Description
A rich and comforting Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup combining savory sweet Italian sausage, tender ditalini pasta, fresh spinach, and a creamy Parmesan-infused broth. Perfect for a hearty meal, this flavorful soup cooks quickly on the stovetop and is garnished with fresh parsley for a delightful finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Sausage and Base
- 1 lb sweet Italian sausage
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Soup Liquids and Seasonings
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Pasta and Vegetables
- 1 1/2 cups ditalini pasta
- 4 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
Cheese and Garnish
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage: In a large pot over medium heat, brown the sweet Italian sausage, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. Once fully browned and cooked through, remove the sausage using a slotted spoon and set aside.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: In the same pot, add olive oil and sauté the diced onion until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add Liquids and Seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to a simmer. Stir in the heavy cream, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes if using. Season the broth with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste.
- Cook the Pasta: Add the ditalini pasta to the simmering broth and cook until al dente, approximately 8 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Combine Sausage and Spinach: Return the cooked sausage to the pot and add the chopped fresh spinach. Cook until the spinach wilts, about 2 minutes, stirring gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Add Parmesan Cheese: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts completely and the soup becomes creamy and slightly thickened.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with additional grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot for a comforting meal.
Notes
- For added heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the saltiness of the soup.
- Substitute ditalini pasta with other small pasta shapes like elbow macaroni or orzo.
- To make the soup ahead, prepare the soup without adding the parmesan cheese, then stir it in just before serving to maintain its creamy texture.
- Garnish with crushed red pepper or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for extra flavor.
