Description
This creamy soup combines savory Italian sausage, hearty ditalini pasta, and rich Parmesan cheese for a comforting meal that’s easy to make.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium carrot, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cups chicken broth (preferably low sodium)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 1/2 cups ditalini pasta, uncooked
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, and cook for 6 to 8 minutes until browned and cooked through, then scoop the sausage out and set aside.
- In the same pot, add the diced onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté in the remaining sausage drippings for about 5 to 7 minutes until softened. Stir occasionally to avoid burning, then add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and the diced tomatoes with their juices. Stir to combine and bring the pot to a simmer over medium-high heat. Once simmering, add the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper, and let the soup simmer for 10 to 15 minutes to let flavors mingle.
- Add the uncooked ditalini to the pot, stirring to distribute evenly in the broth. Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes until the pasta is tender. Stir occasionally.
- Turn the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream until the soup is silky and smooth. Add the grated Parmesan and stir until fully melted.
- Return the cooked sausage to the pot, stirring to distribute evenly. Let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes to heat through. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, then ladle into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley.
Notes
For a chunkier version, add diced potatoes during the simmering step. This soup freezes well if you keep the pasta separate. Use fresh Parmesan for better melting and flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: soup, Italian sausage, ditalini, comfort food, creamy soup