Description
This comforting soup features savory Italian sausage, tender ditalini pasta, and a luxuriously creamy broth enriched with Parmesan cheese and aromatic herbs. Perfect for chilly evenings, this hearty dish delivers a satisfying blend of textures and flavors that will warm you from the inside out.
Ingredients
For the Soup:
• 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, according to preference)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
For the Creamy Finish:
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Additional:
• 1 cup ditalini pasta
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Sausage: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Remove the sausage from its casing and cook until well browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Transfer the sausage to a bowl and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Build the Base: Return the browned sausage to the pot. Pour in the chicken broth and add dried oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Cook the Pasta: Add the ditalini pasta and cook until al dente, about 8–10 minutes.
- Finish Creamy: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, allowing the cheese to melt and the soup to turn velvety and smooth. Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Garnish & Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh chopped parsley, and serve hot.
Notes
For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine when sautéing the vegetables.
• If you prefer a thicker consistency, let the soup simmer a few minutes longer after adding the cream.
• This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a light salad.
• To adapt for gluten-free diets, simply use gluten-free pasta.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (~1.5 cups)
- Calories: : ~350 kcal
- Sugar: ~4 g
- Sodium: ~900 mg
- Fat: ~22 g
- Saturated Fat: ~25 g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~3 g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: ~18 g
- Fiber: ~60 mg
- Protein: ~18 g
- Cholesterol: ~60 mg