Description
This Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup is a hearty and comforting dish combining savory Italian sausage, tender ditalini pasta, and a rich creamy broth enriched with Parmesan cheese and fresh greens. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this soup is packed with flavor and easy to prepare in about 45 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 1 lb Italian sausage (sweet or spicy)
Vegetables
- 1 medium onion (chopped)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 cups spinach or kale (chopped)
Dry Goods & Pasta
- 1 cup ditalini pasta
Liquids & Dairy
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
Others
- Fresh herbs (basil and parsley) for garnish
- Olive oil (for sautéing, about 2 tablespoons)
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, heat about 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant, making sure not to burn it.
- Cook Sausage: Crumble the Italian sausage into the pot and cook until it’s nicely browned and cooked through, stirring occasionally to break up the pieces, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in the vegetable broth, scraping the bottom of the pot with a spoon to loosen any browned bits stuck to the bottom. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer to develop flavor.
- Cook Pasta: Add the ditalini pasta to the simmering broth. Cook uncovered until the pasta is al dente, which should take approximately 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Incorporate Cream and Cheese: Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well until the soup is smooth and creamy, allowing the cheese to melt completely.
- Add Greens and Herbs: Stir in the chopped spinach or kale along with fresh basil and parsley. Cook just until the greens have wilted, about 2-3 minutes, to retain their vibrant color and nutrients.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot for a rich, comforting meal.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, use spicy Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes.
- Substitute kale or spinach based on preference or availability.
- If you want a thicker soup, let it simmer a bit longer after adding the cream.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and smooth melting.
- To make this soup gluten-free, substitute ditalini pasta with gluten-free pasta or omit the pasta entirely.
