Hearty and Creamy Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup
why make this recipe
Hearty and Creamy Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup is a comforting dish perfect for any season. It combines the rich flavors of Italian sausage with fresh vegetables and creamy goodness. This soup provides warmth and satisfaction, making it great for family dinners or gatherings. Plus, it’s quick to prepare, ensuring you can enjoy a delicious homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Hearty and Creamy Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add Italian sausage, breaking it into small pieces, and cook until browned, about 5–7 minutes. Remove sausage and set aside.
- In the same pot, sauté diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery until onions are translucent and vegetables begin to soften, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in dried oregano and basil; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add diced tomatoes with juice, chicken broth, and water. Stir and bring to a simmer.
- Reduce heat and return cooked sausage to the pot. Simmer gently for 20 minutes to blend flavors.
- Add ditalini pasta and cook for 10–12 minutes, until pasta is al dente.
- Stir in heavy cream and chopped spinach. Cook 3–4 minutes until spinach wilts and soup is heated through.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan and chopped parsley.
Nutrition
Notes
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Let us know how it was!how to make Hearty and Creamy Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup
Ingredients:
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or hot, according to preference)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 can (28 ounces) diced tomatoes, with juice
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup ditalini pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- Parmesan cheese, grated (for serving)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Step-By-Step Instructions:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside.
- In the same pot, add the diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté until the onions are translucent and the vegetables are beginning to soften, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the dried oregano and basil, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the can of diced tomatoes, with their juice, to the pot. Also, pour in the chicken broth and water. Stir well to combine, bringing the mixture to a simmer.
- Reduce the heat to low and return the cooked sausage to the pot. Let the soup simmer gently for about 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Add the ditalini pasta to the pot and cook for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente.
- Stir in the heavy cream and chopped spinach. Continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes, just until the spinach has wilted and the soup is heated through.
- Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve the soup hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. Enjoy your hearty and creamy creation!
how to serve Hearty and Creamy Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup
To serve this soup, ladle it into bowls and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley for garnish. This adds a nice touch of flavor and color. Pair the soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
how to store Hearty and Creamy Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup
To store leftovers, allow the soup to cool completely. Transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. For longer storage, you can freeze the soup in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. When reheating, add a little extra water or broth, as the pasta will absorb some liquid.
tips to make Hearty and Creamy Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup
- For a lighter soup, use turkey sausage instead of Italian sausage.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for added nutrition.
- Make sure to taste and adjust the seasoning before serving. Every sausage brand can differ in saltiness.
variation
If you prefer a spicier soup, opt for hot Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes. You can also substitute ditalini with other small pasta shapes like orzo or macaroni.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen spinach. Just make sure to thaw and drain it before adding it to the soup.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can cook the soup in a slow cooker. Brown the sausage and sauté the vegetables in a skillet before transferring everything to the slow cooker. Set it on low for 6-8 hours.
Is it possible to make this soup dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative. Just make sure to check the flavors align with your preferences.
