Ingredients:
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, based on preference)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, with juices
- 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 2 cups water
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- 1 1/2 cups ditalini pasta (or any small pasta)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions:
- Cook the sausage:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Remove any excess fat from the pot.
- Sauté the vegetables:
- Add the chopped onion to the pot and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add liquids and seasonings:
- Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juices), chicken broth, water, dried basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat and let it cook for about 10 minutes.
- Cook the pasta:
- Add the ditalini pasta to the pot and cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender but still al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Add cream and Parmesan:
- Once the pasta is cooked, reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring until the cheese is melted and the soup becomes creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. You can also sprinkle more Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor.
Tips:
- If you want a thicker soup, you can use a potato masher to mash some of the sausage and vegetables before adding the cream and Parmesan.
- For added richness, you can substitute some of the chicken broth with half-and-half or whole milk.
Serve:
This Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup with Creamy Parmesan is perfect for a cozy meal, served with crusty bread or a side salad. The combination of savory sausage, creamy broth, and tender pasta is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!