Every recipe weaves a narrative, echoing memories of shared meals and the anticipation of future feasts. The Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup, brimming with tender ditalini pasta, is a testament to such stories. It evokes scenes of familial warmth, laughter echoing around a kitchen table, and the comforting aroma of herbs and cheese drawing people together. This dish is a nod to the Italian influences that have seamlessly blended into Midwestern culinary traditions, offering a comforting embrace in every spoonful. It’s a dish designed for those chilly evenings or whenever you’re in need of a taste of home.
To complement this rich soup, consider pairing it with a crisp green salad dressed in vinaigrette or slices of crusty bread perfect for dipping. During harvest season, freshly baked cornbread serves as an excellent accompaniment.
Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup
Servings: 6-8
Ingredients:
1 lb sweet Italian sausage
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
6 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 1/2 cups ditalini pasta
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste
4 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Preparation:
In a large pot, cook the Italian sausage over medium heat, breaking it apart until fully browned. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
Add olive oil to the pot, sautéing the onion until soft. Stir in the garlic for a minute until fragrant.
Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Add the heavy cream, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, seasoning with salt and pepper.
Introduce the ditalini pasta, cooking until al dente.
Add back the sausage and the spinach, cooking until the spinach has wilted.
Remove from heat, stir in Parmesan until melted.
Serve garnished with extra Parmesan and parsley.
Variations & Tips:
Opt for half-and-half or whole milk for a less rich version.
Mascarpone can be added for extra creaminess.
Adding carrots or red bell peppers can provide additional sweetness and color.
The soup’s flavors deepen over time, though the pasta may absorb more broth. Add extra liquid upon reheating if necessary.
