– 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, your choice)
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 medium carrots, diced
– 2 stalks celery, diced
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 1/2 cups ditalini pasta
– 2 cups fresh spinach or kale
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Olive oil for cooking
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Preparing Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup is easy with these clear steps:
1. Cook the Sausage: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned and cooked through. Break it up into small pieces with a wooden spoon. Once cooked, remove from the pot and set aside.
2. Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender. Add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently.
3. Add Broth: Pour in the chicken broth, stirring well to combine. Allow the mixture to come to a gentle boil.
4. Cook Pasta: Once boiling, add the ditalini pasta. Cook according to package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes, until al dente.
5. Stir in Cream and Cheese: Reduce the heat to low. Slowly pour in the heavy cream and add the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy.
6. Add Spinach: Stir in the fresh spinach or kale and simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes until wilted. Taste and season with salt and pepper as necessary.
7. Return Sausage: Add the cooked sausage back to the pot. Allow everything to heat through, about 2-3 minutes.
8. Serve: Remove from heat and ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Following these steps will ensure you create a delightful and satisfying dish that family and friends will rave about!