Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup
Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup is a delightful, hearty dish that warms the soul and satisfies the appetite. This comforting soup combines savory Italian sausage with vibrant vegetables and tender ditalini pasta, bathed in a rich chicken broth infused with aromatic seasonings. The creamy finish, highlighted by a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, makes each spoonful a delightful experience. Whether you’re seeking a quick weeknight meal or a cozy dish to share with loved ones, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your home.
Preparing this soup is not only a treat for the taste buds but also an easy endeavor that can be completed in under an hour. The step-by-step nature of this recipe ensures that even novice cooks can achieve a flavorful result without any stress. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you’ll find joy in every aspect of making this dish—perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup is packed with benefits that make it a go-to choice for any evening meal. First and foremost, its easy preparation means you can whip it up even on the busiest of nights. The one-pot nature of the dish minimizes clean-up while maximizing flavor, making it a practical choice for families.
The dish is also incredibly family-friendly, appealing to both children and adults alike. With its comforting and familiar flavors, it’s a recipe that makes everyone feel at home. Moreover, the use of minimal ingredients doesn’t skimp on taste, which means you can enjoy a delicious meal without any complicated grocery shopping.
In just under an hour, you can have a warm, hearty soup on the table, making it perfect for weeknights or lazy weekends alike. Let’s dive into what you’ll need to recreate this delectable dish!
Ingredients for Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup
Gather the following ingredients to make your own Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup:
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy): Adds a rich, flavorful base.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing and adding healthy fats.
- 1 onion, chopped: Brings sweetness and depth to the soup.
- 2 carrots, diced: Adds color, sweetness, and nutrition.
- 2 celery stalks, diced: Enhances flavor and crunch.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses a warm, aromatic essence.
- 6 cups chicken broth: The soul of the soup, providing rich flavor.
- 1 Parmesan rind (optional, highly recommended): Deepens the umami taste.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that elevates the flavor.
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste): Enhances the other ingredients.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle heat.
- 1 ½ cups ditalini pasta: The perfect size to soak up the broth.
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: For that creamy, cheesy finish.
- ½ cup heavy cream (optional): For a richer, creamier soup.
- Fresh parsley for garnish: Brightens the dish and adds a pop of color.
Step-by-Step Directions
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Heat the oil: In a large pot, pour in the olive oil and set it over medium-high heat. Wait for it to shimmer before proceeding.
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Brown the sausage: Add the Italian sausage to the pot, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. Let it brown for about 6–7 minutes or until fully cooked.
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Sauté vegetables: Once the sausage is cooked, stir in the chopped onion, diced carrots, and celery. Cook this mixture for about 5–6 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
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Add garlic: Toss in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, allowing the garlic’s aroma to intensify.
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Pour in the broth: Carefully pour the 6 cups of chicken broth into the pot. Add the Parmesan rind, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes.
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Cook the pasta: After the simmering period, add the ditalini pasta to the soup. Cook for 8–10 minutes or until the pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally.
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Finish the soup: Remove the Parmesan rind and stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. If you’re opting for a creamier texture, add the heavy cream at this point. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
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Serve hot: Ladle the soup into bowls, garnishing with extra Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Tips & Tricks
To elevate your Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup, consider the following chef’s secrets:
- Use high-quality Italian sausage for the best flavor—opt for either mild or spicy based on your preference.
- When adding the pasta, reserve a little broth if you find that the soup thickens too much as it cools.
- For added richness, consider sautéing the vegetables in the rendered fat from the sausage for extra flavor.
- If you love a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the Italian seasoning.
- Enhance the presentation by using freshly grated Parmesan on top right before serving for an Italian touch.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Pair your Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup with freshly baked bread or a side salad to create a complete, satisfying meal. A crunchy ciabatta or garlic bread is perfect for dipping into the savory broth. For an extra touch, serve it alongside a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette. The freshness of the salad contrasts beautifully with the richness of the soup, ensuring a delightful dining experience.
Nutritional Information
Each serving of this flavorful soup is not only delicious but can also be packed with nutrients:
- Calories: Approximately 350 calories per serving (without heavy cream).
- Protein: Rich in protein from the sausage and cheese.
- Carbohydrates: Contains essential carbs from the ditalini pasta and vegetables.
- Fats: Healthy fats from olive oil and cream (if included).
If you’re watching your caloric intake, you can reduce the cheese or cream or substitute with a lighter version.
Storing Tips & Variations for Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup
This soup can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it perfect for meal prep. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Reheat gently over medium heat, adding a splash of broth if needed to loosen the texture.
Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the soup in individual portions. It will keep well for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then gently reheat in a pot.
Variations: Want to get creative? Substitute the ditalini pasta with any short pasta you have on hand, like elbow macaroni or shells. For a lighter version, replace heavy cream with Greek yogurt for creaminess without the calories.
Conclusion for Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup
Don’t wait any longer to experience the warmth and comfort of this Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup. With its hearty ingredients and simple preparation, you’re just a few steps away from serving a bowl of happiness to your family. Make this your go-to recipe for chilly evenings or casual dinners, and let the rich flavors and hearty textures bring everyone together!
FAQs
1. Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the Italian sausage with plant-based sausage or roasted vegetables for a delicious vegetarian version.
2. How can I adjust the spiciness?
Choose mild sausage or adjust the amount of Italian seasoning. Avoid adding any spicy toppings if you prefer a milder flavor.
3. What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.
4. Can I add more vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers to enhance the nutrition and add more color to your soup.
5. Is it possible to make this soup in advance?
Yes! Prepare the soup a day ahead and reheat before serving. The flavors deepen as it sits, making it even tastier the next day.
Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A delightful and hearty soup combining savory Italian sausage, vibrant vegetables, and ditalini pasta in a rich chicken broth, finished with creamy Parmesan cheese.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 Parmesan rind (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 ½ cups ditalini pasta
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup heavy cream (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pot, pour in the olive oil and set it over medium-high heat. Wait for it to shimmer before proceeding.
- Add the Italian sausage to the pot, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. Let it brown for about 6–7 minutes or until fully cooked.
- Once the sausage is cooked, stir in the chopped onion, diced carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5–6 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Toss in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Carefully pour the chicken broth into the pot. Add the Parmesan rind, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Add the ditalini pasta and cook for 8–10 minutes or until al dente, stirring occasionally.
- Remove the Parmesan rind and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. If desired, add the heavy cream. Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary.
- Ladle the soup into bowls, garnishing with extra Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
For extra richness, sauté vegetables in rendered sausage fat. Reserve broth if soup thickens too much. Optional: add red pepper flakes for heat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
