This creamy Italian sausage ditalini soup is warm and cozy! Filled with tasty sausage, tender pasta, and plenty of veggies, it’s perfect for chilly days.
I love how quick this soup comes together, making dinner feel like a hug in a bowl! Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some greens without anyone noticing! 🥬
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Italian Sausage: This is the heart of the soup for flavor. You can go with mild or spicy based on your preference. If you want a leaner option, turkey or chicken sausage works well, too.
Pasta: Ditalini is perfect for this recipe because it holds onto the soup beautifully. If you can’t find it, any small pasta like macaroni, orzo, or even couscous will work just fine.
Leafy Greens: I love using spinach for a pop of green, but kale is a great choice too because it holds up well when cooked. You could also try Swiss chard or even frozen spinach if that’s what you have on hand.
Heavy Cream: This adds richness, but you can use half-and-half or even whole milk for a lighter version. For a dairy-free option, try coconut cream or a dairy-free cream alternative.
How Do You Sauté Vegetables Just Right?
Sautéing the veggies is key to developing flavor in the soup! Here’s how to do it effectively:
- Use a large pot to give everything room to cook evenly.
- Heat the oil first; it should shimmer, but not smoke. Add onions, carrots, and celery, and stir until they soften—about 5 minutes.
- Add garlic last because it cooks quickly. Just a minute or so is enough to bring out its flavor!
By sautéing veggies properly, you’re making the soup more flavorful and aromatic. Enjoy your cooking journey!
How to Make Creamy Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup ditalini pasta
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 3 cups fresh spinach or kale, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious soup takes about 15 minutes to prep and 30 minutes to cook, so you’ll be enjoying a warm bowl of comfort in about 45 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Sausage:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and break it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned and completely cooked through, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove the sausage from the pot and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Veggies:
In the same pot, add the finely chopped onion, diced carrots, and diced celery. Sauté everything together until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for just another minute until it’s fragrant!
3. Combine Ingredients:
Return the cooked sausage to the pot. Stir in the Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes (if you like a bit of heat), and season with salt and pepper to taste. This is where all the flavors blend together!
4. Add Broth and Tomatoes:
Pour in the chicken broth and the can of diced tomatoes (make sure to include their juice). Bring everything to a boil, letting those bright and tasty flavors meld together.
5. Cook the Pasta:
Add the ditalini pasta to the boiling soup. Cook according to the package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes, or until it’s nice and al dente. Stir occasionally!
6. Incorporate Greens:
Once the pasta is cooked, reduce the heat to low. Stir in the chopped spinach or kale and cook just until it’s wilted, about 2-3 minutes. So vibrant and nutritious!
7. Make it Creamy:
Slowly stir in the heavy cream (or half-and-half) and the grated Parmesan cheese. Heat through gently without allowing it to boil—this will keep the cream smooth! Taste and adjust the salt and pepper as needed.
8. Serve Hot:
Serve your creamy Italian sausage ditalini soup hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley and additional Parmesan if you’d like. Enjoy every bite of this cozy deliciousness!
Now you have a hearty and comforting soup ready to warm you up! Dive in and savor the flavors.
Can I Use Different Types of Sausage?
Absolutely! While Italian sausage brings great flavor, you can use turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based sausage for a lighter or vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time based on the type of sausage you use, especially if it’s raw.
How Can I Make This Soup Gluten-Free?
To make a gluten-free version, substitute ditalini pasta with gluten-free pasta of your choice. There are many gluten-free options available that hold up well in soups. Just follow the cooking time on the package for the best results!
Can I Make This Soup in Advance?
Yes! You can make the soup ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just keep in mind that the pasta may absorb some of the broth, so you might want to add a bit of extra broth when reheating.
What if I Have Leftover Soup?
Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream if it seems too thick.
