Description
Hearty parmesan italian sausage ditalini soup warms winter evenings with rich Mediterranean flavors. Robust ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a comforting meal you will savor to the last spoonful.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 1 pound (454 grams) Italian sausage, casings removed
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 ounces/411 grams) diced tomatoes, drained
Liquids and Dairy:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
Pasta and Cheese:
- 1 cup small pasta (ditalini or elbow)
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Herbs and Seasonings:
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Brown the Italian sausage in a large pot with olive oil over medium heat, breaking it into crumbles until fully cooked and golden. Transfer the sausage to a separate plate.
- Using the same pot, sauté diced onions and minced garlic until the onions become translucent and fragrant, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Pour in drained diced tomatoes, chicken broth, dried basil, and dried oregano. Increase heat and bring the liquid to a rolling boil.
- Add ditalini pasta to the boiling mixture, stirring occasionally and cooking for 8-10 minutes until the pasta reaches an al dente texture.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and slowly incorporate heavy cream and shredded Parmesan cheese, gently stirring until the cheese melts and creates a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Reintroduce the reserved cooked sausage into the soup, mixing thoroughly to distribute evenly. Season with salt and pepper according to personal taste preferences.
- Carefully ladle the hot soup into serving bowls, garnishing with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant finishing touch.
Notes
- Swap sausage with plant-based alternatives like crumbled tofu or vegetarian sausage for a meat-free version that keeps the rich, hearty flavor profile.
- Control sodium levels by using low-sodium chicken broth and monitoring salt added during seasoning to make the soup heart-friendly.
- Enhance protein content by adding white beans or lentils, which blend seamlessly with the creamy texture and provide extra nutritional value.
- Achieve maximum flavor by browning sausage thoroughly and using freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead of pre-packaged varieties for a more robust taste experience.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 502
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 950 mg
- Fat: 37 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 23 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg