Description
This hearty, comforting soup combines Italian sausage, creamy Parmesan, and fresh veggies to create the ultimate cozy meal. Perfect for a chilly night, this flavorful dish is packed with savory goodness and tender Ditalini pasta
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage (turkey or chicken sausage as a pork alternative)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup Ditalini pasta
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
-
Cook the Sausage:
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it into small crumbles, and cook until browned. Remove the sausage from the pot and set aside. -
Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same pot, add diced onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and chopped celery. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes. -
Add Broth and Herbs:
Pour in the chicken broth, then stir in the oregano and basil. Bring the mixture to a boil. -
Cook the Pasta:
Add the Ditalini pasta to the boiling broth. Cook for about 8 minutes, or until the pasta is tender but still firm. -
Make it Creamy:
Lower the heat to medium. Stir in the cooked sausage, heavy cream, and grated Parmesan cheese. Simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the soup to thicken slightly. -
Add Spinach:
Stir in the fresh spinach until it wilts into the soup. Season with salt and pepper to taste. -
Serve and Garnish:
Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and enjoy warm!
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute the sausage with turkey or chicken sausage and use low-fat cream.
- For extra flavor, top with more grated Parmesan or a drizzle of olive oil.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg