Introduction
As the chill of autumn settles in, the comfort of a warm bowl of soup becomes irresistible. This Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup is not only hearty but also bursting with flavor, making it the perfect dish for cold evenings.
Filled with savory Italian sausage, tender ditalini pasta, and a creamy broth enriched with Parmesan cheese, this soup satisfies both the belly and the soul. It’s straightforward to prepare, allowing you to enjoy its cozy delight without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage
The star of this soup, Italian sausage adds a rich, savory flavor that infuses the broth, making each spoonful incredibly satisfying. - 1 medium onion, diced
Onions provide a sweet and aromatic base for the soup. Sautéing them develops their sweetness, which enhances the overall flavor. - 2 cloves garlic, minced
Garlic adds pungency and depth to the soup, creating a fragrant foundation that complements the sausage beautifully. - 3 carrots, chopped
Carrots introduce a natural sweetness and vibrant color, while also contributing essential nutrients to the dish. - 3 stalks celery, chopped
Adding crunch and a subtle bitterness, celery balances the sweetness of the carrots and the richness of the sausage, creating a harmonious flavor profile. - 6 cups chicken broth
This forms the soup's base and adds moisture. A good quality stock will enhance the flavor of the entire dish. - 1 cup heavy cream
Heavy cream lends a luxurious texture to the soup, enriching the broth and making it wonderfully creamy. - 1 cup ditalini pasta
Ditalini's small size allows it to hold the soup's broth perfectly, providing a delightful bite in every spoonful. - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Parmesan cheese adds a salty, umami-rich flavor that elevates the creamy base, enhancing the soup's richness. - Salt and pepper to taste
Essential for seasoning, adjust these to enhance the soup's flavors according to your preference. - Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Parsley adds a fresh, herbal note that brightens the dish and enhances its visual appeal.
Directions & Preparation
Step 1: Cook the sausage until browned in a large pot over medium heat.
Browning the sausage is essential as it develops a deep, rich flavor through the Maillard reaction. This caramelization lays a bold foundation for your soup. Ensure to break the sausage into smaller pieces as it cooks, facilitating even flavor distribution.
Step 2: Add the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery; sauté until softened.
Sautéing the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery until softened is crucial for developing the base flavor. This mixture, known as mirepoix, forms the aromatic foundation of the soup, enhancing its overall taste. Stir frequently to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
Step 3: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
Adding the chicken broth next allows all the flavors to meld beautifully. Bringing it to a boil quickens the cooking process and helps extract all the flavors from the vegetables and sausage, elevating the soup's character.
Step 4: Stir in the ditalini pasta and cook for about 8-10 minutes until al dente.
Cooking the ditalini pasta in the broth infuses it with flavor while allowing it to absorb the surrounding ingredients. Keeping the pasta al dente ensures a pleasant texture that stands up against the creamy broth and doesn't become mushy.
Step 5: Lower the heat and add heavy cream, stirring well to combine.
Reducing the heat before adding the heavy cream prevents it from curdling and ensures a smooth consistency. This step makes the soup rich and velvety, giving it a luxurious mouthfeel that balances the hearty sausage.
Step 6: Add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and creamy.
Incorporating the Parmesan cheese not only enriches the soup but also enhances the umami notes. Stirring until fully melted creates a cohesive creamy texture that binds all the flavors together.
Step 7: Season with salt and pepper to taste, then simmer for a few minutes.
Seasoning the soup correctly is vital for a harmonious flavor. Tasting and adjusting at this point allows you to balance flavors effectively, ensuring a satisfying outcome. Allow the soup to simmer briefly to meld the seasonings.
Step 8: Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Garnishing with parsley not only adds a pop of color but also a fresh flavor that brightens the rich soup. Presenting the soup attractively enhances the dining experience, encouraging everyone to dig in.
Why Ditalini Pasta?
Ditalini pasta is the perfect choice for this soup due to its small size, which allows it to absorb the creamy broth while providing delightful texture. Its shape makes it easy to eat, and it holds onto flavors, ensuring every bite is satisfying. Whether curled in cozy bowls or ladled into thermoses for lunch, this pasta elevates the dish, making it an ideal match for the hearty broth.
The Magic of Cream
Heavy cream transforms this soup from a regular stew into a luxurious meal. Its richness adds not only body but also depth of flavor, creating a satisfying mouthfeel that envelops the taste buds. This creaminess is balanced by the savory notes of the sausage and the umami from the Parmesan, resulting in a well-rounded soup that feels indulgent without being overly heavy.
Tips for Perfect Seasoning
Perfecting the seasoning in this soup is crucial for enhancing its overall flavor. Start with a moderate amount of salt and pepper, tasting as you go. Remember, Parmesan cheese also adds saltiness, so adjust accordingly. Fresh herbs can add brightness, while a touch of red pepper flakes could introduce a pleasant warmth, ensuring that each bowl is tailored to your taste.
FAQs
What if my soup turns out too creamy?
If the soup is too creamy for your taste, you can add a bit more chicken broth or water to dilute it slightly. Stir well to maintain the flavor balance.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, while ditalini is ideal, other small pasta shapes like orzo or macaroni can work well too. Ensure to adjust the cooking time as needed.
What should I do if my soup is too spicy?
If the soup becomes too spicy, consider adding more cream or broth to mellow out the heat. A pinch of sugar can also help balance the flavors.
How can I thicken the soup further?
To thicken the soup, you can add a slurry of cornstarch and water or simmer it longer to reduce the liquid. Alternatively, adding more cheese can also enhance the creaminess.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, you can switch the sausage for a plant-based alternative and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to create a delicious vegetarian version.
What if my soup doesn’t have enough flavor?
If your soup lacks flavor, try adding more seasoning or herbs. A splash of lemon juice can brighten up the flavors and enhance the overall taste.
Conclusion
This Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup is the epitome of comfort food, bringing warmth and satisfaction to your table. With hearty ingredients and a rich, creamy texture, it serves as the perfect antidote to chilly evenings.
Take the time to savor each bowl, relishing the delightful blend of flavors and the joy of home-cooked warmth warming your soul. This recipe is sure to become a beloved favorite in your household.
Recipe Card
Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls for Home Cooks
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, stuffing mix, cranberries, onion, celery, garlic, thyme, sage, salt, and black pepper.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the egg and chicken broth together until well combined.
- Pour the egg mixture into the turkey mixture and stir until just combined.
- Using your hands, form the mixture into golf ball-sized balls and place them on a greased baking sheet.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Allow the stuffing balls to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Additional serving suggestions: pair with a crisp salad, garlic bread, or roasted seasonal vegetables for balance.
For make-ahead, prep components separately and assemble just before heating to preserve texture.
Taste and adjust with acid (lemon/vinegar) and salt right at the end to wake up flavors.
