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- 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 pound Italian sausage (sweet or spicy, casings removed) - 1 cup ditalini pasta The key ingredients set the base for this soup. Olive oil adds richness. Italian sausage gives the soup a hearty flavor. Ditalini pasta adds satisfying bites. - 6 cups chicken broth - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 medium onion, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 3 medium carrots, diced - 2 stalks celery, diced - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon oregano - Salt and pepper to taste Chicken broth is the heart of this soup. It makes the soup warm and inviting. Heavy cream gives it that creamy texture we love. Onions, garlic, carrots, and celery add depth and sweetness. Thyme and oregano bring herbal notes. Adjust salt and pepper for your taste. - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) - Crusty bread for serving Garnishing with Parmesan cheese adds a salty kick. Fresh parsley brightens the dish. Serve with crusty bread to soak up every drop. This soup is a complete meal, perfect for any day! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add one pound of Italian sausage, with the casings removed. Use a spoon to break the sausage into smaller pieces. Cook it until it turns brown and is no longer pink, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes. Next, add a diced medium onion, three minced garlic cloves, three diced carrots, and two diced stalks of celery to the pot. Sauté these vegetables for about 5 minutes, or until they begin to soften. The smell will be amazing! Now, pour in six cups of chicken broth and bring everything to a boil. Once it’s boiling, add one cup of ditalini pasta. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, which usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. You want it to be al dente, which means it's cooked but still firm. After the pasta is ready, reduce the heat to low. Stir in one cup of heavy cream and one cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese melts and the soup becomes creamy. This is where the magic happens! To finish, season your soup with one teaspoon of dried thyme, one teaspoon of oregano, and salt and pepper to taste. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to mix the flavors. When you’re ready to serve, remove the pot from the heat. For a beautiful presentation, serve the soup in deep bowls. Top each bowl with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley. If you want, serve it with some crusty bread for dipping. Enjoy your comforting bowl of creamy Parmesan sausage ditalini soup! - Choosing the right type of sausage: I love using Italian sausage for this soup. You can choose sweet or spicy based on your taste. Sweet sausage gives a nice balance, while spicy adds a kick. Both will give rich flavor to the broth. - Best cheeses for a creamy texture: Parmesan cheese is the star here. It adds depth and creaminess that makes the soup feel lush. You can mix in a bit of mozzarella for extra stretchiness. Just make sure to grate it fresh for the best melt. - How to achieve al dente pasta: To get ditalini pasta just right, cook it for a minute less than the package says. This keeps the pasta firm and prevents it from getting mushy in the soup. Remember, it will continue to cook a little after you turn off the heat. - Tips for perfect soup consistency: For a creamy soup, make sure to stir in the cream slowly. This helps it blend well with the broth. If the soup is too thick, add more broth or water until you reach your desired consistency. - Preparing ingredients in advance: Chop your veggies ahead of time. Store them in the fridge so you can toss them into the pot when you’re ready. This cuts down on prep time during cooking. - Using leftover sausage or broth: If you have leftover sausage or broth, use it! It will add extra flavor and save you time. Just add it to your pot along with the other ingredients, and you’ll have a hearty soup in no time. Pro Tips Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh thyme and oregano can elevate the flavor of your soup significantly compared to dried herbs. Add them at the end for a burst of freshness. Cook Pasta Separately: To prevent the ditalini from becoming mushy, consider cooking it separately and adding it to the soup just before serving. Adjust Creaminess: For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream or substitute with a plant-based cream for a dairy-free option. Make It Ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day! Make it in advance and let the flavors meld in the refrigerator overnight. {{image_2}} You can swap out the ditalini pasta for small shells or orzo. Each pasta type brings a new texture. You can also add vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or peas for extra nutrition. These veggies brighten the soup and add fiber. Want more kick? Use spicy Italian sausage instead of sweet. This change adds heat and depth to the flavor. You can also mix in fresh herbs like basil or cilantro for a different taste. These herbs can brighten the soup and make it more aromatic. If you need a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta. There are many good brands available now. For a dairy-free version, replace heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream. This keeps the soup creamy while meeting your dietary needs. To keep your soup fresh, store it in the fridge. Use airtight containers. Glass jars or plastic tubs work well. Make sure the soup cools first before sealing. This helps keep it safe and tasty. You can freeze the soup for later. Use freezer-safe containers. Leave space at the top for expansion. To reheat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Heat it gently on the stove. Stir often to keep it smooth and creamy. In the fridge, your soup lasts about three to four days. Look for signs of spoilage. If it smells off or has a weird color, it’s time to toss it. Always trust your nose and eyes when checking for freshness. Yes, you can make this soup ahead of time. It tastes great after resting. To prepare, cook the soup and let it cool. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for about three to four days. When ready to eat, simply reheat it on the stove. Stir well to mix everything. If it seems too thick, add a little more chicken broth or water. To thicken the soup, there are a few easy ways. You can add more heavy cream. This will give the soup a richer texture. Another option is to mash some of the cooked ditalini pasta against the pot. This helps to release starch, which thickens the soup. You can also mix in a cornstarch slurry. Just combine one tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water, then stir it into the soup. Let it simmer until thickened. Absolutely! This soup works well with different meats. Ground turkey or chicken can replace the Italian sausage. If you want a stronger flavor, try using chorizo. You can even go vegetarian and use lentils or mushrooms for a hearty touch. Just ensure that whatever meat you choose is cooked well, just like the sausage. This keeps the soup full of flavor. This creamy Parmesan sausage ditalini soup blends rich flavors and comforting textures. We explored key ingredients like Italian sausage, ditalini pasta, and fresh herbs. I shared steps for cooking and tips for enhancing flavor and saving time. You can customize this dish with different pasta and spices to suit your taste. Remember to store leftovers properly for future meals. Enjoy this hearty soup as a go-to for cold days or gatherings. It’s an easy recipe that warms the heart and fills the belly.

Creamy Parmesan Sausage Ditalini Soup

A rich and creamy soup featuring Italian sausage, ditalini pasta, and Parmesan cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound Italian sausage (sweet or spicy, casings removed)
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 medium carrots, diced
  • 2 stalks celery, diced
  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup ditalini pasta
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Add the diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
  • Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Once boiling, add the ditalini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
  • Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy.
  • Season with thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper to taste. Let simmer for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Serve the soup in deep bowls and top with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant touch. Consider pairing it with crusty bread for dipping!
Keyword comfort food, Italian, soup