or cozy get-togethers, this soup is not only delicious but also versatile, allowing for ingredient swaps based on your pantry or dietary needs. Serve it with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal that everyone will love!
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 1 small onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
- 2 quarts chicken stock
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup ditalini pasta
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
- Dried basil
- Dried oregano
Instructions
- Brown the Italian sausage in a large pot over medium heat. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté chopped onion and minced garlic in the same pot until fragrant.
- Add diced tomatoes, chicken stock, herbs, and return the sausage; simmer for 10 minutes.
- Stir in ditalini pasta; cook until al dente (8-10 minutes).
- Mix in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese; season with salt and pepper.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
