Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup

Description:

This Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup is a rich and hearty dish filled with Italian sausage, tender ditalini pasta, and a savory Parmesan cream broth. It’s the perfect comfort food, packed with flavors of garlic, herbs, and cheesy goodness.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) Italian sausage (mild or spicy, depending on preference)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
• 6 cups (1.5 liters) chicken broth
• 1 can (14.5 oz/400g) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup (180g) ditalini pasta (or any small pasta)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
• 1 cup (100g) grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Brown the Sausage:

• In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the sausage from the pot and set aside, leaving a bit of fat in the pot.

2. Sauté the Aromatics:

• In the same pot, add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the garlic, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes, and sauté for another minute until fragrant.

3. Add Broth and Tomatoes:

• Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes (with their juice). Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes.

4. Cook the Pasta:

• Stir in the ditalini pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

5. Add Cream and Parmesan:

• Once the pasta is cooked, reduce the heat to low. Stir in the cooked sausage, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes until the soup is creamy and the cheese has melted.

6. Season and Serve:

• Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or basil, if desired.

Total Time:

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 6 servings):

• Calories: 480
• Total Fat: 30g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
• Cholesterol: 80mg
• Sodium: 1200mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 27g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 4g
• Protein: 24g

Notes:

• Pasta Cooking: If you prefer the soup less thick, you can cook the pasta separately and add it to the soup just before serving to avoid it absorbing too much broth.
• Cheese Options: For an extra cheesy flavor, feel free to add more Parmesan or even a handful of shredded mozzarella or provolone.
• Storage: This soup keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth or cream to thin if needed.

This Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup is a one-pot wonder that’s sure to warm you up and satisfy any cravings for a hearty, creamy, and savory meal!