Description
A warm, creamy soup with savory Italian sausage, fresh vegetables, and cheesy goodness that makes for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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 chicken broth (preferably low-sodium)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) 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
- Cook the Italian Sausage: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart as it cooks. Sauté for 6-8 minutes until browned, then set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Using the leftover sausage drippings, sauté the diced onion, carrot, and celery for about 5-7 minutes until they soften. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
- Add the Broth and Tomatoes: Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes with their juices. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper, then let it simmer for 10-15 minutes.
- Cook the Pasta: Add the ditalini pasta to the pot, ensuring it’s evenly mixed in. Reduce heat to medium and simmer for an additional 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally until the pasta is tender.
- Add the Cream and Parmesan: Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream until smooth. Add the grated Parmesan and mix until melted into the soup, creating a rich texture.
- Finish and Serve: Return the cooked sausage to the pot and let the mixture heat through for another 5 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Ladle into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
Notes
For added depth of flavor, deglaze the pot with a splash of white wine after sautéing the sausage. Substitute half-and-half for a lighter version or add spinach for nutrition.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: soup, creamy, Italian sausage, ditalini, comfort food