Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup is the ultimate comfort food, combining rich flavors and creamy textures that warm your soul. This delightful dish brings together Italian sausage, ditalini pasta, and fresh vegetables, creating a hearty meal perfect for busy evenings. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy meal on a chilly day, this soup has you covered!
Why You’ll Love This Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup
This Italian sausage soup is not just delicious; it’s also packed with benefits! Here are a few reasons why this recipe is a must-try:
- Quick and Easy: With a total prep and cook time of just 40 minutes, you can whip this up even on your busiest nights.
- Hearty and Filling: The combination of ditalini pasta and Italian sausage makes for a satisfying meal that keeps you full.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with vegetables like spinach and carrots, this soup provides essential nutrients.
- Comforting: Perfect for cold weather, this hearty Italian sausage soup is sure to warm you up.
- Versatile: Customize it with your favorite vegetables or add beans for extra protein.
- Great for Meal Prep: Make a large batch and store leftovers for quick lunches or dinners.
Ingredients for Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup
Gather these items:
- 1 lb Italian sausage (choose mild or hot based on preference)
- 1 medium yellow onion (can substitute with white onion)
- 2 medium carrots (can be swapped with parsnips)
- 2 celery stalks (optional if unavailable)
- 3 cloves garlic (fresh garlic recommended)
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning (or use oregano and basil)
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for mild flavor)
- 6 cups chicken broth (vegetable broth for vegetarian option)
- 1 cup ditalini pasta (can substitute with small pasta shape)
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half, or coconut milk for dairy-free)
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated recommended)
- 2 cups fresh spinach (can substitute with kale or Swiss chard)
- to taste salt (consider salt levels in sausage and broth)
- to taste black pepper
- for garnish extra Parmesan and fresh parsley (for presentation)
How to Make Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Brown the Italian sausage in a large pot over medium heat, breaking it into crumbles. Cook for about 8-10 minutes until browned and drain excess grease.
- Step 2: Add diced onion, carrots, and celery, sautéing for 5-7 minutes until tender. Stir in minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes, cooking for an additional minute.
- Step 3: Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer, cooking for 10 minutes to meld flavors.
- Step 4: Add ditalini pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes or until tender, stirring occasionally.
- Step 5: Reduce heat to low, stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, mixing until cheese melts and soup is creamy. Add spinach until wilted, about 2 minutes, then season to taste.
- Step 6: Ladle into bowls and garnish with extra Parmesan and parsley. Serve immediately.
Pro Tips for the Best Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup
Keep these in mind:
- Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
- Adjust the cream for a lighter version; coconut milk works well for a dairy-free option.
- Don’t overcook the pasta; it should be al dente.
- For added richness, consider topping your soup with a drizzle of olive oil before serving.
Best Ways to Serve Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup
This comforting sausage ditalini soup can be served with a variety of sides:
- Pair it with crusty bread for a satisfying meal. Ciabatta bread is a great choice!
- Top with fresh herbs like basil or parsley for an extra burst of flavor.
- Serve alongside a simple green salad to balance the richness of the soup. A Mediterranean salad pairs nicely.
How to Store and Reheat Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through. This soup also freezes well; just make sure to leave out the cream until you reheat it!
Frequently Asked Questions About Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup
What’s the secret to perfect Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup?
The secret lies in the balance of flavors and textures. Using high-quality Italian sausage and fresh vegetables enhances the taste, while the ditalini pasta provides the perfect bite. Don’t forget to season well!
Can I make Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! This soup is perfect for meal prep. You can make it a day in advance and store it in the fridge. The flavors will meld beautifully overnight, making it even more delicious!
How do I avoid common mistakes with Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup?
To avoid common mistakes, be careful not to overcook the pasta, as it can become mushy. Also, taste and adjust seasoning throughout the cooking process for the best flavor!
Variations of Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup You Can Try
Here are some tasty variations:
- Add beans for extra protein and fiber, making this a healthy Italian sausage and ditalini soup.
- Incorporate seasonal vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for a fresh twist.
- For a creamy version, try adding cream cheese instead of heavy cream for a different texture.
- Make it spicy by adding jalapeños or more red pepper flakes.
Cozy Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup for Comforting Nights
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup is a comforting, savory dish that combines rich flavors and creamy texture, perfect for busy evenings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage (choose mild or hot based on preference)
- 1 medium yellow onion (can substitute with white onion)
- 2 medium carrots (can be swapped with parsnips)
- 2 celery stalks (optional if unavailable)
- 3 cloves garlic (fresh garlic recommended)
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning (or use oregano and basil)
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for mild flavor)
- 6 cups chicken broth (vegetable broth for vegetarian option)
- 1 cup ditalini pasta (can substitute with small pasta shape)
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half, or coconut milk for dairy-free)
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated recommended)
- 2 cups fresh spinach (can substitute with kale or Swiss chard)
- to taste salt (consider salt levels in sausage and broth)
- to taste black pepper
- for garnish extra Parmesan and fresh parsley (for presentation)
Instructions
- Brown the Italian sausage in a large pot over medium heat, breaking it into crumbles. Cook for about 8-10 minutes until browned and drain excess grease.
- Add diced onion, carrots, and celery, sautéing for 5-7 minutes until tender. Stir in minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes, cooking for an additional minute.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer, cooking for 10 minutes to meld flavors.
- Add ditalini pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes or until tender, stirring occasionally.
- Reduce heat to low, stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, mixing until cheese melts and soup is creamy. Add spinach until wilted, about 2 minutes, then season to taste.
- Ladle into bowls and garnish with extra Parmesan and parsley. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
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