Description
This comforting and hearty soup features Italian sausage, creamy Parmesan, and ditalini pasta, perfect for a cozy meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium carrot, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 ½ cups ditalini pasta (uncooked)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook for 6-8 minutes until browned, then remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, add the diced onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
- Add chicken broth and diced tomatoes to the pot, bring to a simmer, then add Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 10-15 minutes.
- Add uncooked ditalini pasta and simmer for another 10-12 minutes until pasta is tender.
- Reduce heat to low, stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Stir in the cooked sausage, let simmer for an additional 5 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley.
Notes
For a thicker soup, reduce the amount of broth slightly and simmer longer. Fresh herbs can enhance flavor when added just before serving.