This creamy Italian sausage ditalini soup is a warm hug in a bowl! Made with flavorful sausage, tiny pasta, and a rich broth, it’s both hearty and comforting.
I love how the ditalini pasta adds a fun twist! Plus, it’s perfect for chilly days or when you need a quick meal. Grab a spoon, and let the cozy vibes begin! 🍲
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Italian Sausage: This is the star of the soup! You can use sweet or spicy sausage based on your taste. If you’re looking for a lighter option, turkey sausage works great too, or you can even use plant-based sausage for a vegetarian dish.
Ditalini Pasta: Ditalini adds a fun shape and texture. If you can’t find it, any small pasta like elbow macaroni or orzo would make a nice substitute. Just adjust cooking time as needed!
Heavy Cream: I love using heavy cream for that rich, creamy texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, try half-and-half or even coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
Chicken Broth: Homemade broth is always the best, but store-bought works perfectly! For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead.
How Do I Make Sure the Pasta is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking the pasta just right is key to this soup’s success. Here’s how to do it:
- After adding the ditalini to the bubbling soup, keep an eye on the cooking time since small pasta can overcook quickly.
- Check for doneness a minute or two before the package says. You want that perfect al dente texture!
- Remember to stir occasionally to prevent sticking!
By following these steps, you’ll have perfectly tender pasta in your creamy soup. Enjoy the cozy flavors!
How to Make Creamy Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound Italian sausage (sweet or spicy), casings removed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup ditalini pasta
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious soup will take you about 10 minutes to prepare and around 30 minutes to cook. In total, you’ll be enjoying this warm, creamy soup in just about 40 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Sausage:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and break it up with a spoon. Cook until it’s browned and fully cooked, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove the sausage from the pot and set it aside.
2. Sautéing the Vegetables:
In the same pot, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook these veggies for about 5 minutes until they’re softened and fragrant. Stir occasionally to get even cooking!
3. Adding Flavors:
Now, add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for another minute until you can smell it. It’s time to bring back the sausage! Return the cooked sausage to the pot.
4. Making the Soup Base:
Pour in the chicken broth and add the dried Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), as well as a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Bring the soup to a boil, and let it simmer for about 10 minutes to blend those delicious flavors.
5. Cooking the Pasta:
Add the ditalini pasta to the soup and cook according to package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, or until tender. Make sure to stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking!
6. Finishing Touches:
Reduce the heat and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Mix until everything is well combined and heated through. Take a moment to taste and adjust seasoning if needed!
7. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your creamy Italian sausage ditalini soup hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if you like. Enjoy this delightful, hearty meal!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Italian Sausage?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great alternative for a lighter option. You can season it with Italian herbs and spices to replicate the flavor of sausage to keep things delicious!
What If I Don’t Have Ditalini Pasta?
No worries! If you can’t find ditalini, you can use any small pasta shape like elbow macaroni, or even orzo. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as different pastas may require varying amounts of time to become tender.
How Can I Store Leftover Soup?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove or in the microwave, and if it thickens too much, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up.
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply replace the Italian sausage with a plant-based sausage or skip it altogether, and use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth. Add more veggies or beans for a hearty touch!
