Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup

Instructions

1. Cook the Sausage:
   Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it into small crumbles, until browned and cooked through. Remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
   In the same pot, add the onion, carrot, and celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened. Add the garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Deglaze and Simmer:
   Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot for extra flavor. Return the cooked sausage to the pot and simmer for 15 minutes to blend the flavors.
4. Cook the Pasta:
   Meanwhile, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the ditalini pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
5. Add Cream and Cheese:
   Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Gradually add the Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until fully melted and incorporated.
6. Assemble the Soup:
   Stir in the cooked ditalini pasta just before serving. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
7. Serve and Garnish:
   Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese. Serve with crusty bread for dipping.

Storage Methods

1. Refrigeration:
   Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the pasta separate to maintain its texture.
2. Freezing:
   Freeze the soup without the pasta for up to 3 months. Add freshly cooked pasta when reheating to avoid mushiness. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating on the stovetop.

Variations

1. Low-Carb Version:
   Substitute the pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a keto-friendly option.
2. Vegetarian Adaptation:
   Replace the sausage with plant-based sausage or sautéed mushrooms and use vegetable broth.
3. Spicy Kick:
   Use hot Italian sausage and add extra crushed red pepper flakes for a spicier flavor.
4. Loaded Vegetable Soup:
   Include chopped spinach, kale, or peas to boost the nutritional content.
5. Herb-Forward:
   Add fresh basil or rosemary for a fragrant twist.

Benefits of Ingredients

1. Italian Sausage:
   A rich source of protein and spices, it infuses the soup with bold, savory flavors.
2. Ditalini Pasta:
   Provides a satisfying bite and is an excellent source of carbohydrates for energy.
3. Parmesan Cheese:
   Packed with calcium and umami flavor, it enhances the creaminess and depth of the soup.
4. Carrots and Celery:
   These classic soup vegetables add fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
5. Garlic:
   A natural immune booster with anti-inflammatory properties.
6. Heavy Cream:
   Adds richness and a velvety texture while contributing calcium and healthy fats.

Final Thoughts

Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup is the perfect marriage of comfort and indulgence. With its creamy texture, savory sausage, and tender pasta, it’s a dish that satisfies on every level. Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight dinner or a special family gathering, this soup is guaranteed to impress. Pair it with a crisp side salad or warm focaccia bread for a complete meal that feels like a warm embrace. Buon appetito!