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- 1 pound Italian sausage (choose between mild or spicy based on your preference) - 1 medium onion, finely diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 3 medium carrots, diced into small pieces - 2 celery stalks, diced - 6 cups chicken broth (preferably low-sodium for better flavor control) - 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained to add extra flavor - 1 (15 oz) can cannellini beans, rinsed thoroughly and drained - 1 cup ditalini pasta - 1 cup heavy cream for creaminess - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend - Salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) - Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving) When I make Creamy Sausage Ditalini Soup, I like to pick the right sausage. You can choose mild or spicy based on your taste. The sausage adds a rich flavor that makes the soup hearty. Next, I add fresh vegetables. I use one medium onion, three small carrots, and two celery stalks. These veggies give the soup a nice base. I also add three cloves of garlic for a tasty kick. For the liquids, I use six cups of chicken broth. I prefer low-sodium broth to control the salt. I also add one can of diced tomatoes and one can of cannellini beans. The tomatoes add a pop of flavor, while the beans add protein and creaminess. To finish the soup, I stir in one cup of ditalini pasta and one cup of heavy cream. The pasta makes the soup filling, and the cream gives it a smooth texture. I season with a teaspoon of Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Lastly, I garnish the soup with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese. These toppings enhance the dish and make it look beautiful. Enjoy making this flavorful and hearty soup! {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. Cooking the sausage to perfection Start by heating a splash of olive oil in a large pot. Use medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, add 1 pound of Italian sausage. I like to break it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook it until it turns brown and crispy. This step adds great flavor. Once done, transfer the sausage to a plate and set it aside. 2. Sautéing the vegetables to enhance flavor In the same pot, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. You should have 1 medium onion, 3 diced carrots, and 2 diced celery stalks. Sauté these veggies for about 5 minutes. Stir them often. The onion should become translucent and the veggies should soften. 3. Adding liquids and essential ingredients Next, stir in 3 cloves of minced garlic. Cook it for 1 minute. You will smell a lovely aroma. Carefully pour in 6 cups of chicken broth. I prefer low-sodium for better control. Then, add 1 can of undrained diced tomatoes and 1 can of rinsed cannellini beans. Stir everything well to mix the flavors. 4. Simmering the soup for the right texture Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once it starts boiling, add 1 cup of ditalini pasta. Stir it well into the soup. Lower the heat and let it simmer for about 10 to 12 minutes. The pasta should be tender but still al dente. Return the cooked sausage to the pot. Then stir in 1 cup of heavy cream. Add 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, salt, and freshly cracked pepper to taste. Heat through for another 3 to 5 minutes. Enjoy the rich, creamy aroma! How to select the best sausage Choose high-quality Italian sausage. Look for fresh meat with a good fat content. Decide if you want mild or spicy based on your taste. Check for herbs and spices in the mix. They add rich flavor to the soup. Timing for perfect pasta Add ditalini pasta when the soup boils. Cook it for about 10 to 12 minutes. Aim for al dente texture; it should have a slight bite. This keeps it from getting mushy in the soup. Ensuring the right consistency with cream Add heavy cream at the end of cooking. This keeps the cream from curdling. Stir it in gently to blend with the soup. Adjust the amount for your desired creaminess. Best garnishes for Creamy Sausage Ditalini Soup Top each bowl with chopped fresh parsley. Add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor. These garnishes make the dish look fresh and inviting. Recommended bread pairing Serve with crusty bread or garlic bread. The bread soaks up the tasty broth well. It’s perfect for a complete meal experience. How to store leftovers Let the soup cool to room temperature. Transfer it to an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat on the stove for the best taste. Pro Tips Use Fresh Herbs: Adding fresh parsley or basil just before serving enhances the flavor profile and adds a vibrant touch to your soup. Customize the Spice Level: If you love heat, consider adding red pepper flakes or using spicy Italian sausage for an extra kick. Make it Ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day! Make it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for an easy meal. Perfect Pasta Texture: To prevent the ditalini from becoming mushy, add it to the soup only during the last 10-12 minutes of cooking. {{image_4}} - Using turkey or chicken sausage: Swap Italian sausage for turkey or chicken sausage. This change lowers fat while keeping flavor. Choose mild or spicy to suit your taste. - Vegetarian-friendly options: For a vegetarian soup, skip the meat. Use plant-based sausage or mushrooms for a umami flavor. Add more beans or lentils for protein. - Different pasta types and their effects on the recipe: If you can’t find ditalini, use small shells or elbows. Each pasta type will add its own texture. Just adjust cooking time to ensure they stay al dente. - Adding spices for a kick: Spice up your soup with red pepper flakes or smoked paprika. These will add heat and depth. Start with a pinch and adjust to your liking. - Incorporating seasonal vegetables: Use seasonal veggies like zucchini or spinach. Adding them boosts nutrition and flavor. Toss them in during the last few minutes of cooking. - Alternative cream options for dietary preferences: If you want a lighter soup, use half-and-half or coconut cream. Each will change the flavor but keep the creaminess. Adjust the amount based on your preference. To store leftover soup, let it cool first. Pour the soup into a container with a tight lid. This keeps it fresh and safe. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it instead. Always check for signs of spoilage before eating. When freezing soup, use freezer-safe containers. Leave some space at the top for expansion. This prevents the container from cracking. You can freeze the soup for up to three months. To reheat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, heat it in a pot over low heat. Stir it well to blend the flavors again. For the best taste, add a splash of cream just before serving. This makes it creamy and delicious! Yes, you can make this soup ahead. It tastes even better the next day. Just cool it and store in the fridge. When ready to eat, reheat on the stove until warm. If your soup is too thick, add more chicken broth or water. Stir it in slowly until you reach your desired consistency. Heat it gently after adding liquid. Yes, you can make a dairy-free version. Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream. You can also skip the cheese or use a dairy-free cheese. This will keep the rich flavor while catering to dietary needs. Absolutely! Brown the sausage first, then add all ingredients to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Add the cream during the final 30 minutes of cooking. This method makes the soup very easy and convenient! This blog post laid out how to make Creamy Sausage Ditalini Soup. We explored the ingredients, from sausage choices to fresh veggies. The step-by-step instructions ensured your soup turns out great. Cooking tips helped you perfect timing and texture. Variations offered tasty options for every diet. Lastly, storage info kept your leftovers fresh. Making this soup is rewarding and easy. Enjoy all the flavors your kitchen can create!

