This creamy soup is a warm hug in a bowl! With Italian sausage and ditalini pasta, it’s rich and hearty. Plus, the parmesan adds a tasty twist that you’ll love.
Honestly, my favorite part is how simple it is to whip up. Just cook, stir, and enjoy! Perfect for a cozy night in. And yes, seconds are totally allowed! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Italian sausage: The sausage shines in this soup, bringing in great flavor. You can use either mild or spicy based on your preference. For a lighter version, turkey or chicken sausage works too!
Ditalini pasta: This small pasta shape is perfect for soups. If you can’t find it, try small shells or elbow macaroni as suitable substitutes. Just remember to adjust cooking times accordingly!
Heavy cream: Cream gives the soup its signature richness. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or whole milk. Just know it won’t be quite as thick and creamy.
Spinach: Fresh spinach adds a nice color and health boost. If you’re out of fresh spinach, consider frozen spinach (thawed and drained) or kale for a different twist!
How Do I Ensure the Soup Has Perfect Flavor and Consistency?
Getting the flavor right is key for this soup. Start by browning the sausage well; those tasty bits stuck to the pot will add depth when you deglaze with the broth. And sautéing the onions and carrots until soft will build a solid base for flavor.
- Cook the sausage until it’s nicely browned, then set aside. Let those delightful brown bits remain in the pot!
- Sauté onions and carrots in the same pot, allowing them to tenderize and absorb flavors from the sausage.
- When adding the broth, scrape the bottom of the pot to mix in those tasty bits. This adds to the overall flavor profile!
- Stir in the cream over low heat to prevent curdling, and remember to gradually add the Parmesan for that silky finish.
Easy Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 1 cup ditalini pasta
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious soup will take about 10 minutes of prep time and around 20 minutes of cooking time, making the total time approximately 30 minutes. Perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Sausage:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and break it into bite-sized pieces as it cooks. Sauté until it’s nicely browned and fully cooked through, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove the sausage from the pot and set it aside for later.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same pot, add the chopped onion and diced carrots. Cook them for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until they soften. Next, add the minced garlic and Italian seasoning, and let everything cook for another 1-2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant, filling your kitchen with a lovely aroma!
3. Add Broth and Pasta:
Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add the ditalini pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually around 7-9 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
4. Mix in Cream and Spinach:
Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the heavy cream, the cooked sausage, and the chopped spinach. Let the soup simmer for about 3-5 minutes until the spinach wilts and the soup is heated through. Stir well to combine all the flavors!
5. Add Cheese and Season:
Now it’s time to add the grated Parmesan cheese! Mix it in until it’s melted and nicely incorporated into the soup. Don’t forget to taste it and add salt and pepper as needed to enhance the flavors.
6. Serve and Garnish:
Finally, ladle the soup into bowls. Top each bowl with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a lovely finishing touch. Enjoy your warm, comforting soup!
Serve with some crusty bread or rolls on the side for a complete meal. Enjoy your cozy, creamy, comforting soup!
Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?
Absolutely! If you can’t find ditalini, feel free to use small shells, elbow macaroni, or even fusilli. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you choose to ensure it’s cooked al dente!
How Can I Make This Soup Lighter?
If you want a lighter version, you can swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or even whole milk. Just keep in mind that the soup may not be as rich and creamy, but it’ll still be delicious!
What Should I Do If I Have Leftovers?
Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen it up if it thickens too much.
Can I Make This Soup Vegan?
Yes, you can! Substitute the Italian sausage with a plant-based sausage, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Replace the heavy cream with coconut milk or a cashew cream for a creamy texture without dairy!
