Welcome, soup lovers! If you’re craving a comforting dish that warms the soul and fills the belly, our Gourmet Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup is a must-try. This delightful soup combines the rich, savory flavors of Italian sausage and creamy Parmesan cheese with the bite-sized goodness of Ditalini pasta, creating an inviting and satisfying experience that’s perfect for any dinner table. Whether you’re hosting a cozy family dinner or looking for an easy meal to impress guests, this creamy soup is sure to steal the show.
The beauty of this recipe lies not just in its flavor, but also in its simplicity. With straightforward instructions and easily accessible ingredients, you can whip up a pot of this delicious soup in no time. Everyone will be coming back for seconds as they savor the creamy, cheesy goodness mixed with tender vegetables and hearty pasta. Plus, it’s a versatile dish that can be adapted to cater to different dietary needs, from gluten-free options to vegetarian substitutions.
So, buckle up for a recipe that not only satisfies but also brings people together, making dinner time so much more special with every warm bowl served. Let’s dive into the reasons why you’ll love this Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup!
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup
- Rich and Creamy Texture: The heavy cream combined with Parmesan cheese creates a luscious mouthfeel.
- Flavorful Ingredients: The Italian sausage adds a depth of flavor that complements the freshness of the vegetables.
- Easy to Make: This soup is relatively simple and quick to prepare, even for those who aren’t seasoned cooks.
- Versatile Dish: Easily customize it with your favorite vegetables or protein sources.
- Perfect for All Occasions: Whether it’s a chilly evening or a gathering with friends, this soup works beautifully for either scenario.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
To ensure your cooking experience is smooth and effective, prepping your kitchen and gathering the right tools is essential. Before you start this creamy Parmesan Italian sausage ditalini soup recipe, make sure to have all your ingredients measured and ready to go. This includes finely chopping your onions and garlic and dicing your carrots and celery. Having a clean workspace will help keep your focus on the cooking rather than scrambling for ingredients.
You’ll need a large stockpot to cook the soup, a slotted spoon for removing the sausage, and a whisk for blending the chicken broth smoothly with the flour. A cutting board and sharp knife are also necessary for efficient vegetable prep. If you have an immersion blender, although not necessary, it can also help give the soup an even silkier texture if you want to blend some of the vegetables after cooking.
Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, based on your preference)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups cooked Ditalini pasta
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Sausage
Begin by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage into the pot, using a wooden spoon to break it into small pieces as it cooks. Keep an eye on it as it browns, ensuring it’s fully cooked through before removing it from the pot with a slotted spoon. Setting it aside will allow the flavors to infuse into the other ingredients as the soup cooks.
Step 2: Sauté Vegetables
In the same pot, with the remnants of the sausage still lingering, add the finely chopped onions, minced garlic, diced carrots, and diced celery. Sauté these aromatic vegetables for about 5 minutes until they soften and become fragrant. This step not only enhances the flavor but also builds a delicious base for your soup.
Step 3: Add Flour and Stir
Next, sprinkle the flour over the sautéed vegetables, stirring well to coat them evenly. Let the flour cook for approximately 2 minutes. This step will help thicken your soup later, but be sure to keep stirring constantly to prevent any burning.
Step 4: Add Chicken Broth
With the flour blended in, gradually whisk in the chicken broth, ensuring to eliminate any lumps. Increase the heat slightly to bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and allow the broth to simmer, which will help meld the flavors together beautifully.
Step 5: Stir in Cream and Cheese
Now it’s time to add a touch of richness! Pour in the heavy cream, followed by the grated Parmesan cheese, dried basil, and oregano. Stir the soup to combine all these delightful ingredients and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the creamy cheese flavor to permeate the entire dish.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sausage
Add the cooked Ditalini pasta and browned sausage back into the pot. Stir thoroughly until everything is well mixed. Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting according to your preference. Allow the soup to simmer for a few extra minutes, just long enough to heat everything through.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Your soup is now ready! Serve it hot in bowls, garnished with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of black pepper for an added touch of flavor. This final step not only enhances the presentation but also gives a fresh contrast to the creamy soup.
