Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage

Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, according to preference)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup carrots, diced
• 1 cup celery, diced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 1/2 cups ditalini pasta
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)

Instructions

1. Cook the Sausage: In a large pot, cook the sausage over medium heat until browned and fully cooked. Remove sausage and set aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Add Broth and Seasonings: Pour in chicken broth and add Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle boil.
4. Add Pasta: Stir in the ditalini pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes, until the pasta is al dente.
5. Finish with Cream and Cheese: Reduce the heat to low. Add the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and cooked sausage back into the pot. Stir until the cheese melts and the soup is creamy.
6. Season and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley.

Top 20 Questions and Answers

1. Can I use another type of pasta?
   • Yes, small pastas like macaroni or orzo work well as substitutes.
2. Is there a dairy-free option?
   • Substitute coconut milk or almond milk for the cream and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
3. Can I make it vegetarian?
   • Yes, omit the sausage and use vegetable broth. You can add beans for protein.
4. Can I use ground turkey instead of sausage?
   • Definitely! Add extra seasoning for flavor, as turkey is milder.
5. Will the pasta absorb all the broth if stored overnight?
   • Yes, it might thicken. Add extra broth when reheating to get the desired consistency.
6. How can I make it spicy?
   • Use spicy Italian sausage and add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
7. Can I freeze this soup?
   • It’s best fresh, but you can freeze it. Just note the pasta may soften a bit when reheated.
8. What’s the best way to reheat this soup?
   • Reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently. Add more broth if it’s too thick.
9. How long will leftovers keep in the fridge?
   • Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
10. Can I use pre-cooked sausage?
    • Yes, slice and add it toward the end, just to heat through.
11. What if I don’t have heavy cream?
    • Half-and-half or whole milk can work; it will be slightly less creamy.
12. How do I make it thicker?
    • Add a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch mixed with water to the soup before adding the cream.
13. Is fresh Parmesan necessary?
    • Freshly grated Parmesan is best for flavor, but pre-grated works in a pinch.
14. Can I use ground sausage instead of links?
    • Yes, ground sausage works perfectly in this soup.
15. Can I add extra vegetables?
    • Absolutely! Zucchini, spinach, and bell peppers are great additions.
16. What’s a good side dish for this soup?
    • Crusty bread or garlic bread are perfect for dipping.
17. Can I make it in a slow cooker?
    • Yes! Sauté the sausage and veggies first, then add everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours.
18. Can I skip the garlic?
    • Garlic adds depth, but you can omit it if preferred.
19. Can I add potatoes?
    • Yes, diced potatoes work well. Add them with the pasta to cook through.
20. What if it’s too salty?
    • Add a splash of milk or cream to balance out saltiness.

30 Helpful Tips for Making This Soup Even More Delicious

1. Use fresh Parmesan for the best flavor.
2. Adjust seasoning levels to your taste.
3. Sauté vegetables until very soft for deeper flavor.
4. Add fresh herbs like basil for extra freshness.
5. Use bone broth for added richness.
6. Let the soup simmer after adding broth for better flavor melding.
7. Serve with toasted garlic bread for a restaurant feel.
8. Substitute half the cream with cream cheese for a thicker texture.
9. Add a splash of white wine when adding the broth for extra depth.
10. Finish with a squeeze of lemon for brightness.
11. Stir in a handful of fresh spinach at the end for added color and nutrients.
12. Add a bit of smoked paprika for a subtle smoky flavor.
13. Try turkey sausage for a lighter version.
14. Use butter to sauté for a richer flavor.
15. Replace heavy cream with Greek yogurt for extra protein.
16. Add roasted red pepper for sweetness and depth.
17. Cook pasta separately if planning to freeze.
18. Top with fresh cracked black pepper for extra flavor.
19. Let soup rest for 10 minutes off heat for flavors to meld.
20. Use fire-roasted tomatoes for an extra savory note.
21. Drizzle a little olive oil before serving for shine and flavor.
22. Garnish with fresh thyme or rosemary.
23. Add Worcestershire sauce for umami.
24. Experiment with Gouda or fontina cheese for variety.
25. Sprinkle with crispy bacon on top for crunch.
26. Add cayenne for spice.
27. Serve with a dollop of pesto for an Italian twist.
28. Stir in a spoonful of Dijon mustard for complexity.
29. Make in advance for flavors to intensify.
30. Use seasoned croutons on top for texture.

30 Secrets to Achieving the Perfect Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup

1. Brown the sausage well to develop flavor.
2. Deglaze the pan with a splash of broth to capture all flavor bits.
3. Use freshly minced garlic for the best aroma.
4. Simmer slowly after adding the broth to build richness.
5. Add Parmesan in stages for even melting.
6. Let the soup rest briefly before serving for flavors to blend.
7. Season gradually to avoid over-salting.
8. Use high-fat cream for extra creaminess.
9. Finish with a pat of butter for a silkier texture.
10. Cook pasta al dente if not eating immediately to avoid sogginess.
11. Add herbs at the end to keep flavors bright.
12. Toast Italian seasoning with the sausage for depth.
13. Use a mix of white and black pepper for balance.
14. Include a Parmesan rind while simmering for a richer taste.
15. Stir frequently after adding cream to prevent curdling.
16. Opt for heavy-bottomed pot to cook evenly.
17. Keep broth warm before adding for faster cooking.
18. Add a bay leaf during cooking for a subtle herbiness.
19. Use quality sausage for maximum flavor.
20. Reduce the cream separately for a thicker soup.
21. Blend a portion of soup to make it creamier.
22. Use unsalted broth to control salt better.
23. Cut vegetables evenly to ensure even cooking.
24. Add garlic last among the vegetables to prevent burning.
25. Top with finely chopped parsley for color contrast.
26. Drizzle with truffle oil for a gourmet touch.
27. Store without pasta if planning to refrigerate for the best texture.
28. Roast garlic separately before adding for sweetness.
29. Use unsalted butter for more control over flavors.
30. Serve hot with grated Parmesan on top for extra richness.

Enjoy making this Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup! Let me know if you give it a try! 😊