This creamy soup is a warm hug in a bowl! Packed with Italian sausage, ditalini pasta, and a sprinkle of parmesan, it’s super comforting and easy to make.
If you’re like me, you’ll want a second bowl! It’s hearty and full of flavor, perfect for chilly days. Just one pot, and you’re all set for dinner bliss! 🍲
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Italian Sausage: This is the heart of the soup! You can use either mild or spicy, depending on your heat preference. If you’re avoiding pork, turkey sausage or plant-based sausage are great alternatives.
Heavy Cream: The cream makes the soup rich and luscious. You can substitute half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version, but the soup may be less creamy. For non-dairy options, coconut cream works surprisingly well!
Ditalini Pasta: This small pasta is perfect for soups, but you could swap it for small shells, elbow macaroni, or even orzo if needed. Just adjust the cooking time based on the pasta type.
Spinach: Fresh spinach wilts nicely in the soup, but you can use kale or Swiss chard as alternatives. Frozen spinach can also work; just make sure to thaw and drain it well.
What’s the Best Way to Cook Italian Sausage for Soup?
Cooking Italian sausage properly makes a big difference in flavor and texture. Here’s how you can do it:
- Start with a large pot over medium heat and add olive oil. This helps keep the sausage from sticking.
- Remove casings from the sausage, then break it up with a wooden spoon while cooking.
- Cook until it’s fully browned, about 5-7 minutes. Browning adds great flavor!
- If there’s excess fat, you can drain it off, but leave a bit for flavor.
- Once browned, continue by adding veggies as in the recipe. This builds layers of flavor for your soup.
Using these techniques will ensure you’ll get the most flavor out of your sausage, giving your soup a hearty base!
Easy Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup ditalini pasta (small tube-shaped pasta)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (optional)
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful soup comes together in about 30 minutes! You’ll spend about 10 minutes prepping ingredients and then around 20 minutes cooking everything until it’s cozy and delicious. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Sausage:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon as you cook. Brown the sausage for about 5-7 minutes, until it’s nicely cooked through. If there’s any excess fat, you can drain it off, but leave a little to keep the flavor.
2. Add the Veggies:
Next, throw in the chopped onion, diced carrot, and diced celery. Stir everything together and cook for about 5 minutes. You want the vegetables softened and fragrant.
3. Sauté the Garlic:
Now, add the minced garlic to the pot, cooking for an additional 30 seconds. This will make your kitchen smell amazing!
4. Combine the Liquids:
Add the drained diced tomatoes and the chicken broth. If you’re using Italian seasoning, toss that in too. Stir well and bring the mixture to a boil.
5. Cook the Pasta:
Once it’s boiling, add the ditalini pasta. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente. Stir occasionally to keep it from sticking!
6. Make it Creamy:
Lower the heat gently and stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese until everything is combined and creamy. This is the part where it starts to look really delicious!
7. Add the Spinach:
Stir in the chopped spinach and cook for another 1-2 minutes, just until it wilts. It adds a lovely color and makes the soup even healthier!
8. Season and Serve:
Finally, taste your soup and season it with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your preference. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil or parsley if desired.
9. Enjoy!
Serve hot and enjoy this rich, creamy, and comforting Italian sausage soup alongside some crusty bread. Perfect for dipping!
Happy cooking and enjoy your meal!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Sausage?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a lighter alternative and will work well in this soup. You might want to add a bit more seasoning, like fennel or crushed red pepper, to mimic the flavor of Italian sausage.
How Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
To make this soup vegetarian, simply omit the sausage and use veggie broth instead of chicken broth. You can add more vegetables or even some plant-based protein like lentils or chickpeas for heartiness!
Can I Freeze Leftover Soup?
Yes, you can freeze this soup! Just be sure to cool it completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it in the fridge overnight, then warm it gently on the stove.
What Can I Serve with This Soup?
This creamy soup pairs perfectly with crusty bread or a side salad. You can also serve it with garlic bread or a light pasta salad for a complete meal!