Creamy Sausage Ditalini Soup

A hearty and creamy soup featuring Italian sausage, ditalini pasta, and fresh vegetables, perfect for a comforting meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 6
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound Italian sausage
  • 1 medium onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 medium carrots, diced
  • 2 stalks celery, diced
  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 1 can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup ditalini pasta
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend
  • to taste salt
  • to taste freshly cracked pepper
  • for garnish fresh parsley, chopped
  • for serving grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions
 

  • In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, pour in a splash of olive oil and heat over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the Italian sausage. Cook until it becomes browned and crispy, using a wooden spoon to break it apart as it cooks. After achieving a nice color, transfer the sausage to a plate and set aside for later.
  • In the same pot with the rendered sausage fat, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté the veggies for approximately 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften and the onion turns translucent.
  • Stir in the minced garlic, cooking for an additional minute until it becomes incredibly fragrant and the aroma fills the kitchen.
  • Carefully pour in the chicken broth, then add the undrained diced tomatoes and rinsed cannellini beans. Stir everything well to ensure even distribution of ingredients.
  • Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, add the ditalini pasta, stirring it into the soup. Lower the heat and allow it to simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is tender but al dente.
  • Return the cooked sausage to the pot and then stir in the heavy cream along with the Italian seasoning. Season the soup with salt and freshly cracked pepper to your taste. Allow it to heat through for another 3-5 minutes, ensuring everything is well combined and heated.
  • Once everything is heated and flavors melded, remove the pot from the heat. Let the soup rest for a few minutes before serving—it helps deepen the flavors.

Notes

Garnish with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese. Serve with crusty bread.
Keyword creamy, Italian, pasta, sausage, soup