Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup

Warm up with a cozy bowl of this Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup – the perfect comfort food for those chilly evenings!

Ingredients:

• 1 lb Italian sausage
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 cup ditalini pasta
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish

Instructions:

• In a large pot, cook the Italian sausage over medium heat until browned. Add in the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until fragrant.
• Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes, bringing the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
• Stir in the ditalini pasta, cooking until al dente. Add in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, stirring until well combined.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil.

Popular Questions:

• Can I use a different type of pasta? Feel free to substitute ditalini with any small pasta shape you prefer.
• Can I use turkey sausage instead of Italian sausage? Yes, you can use turkey sausage for a leaner option.
• Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream? While the texture may be slightly different, you can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
• Can I freeze this soup? This soup freezes well, just be sure to cool it completely before placing in freezer-safe containers.
• Can I add vegetables like spinach or kale? Absolutely, feel free to add in any additional veggies you like.
• Can I use low-sodium chicken broth? Yes, you can use low-sodium chicken broth if you prefer to control the salt content.
• Can I add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick? Adding red pepper flakes is a great way to add some heat to this soup.
• Can I use freshly grated Parmesan cheese? Freshly grated Parmesan will give the soup a richer, more authentic flavor.
• Can I make this soup in a slow cooker? While this soup is best made on the stovetop, you can adapt it for a slow cooker by adjusting cooking times accordingly.

Helpful Tips:

• Add a splash of white wine for extra flavor.
• Top with a drizzle of olive oil before serving.
• Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color.
• For a heartier soup, add in some cooked cannellini beans.
• Experiment with different types of sausage for varied flavors.
• Try using vegetable broth for a vegetarian version of this soup.
• Serve with a side of crusty bread for dipping.
• Add a touch of balsamic vinegar for a tangy twist.
• Sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top for added heat.
• Feel free to customize this soup with your favorite toppings like croutons or shredded cheese.

Expert Secrets:

• Use freshly ground black pepper for enhanced flavor.
• Cook the pasta separately and add it to each bowl of soup to prevent it from becoming mushy.
• Let the soup simmer for longer to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully.
• Use high-quality Parmesan cheese for the best taste and texture.
• Don’t skimp on the heavy cream for a truly decadent soup experience.
• Adjust the seasoning throughout the cooking process to ensure the perfect balance of flavors.
• For a thicker soup, reduce the amount of chicken broth used.
• Gently heat the heavy cream before adding it to the soup to prevent curdling.
• Garnish with a sprinkle of freshly grated nutmeg for a warm, aromatic flavor.
• Don’t forget to taste and adjust the salt and pepper at the end to suit your preferences.