Description
Comforting classic italian sausage ditalini soup brings hearty warmth to winter dining tables with rich, savory flavors. Packed with tender sausage, vegetables, and pasta, this rustic Italian recipe promises a satisfying meal that warms hearts and delights palates.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 pound (1 lb) Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
Vegetables:
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
Seasonings and Other Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1.5 cups ditalini pasta
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Extra grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Sizzle Italian sausage in a large pot over medium heat, methodically crumbling with a wooden spoon until golden brown and fully cooked. Drain excess fat, leaving a flavorful base.
- Introduce diced onion, carrots, and celery into the pot, sautéing for 5-7 minutes until vegetables soften and release aromatic essence. Incorporate minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and optional red pepper flakes, stirring until fragrant.
- Stream chicken broth into the vegetable-sausage mixture, elevating to a gentle simmer. Allow flavors to harmonize for 10 minutes, creating a robust foundation.
- Cascade ditalini pasta into the simmering liquid, cooking for 8-10 minutes until pasta reaches perfect al dente texture. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Reduce heat to low, whisk in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until sauce transforms into a luxurious, silky consistency. Fold fresh spinach into the soup, letting leaves delicately wilt for 2 minutes.
- Season with salt and black pepper, tasting and adjusting flavor profile. Ladle into warm bowls, crown with additional Parmesan and chopped parsley. Accompany with crusty bread for an indulgent dining experience.
Notes
- Choose lean Italian sausage to reduce overall fat content while maintaining rich flavor profile.
- Drain excess sausage fat thoroughly to prevent greasy soup texture and maintain clean taste.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels and customize seasoning according to personal preference.
- Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for lighter version without compromising creamy consistency.
- Add kale or Swiss chard instead of spinach for different nutrient-dense green vegetable option.
- Cook pasta separately and add just before serving to prevent overcooking and mushy texture.
- Freeze soup without cream and pasta, adding those components fresh when reheating for best quality.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 370 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg