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- Italian sausage (mild or spicy) - Fresh vegetables (onion, garlic, carrots, celery) - Canned tomatoes and broth - Ditalini pasta and cream - Seasonings and garnishes When I cook this creamy Parmesan Italian sausage ditalini soup, I love to use fresh ingredients. First, grab Italian sausage. You can choose mild or spicy, depending on your taste. The sausage gives a rich flavor to the soup. Next, gather fresh vegetables. I use one medium onion, two cloves of garlic, three diced carrots, and two diced celery stalks. These veggies add great texture and taste. They also make the soup colorful and inviting. You will need canned tomatoes and chicken broth. I prefer one can of diced tomatoes (14.5 oz) with juices. For broth, six cups of chicken broth work perfectly. This broth makes the soup hearty and comforting. Now, let’s talk about pasta. I use one cup of ditalini pasta. It’s small and fits well in the soup. For the creamy part, I add one cup of heavy cream. This makes the soup rich and smooth. Don’t forget the seasonings! You will need one teaspoon of Italian seasoning, plus salt and pepper for taste. Finally, fresh basil leaves make a lovely garnish at the end. For a complete guide, check the Full Recipe. 1. Sautéing the sausage and vegetables Start by heating a splash of olive oil in a big pot over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage. Use a spoon to break it up as it cooks. Aim for a nice brown color. Once cooked, take the sausage out and set it aside. Keep the tasty drippings in the pot. 2. Adding liquids and seasonings In the same pot, toss in the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook these veggies for about 5 to 7 minutes until they soften. Next, add the minced garlic. Stir for another minute until it smells great. Now, return the cooked sausage to the pot. Pour in the diced tomatoes and chicken broth. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning. Let it simmer gently for about 10 minutes. 3. Cooking the pasta and finishing with cream Stir in the ditalini pasta and cook until it's al dente, which should take 8 to 10 minutes. After that, lower the heat. Pour in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheese melts and the soup turns creamy. Season with salt and pepper to your taste. Finally, add the chopped spinach and stir until just wilted, about 2 minutes. For the full recipe, click here. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh basil leaves and extra Parmesan if you like. Enjoy! - Best practices for browning sausage: Start with a hot pot. This helps the sausage brown well. Break the sausage into small pieces for even cooking. Let it sit for a minute before stirring. This builds flavor and color. - Timing for vegetables and pasta: Add the onions, carrots, and celery first. Sauté them until soft, then add garlic for the last minute. This brings out the best taste. When adding ditalini pasta, check the cooking time on the package. It usually cooks in about 8 to 10 minutes. Stir it often to keep it from sticking. - Garnishing techniques with basil and cheese: Use fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and flavor. Tear them for a rustic look. Add extra Parmesan on top for creaminess. This makes the soup look fancy and inviting. - Pairing ideas for bread and salad: Serve with crusty bread for dipping. Garlic bread or a warm baguette works well. A light salad with greens and a simple vinaigrette balances the meal. This adds freshness and crunch to your soup experience. For the full recipe, check out the details above. Enjoy your cooking! {{image_2}} You can easily swap out some ingredients in this soup. If Italian sausage isn't your thing, try ground turkey or chicken. These options are leaner and still add great flavor. For a vegetarian twist, consider using plant-based sausage. When it comes to veggies, you can mix and match. Try bell peppers, zucchini, or even corn. These will add color and taste. If you need a dairy-free option, use coconut milk instead of heavy cream. This will keep the soup creamy without any dairy. To boost the flavor, think about adding spices. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add some heat. Or, toss in fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for an earthy touch. Cheese lovers can experiment with different cheeses. Try adding mozzarella for a stretchy texture or feta for a tangy kick. Each cheese will change the soup's flavor and richness. For even more depth, you might add a splash of lemon juice or a bit of balsamic vinegar. These bright flavors can balance the creaminess and make each bite exciting. For the full recipe, check out the details above. To keep your creamy Parmesan Italian sausage ditalini soup fresh, follow these tips: - Refrigeration: Store leftovers in the fridge within two hours of cooking. Use a shallow container for quick cooling. - Containers: Use airtight containers. Glass or BPA-free plastic works well. Label containers with the date for easy tracking. When it’s time to enjoy your soup again, here are some methods: - Stovetop Method: Pour the soup into a pot and heat over medium-low. Stir often to prevent sticking. This keeps the flavors intact. - Microwave Method: Transfer soup to a microwave-safe bowl. Cover loosely and heat in short intervals. Stir in between to warm evenly. Consider making this soup ahead of time. It tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Just follow the storage tips to keep it delicious! Can I use a different type of pasta? Yes, you can use other pasta shapes. Try small shells, elbows, or even orzo. Just adjust cooking time based on the pasta you choose. How do I make this soup thicker? To thicken your soup, you can add more heavy cream or grated cheese. You can also blend a portion of the soup and stir it back in for a creamier texture. What can I substitute for heavy cream? If you want a lighter option, use half-and-half or whole milk. For a dairy-free choice, coconut cream works well too. How long does this soup last in the fridge? This soup stays fresh for about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container for best results. Can I make this soup vegetarian? Yes, you can make this soup vegetarian. Replace the sausage with plant-based sausage or mushrooms for a hearty flavor. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. This blog post covered how to make a hearty soup using simple ingredients. We discussed the main components like sausage, fresh veggies, and pasta. I also shared tips for best cooking practices and serving ideas. You learned about variations and upgrades for flavors. Finally, proper storage and reheating methods maintain your soup's taste. Remember, cooking should be fun. Don’t hesitate to try new ingredients and make this soup your own! Enjoy the process and the delicious results.

Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup

Warm up your dinner routine with my Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup Delight! This hearty recipe is filled with rich flavors from Italian sausage, fresh vegetables, and creamy goodness. Perfect for cozy nights, I'll share easy steps to make this delicious dish along with tips and tasty variations. Ready to impress your taste buds? Click through to explore the full recipe and enjoy a bowl of comfort today!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, your choice)

1 medium onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

3 carrots, diced

2 celery stalks, diced

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)

6 cups chicken broth

1 cup ditalini pasta

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove the sausage and set aside, leaving the drippings in the pot.

    In the same pot, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes or until the vegetables are softened. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.

      Return the cooked sausage to the pot. Add the diced tomatoes (including juices), chicken broth, and Italian seasoning. Bring to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes.

        Stir in the ditalini pasta and continue to cook until the pasta is al dente, about 8-10 minutes more.

          Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

            Finally, add the chopped spinach and stir until just wilted, about 2 minutes.

              Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves and additional Parmesan if desired.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 min | 35 min | 6 servings

                  - Presentation Tips: Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle with extra Parmesan cheese and freshly cracked black pepper. Serve with crusty bread for dipping!