Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup:
Ingredients
• 1 pound Italian sausage (casings removed if needed)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 14.5 ounces petite diced tomatoes (1 can)
• 8 ounces ditalini pasta or other small pasta
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 4 ounces cream cheese (slightly warmed)
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. In a stock pot, cook the Italian sausage and onion together until the sausage is no longer pink, breaking the sausage apart as it cooks. Drain off any excess grease.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for about one minute.
3. Add the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, pasta, and Italian seasoning. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 6-8 minutes until the pasta is al dente.
4. Turn the heat to low and stir in the warmed cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, and heavy cream until melted and fully incorporated.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Optional Additions & Tips
• Add extra vegetables like diced celery and carrots when boiling the pasta.
• Add a handful of fresh spinach near the end and cook until wilted.
• Add ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes for extra spice.
• If stored, the pasta will absorb more broth over time; thin with extra broth or water as needed.
This hearty, creamy soup is a comforting meal perfect for cold days and can be made as a one-pot meal quickly in about 30 minutes
