This creamy Italian sausage ditalini soup is a warm hug in a bowl! It’s filled with tasty sausage, soft ditalini pasta, and fresh veggies. Perfect for chilly days!
I love how quick it is to whip up. Just brown the sausage, toss in some veggies, and let it all simmer together. It’s like a cozy Italian restaurant at home!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Italian Sausage: This ingredient gives the soup its rich, meaty flavor. You can use either mild or spicy sausage depending on your taste. If you’re looking for a healthier option, ground turkey or chicken sausage works great too!
Vegetables: Onions, carrots, and celery form the classic mirepoix base. If you don’t have celery, you could use bell peppers or even spinach for a different twist. They add great flavor and nutrition!
Heavy Cream: This makes the soup creamy and luxurious. If you want a lighter version, substitute with half-and-half, or for dairy-free, use coconut cream or almond milk. Just keep in mind the flavor may change slightly.
Ditalini Pasta: Ditalini is a fantastic choice for this soup due to its small size. However, you can replace it with any small pasta like mini shells or macaroni if ditalini is not available.
How Can I Ensure My Soup Is Flavored Perfectly?
To build a flavorful soup, layering your ingredients is key. Start by browning the sausage well, as this creates delicious bits at the bottom of the pot, enhancing your soup’s taste!
- Cook sausage until browned, then remove before adding veggies; this keeps them flavorful.
- When cooking your vegetables, let them sweat out their moisture, which builds a rich base.
- Season throughout—add salt and pepper after cooking each layer. Taste as you go for best results!
Lastly, when you add cream at the end, adjust seasoning again. Cream can mellow flavors, so it’s important to taste and balance out as needed. Enjoy your cooking!
How to Make Creamy Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup ditalini pasta
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
For Garnish:
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 15 minutes for prep and approximately 20-25 minutes for cooking. In total, you’ll have a delicious creamy Italian sausage ditalini soup ready in about 40 minutes. Perfect for a cozy meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Sausage:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage to the pot and cook, using a spoon to break it up into smaller pieces, until it’s browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove the sausage from the pot and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same pot, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant—this will really bring the flavor to life!
3. Combine and Boil:
Now, return the cooked sausage back to the pot. Stir in the chicken broth, water, diced tomatoes (if you’re using them), Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes. Bring the mixture to a boil. Your kitchen will start smelling amazing!
4. Add the Pasta:
Once boiling, add the ditalini pasta to your soup. Cook according to the package instructions, which should take about 8-10 minutes, until the pasta is al dente.
5. Stir in the Cream:
Reduce the heat to low. Gently stir in the heavy cream and allow the soup to simmer for another 3-5 minutes. This gives the flavors a chance to meld together perfectly. Taste and season with salt and pepper as desired.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the soup hot, and don’t forget to garnish it with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and some chopped fresh parsley or basil. Enjoy your cozy, delectable bowl of creamy Italian sausage ditalini soup!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?
Absolutely! While ditalini pasta is great for this soup, you can swap it out for any small pasta like elbow macaroni, mini shells, or even orzo if that’s what you have on hand. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta package instructions!
Is There a Vegetarian Option for This Soup?
Yes, you can easily make this soup vegetarian by replacing the Italian sausage with plant-based sausage or skipping it altogether and adding more veggies like mushrooms and zucchini. You may also want to enhance the flavor with smoked paprika or extra Italian seasoning.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. You may need to add a splash of broth or cream for extra moisture!
Can I Make This Soup Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the soup a day ahead. Just follow the recipe and let it cool completely before refrigerating. It often tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. When reheating, be sure to add a little extra cream or broth if it has thickened too much.
