Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup

Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup

Cooking often comes with warm memories tied to family gatherings and cozy evenings. A steaming bowl of Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup brings back moments spent in the kitchen, laughing and telling stories over the bubbling pot. The aroma of Italian sausage sizzling mingles with the savory scent of garlic and onion, creating a welcoming atmosphere that invites everyone to gather.

This soup has the power to transform a simple dinner into a heartwarming experience. Its rich flavors and creamy texture delight the taste buds, making it one of those recipes that you find yourself craving again and again. As the comforting broth simmers and the ditalini pasta cooks to perfection, anticipation builds for that first delicious spoonful.

Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup serves up nostalgia with every bite. It’s quick to prepare, allowing for connection and conversation while sharing a meal. This recipe highlights the beauty of everyday ingredients combined effortlessly, ensuring it’s perfect for any night of the week.

Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup Fundamentals

Preparation/setup

Start by gathering all your ingredients. You’ll need 1 lb of Italian sausage, perfectly suited for adding depth to the soup. Choose between sweet or spicy sausage, depending on your preference. Next, you need 1 tablespoon of olive oil, which will enhance the flavors while sautéing the vegetables.

A small diced onion and two cloves of minced garlic join the mix, infusing the soup with aroma and taste. Don’t forget the 14.5 oz can of diced tomatoes, which you will drain and incorporate for a touch of acidity. Gather 2 quarts of chicken stock for the soup’s base to bring everything together.

Heavy cream adds the luscious texture we all love, using 1/2 cup to make the soup velvety. You can also prepare 1 cup of ditalini pasta to provide that perfect bite, complemented by 1/2 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese for rich flavor. Finally, season your dish with 1/2 teaspoon of dried basil, 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Fresh parsley will serve as a delightful garnish.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb Italian sausage (sweet or spicy)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes, drained
  • 2 quarts chicken stock
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup ditalini pasta
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 tsp dried basil
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

To start, heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon while cooking until it becomes nicely browned. Once cooked, remove the sausage and set it aside, letting the delectable drippings remain in the pot.

Next, add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté these ingredients until they soften and become fragrant, approximately 3-4 minutes. This step builds a flavor base that will elevate your soup profoundly.

Incorporate the drained diced tomatoes, chicken stock, dried basil, and dried oregano into the mixture. Return the browned sausage to the pot. Bring the entire concoction to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

After the simmering time, you’re ready to add the ditalini pasta. Cook it until it reaches the al dente stage, which should take about 8-10 minutes. As the pasta cooks, reduce the heat and stir in the heavy cream along with the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheese melts, creating a creamy consistency that delivers pure satisfaction.

Lastly, season your Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup with salt and pepper to your liking. Garnish with fresh parsley, and you’ve created a dish that’s perfect for sharing.

Technique for Making Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup

Tips/tricks

The key to achieving a flavorful soup lies in using high-quality ingredients. When selecting your Italian sausage, opt for one that uses fresh herbs and spices. This choice enhances the overall flavor profile of the dish significantly.

For the garlic, fresh cloves yield the best taste. If you have garlic powder on hand, it can serve as a last-minute substitute, but nothing beats the freshness of minced garlic. Additionally, consider using homemade chicken stock if available; it elevates the soup’s depth and richness.

Monitoring the pasta’s cooking time is crucial. You may want to undercook the ditalini slightly, as the pasta continues to absorb liquid after the heat is removed. This prevents the pasta from becoming too mushy when mixed with the creamy broth.

Portion control also plays a role. If you plan to store any leftovers, consider keeping the pasta separate from the soup. This step helps maintain the texture of the pasta and prevents it from becoming overly soft during refrigeration.

Perfecting Results with Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup

Troubleshooting/variations

While making Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup, you might encounter a few common issues. If the soup seems too thick after adding the cream and cheese, simply stir in a little extra chicken stock until you achieve your desired consistency.

For variations, consider adding different vegetables like spinach or kale for a nutritional boost. You can throw in some carrots or bell peppers along with the onions to introduce extra flavor and color.

A hint of heat can also add excitement. If you prefer a spicier soup, include red pepper flakes alongside the sausage or enhance the spice level of your Italian sausage.

If you find yourself with leftover soup, don’t fret. It often tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to develop. Just remember to check the seasoning again when reheating, as flavors can mellow out.

Serving and Storing Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup

Pairings/storage

Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup deserves an equally satisfying pairing. Enjoy it with a fresh salad or rustic bread for dipping, making the meal complete.

Storage is simple. Allow the soup to cool before transferring it into an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage—just be aware that the pasta may soften further when reheated.

When ready to serve leftovers, reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of chicken stock if needed to bring back the creaminess, ensuring each bowl feels as comforting as the first.

By indulging in this luscious and fulfilling soup, you nurture both body and soul. The process of creating Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup becomes a rewarding journey, delivering cherished moments and delicious memories around the table.

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Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup

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  • Author: chloe
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: N/A

Description

A comforting and hearty soup featuring Italian sausage, ditalini pasta, and rich flavors that bring warmth and nostalgia to family gatherings.


Ingredients

  • 1 lb Italian sausage (sweet or spicy)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes, drained
  • 2 quarts chicken stock
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup ditalini pasta
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 tsp dried basil
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)


Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon until browned. Remove and set aside, leaving drippings in the pot.
  2. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Incorporate the drained diced tomatoes, chicken stock, dried basil, and oregano. Return the sausage to the pot and bring to a gentle simmer for about 10 minutes.
  4. Add the ditalini pasta and cook until al dente, approximately 8-10 minutes.
  5. Reduce heat and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
  6. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

For a spicier soup, consider adding red pepper flakes. Store separately if saving leftovers to maintain pasta texture.

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