Variations
- Protein: Feel free to substitute the Italian sausage with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Vegetables: Add spinach or kale for extra nutrition and color. You can also swap in seasonal vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers.
- Spices: Enhance the flavor with crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick or try adding some Italian seasoning for additional depth.
Cooking Notes
- For those following a gluten-free diet, simply swap the regular Ditalini pasta for your favorite gluten-free pasta.
- This soup can be made ahead of time; just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat when needed. It also freezes well if stored properly.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair the soup with crusty bread for dipping to complete the meal.
- Consider serving a fresh side salad to add a refreshing element alongside the rich, creamy soup.
Tips
- Always taste and adjust seasoning as you go — flavors can often develop more over time.
- If you want an even creamier texture, you can blend some of the soup with an immersion blender and then return it to the pot before adding the pasta.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 430 per serving
- Protein: 20 grams
- Sodium: 850 mg
FAQs
Can I freeze the Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well! Just allow it to cool, then transfer it to airtight containers before freezing.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make this soup vegetarian, you can eliminate the sausage and substitute it with mushrooms or lentils as protein sources.
What should I serve with this soup?
This hearty soup goes well with crusty bread, a fresh salad, or even a side of garlic knots for a comforting meal.
Can I use other types of cheese?
Absolutely! While Parmesan adds a unique flavor, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Mozzarella or Gouda for different tastes.
Conclusion
This Gourmet Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup combines rich flavors and hearty ingredients to create a dish that not only fills you up but also warms your heart. Its creamy texture and savory notes make it a perfect choice for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends. Plus, its ease of preparation allows you to enjoy it without spending hours in the kitchen. We encourage you to try this recipe, maybe even put your twist on it, and share your results with family and friends. Dive into the delightful world of flavors and let this soup be a comforting staple in your kitchen!
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Gourmet Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Gourmet Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup is a rich and comforting dish perfect for chilly evenings or family gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, based on your preference)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups cooked Ditalini pasta
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Begin by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage into the pot, using a wooden spoon to break it into small pieces as it cooks. Keep an eye on it as it browns, ensuring it’s fully cooked through before removing it from the pot with a slotted spoon. Setting it aside will allow the flavors to infuse into the other ingredients as the soup cooks.
- In the same pot, with the remnants of the sausage still lingering, add the finely chopped onions, minced garlic, diced carrots, and diced celery. Sauté these aromatic vegetables for about 5 minutes until they soften and become fragrant. This step not only enhances the flavor but also builds a delicious base for your soup.
- Next, sprinkle the flour over the sautéed vegetables, stirring well to coat them evenly. Let the flour cook for approximately 2 minutes. This step will help thicken your soup later, but be sure to keep stirring constantly to prevent any burning.
- With the flour blended in, gradually whisk in the chicken broth, ensuring to eliminate any lumps. Increase the heat slightly to bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and allow the broth to simmer, which will help meld the flavors together beautifully.
- Now it’s time to add a touch of richness! Pour in the heavy cream, followed by the grated Parmesan cheese, dried basil, and oregano. Stir the soup to combine all these delightful ingredients and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the creamy cheese flavor to permeate the entire dish.
- Add the cooked Ditalini pasta and browned sausage back into the pot. Stir thoroughly until everything is well mixed. Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting according to your preference. Allow the soup to simmer for a few extra minutes, just long enough to heat everything through.
- Your soup is now ready! Serve it hot in bowls, garnished with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of black pepper for an added touch of flavor. This final step not only enhances the presentation but also gives a fresh contrast to the creamy soup.
Notes
This soup can be made ahead of time; just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat when needed. It also freezes well if stored properly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 430 kcal
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Protein: 20 g