Description
Warm Italian comfort fills each spoonful of parmesan italian sausage ditalini soup, bringing robust flavors from hearty ingredients. Rich and satisfying, this soul-soothing bowl invites you to savor a classic Mediterranean-inspired culinary experience.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 1/2 lb pancetta (optional)
Vegetables:
- 1 medium onion
- 2 carrots
- 2 celery stalks
- 3 garlic cloves
Soup Base and Pasta:
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup ditalini pasta
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 cups chopped fresh spinach
- 1 bay leaf
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat, then brown Italian sausage and pancetta until crispy and fully cooked, breaking meat into small crumbles.
- Add diced onions, carrots, celery, and minced garlic to the pot, sautéing until vegetables become fragrant and slightly softened, approximately 4-5 minutes.
- Pour in chicken broth, diced tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper, stirring to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and vegetables to become tender.
- Stir in ditalini pasta and continue simmering for 8-10 minutes until pasta reaches an al dente consistency, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Pour in heavy cream and grated parmesan cheese, stirring gently to create a rich, creamy texture throughout the soup.
- Add fresh spinach and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until spinach wilts and becomes vibrant green.
- Remove bay leaf before serving, and garnish with extra parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot and enjoy the robust, comforting flavors.
Notes
- Customize meat options by substituting Italian sausage with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter, leaner protein alternative.
- Enhance soup’s nutrition by adding extra vegetables like zucchini, kale, or mushrooms during the sautéing stage for increased depth and health benefits.
- Control soup’s thickness by adjusting chicken broth quantity – less liquid creates a heartier stew-like consistency, while more liquid makes a traditional soup texture.
- Store leftovers in airtight containers, understanding pasta will absorb liquid overnight, so add extra broth when reheating to restore original soup consistency.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 950 mg
- Fat: 42 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg