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To make your Creamy Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup, you’ll need: - 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy) - 1 medium onion, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth - 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juice - 1 cup ditalini pasta - 1 cup heavy cream - 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme) - Salt and black pepper, to taste - Grated Parmesan cheese, for topping - Optional: Fresh herbs for garnish You can mix things up with these options: - Use turkey or chicken sausage for a leaner choice. - Swap ditalini for other small pasta shapes like orzo or elbow macaroni. - Replace heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free option. - Add carrots or celery for extra veggies and flavor. - Try different herbs like parsley or rosemary for a unique taste. Here’s a quick look at the nutrition in key ingredients: - Italian sausage: High in protein and fat. Choose leaner versions for fewer calories. - Heavy cream: Adds richness but is high in calories and fat. Use sparingly. - Spinach: Rich in vitamins A and K. Great for adding nutrients. - Ditalini pasta: A good source of carbohydrates. Helps keep you full. These ingredients come together to create a warm and hearty soup you’ll love! For the full recipe, check the earlier section. To start, heat a large pot over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound of Italian sausage. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until it is brown and fully cooked. This step adds a rich flavor to your soup. Next, add 1 medium onion, diced into small pieces. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until it is soft and translucent. Then, stir in 3 cloves of minced garlic. Cook for 1 more minute until you can smell the garlic. Pour in 4 cups of low-sodium chicken broth and 1 can of diced tomatoes. Scrape the bottom of the pot with your spoon to lift any tasty bits. This is called deglazing. Bring the mixture to a boil. Once the soup is boiling, add 1 cup of ditalini pasta. Cook according to the package instructions, usually about 7-8 minutes. Stir occasionally to keep the pasta from sticking. After the pasta is al dente, reduce the heat to low. Slowly stir in 1 cup of heavy cream, followed by 2 cups of chopped spinach and 1 teaspoon of dried Italian herbs. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the pot from heat and let the soup rest for a couple of minutes to thicken. For the full recipe, refer to the ingredients and step-by-step details provided above. Enjoy this delightful dish! To cook ditalini pasta just right, follow these tips: - Use a large pot with plenty of water. - Salt the water well; this adds flavor. - Stir the pasta often to prevent sticking. - Check for al dente texture a minute early. - Drain the pasta and add it to the soup right away. Cooking pasta well helps keep your soup from getting too thick. Perfectly cooked ditalini will absorb the soup's flavors but still stay firm. To boost the flavors in your soup, try these ideas: - Use fresh garlic instead of minced. - Add a splash of white wine before broth. - Stir in some red pepper flakes for heat. - Top with fresh herbs like basil or parsley before serving. These steps make your soup more complex and tasty. Each ingredient adds a new layer that makes it special. For a creamier soup, consider these serving tips: - Use more heavy cream for richness. - Drizzle olive oil just before serving. - Add a dollop of ricotta or mascarpone on top. - Garnish with extra grated Parmesan cheese. These touches transform the soup into a luxurious dish. Enjoy a bowl of creamy delight that warms your heart. For the full recipe, check out the details above! {{image_4}} You can switch up ingredients to make this soup your own. Here are some ideas: - Proteins: Instead of Italian sausage, try ground turkey or chicken. You can also use diced ham for a smoky flavor. For a hearty touch, add cooked lentils. - Pasta: While ditalini is great, try small shells, orzo, or even gluten-free pasta. Each type brings a unique bite. - Veggies: Toss in carrots, celery, or bell peppers for extra nutrition. You can also add corn or zucchini for a fresh twist. To make this soup vegan, swap the sausage for plant-based sausage or mushrooms. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for richness. Add more veggies like kale or chickpeas to boost protein and texture. When choosing sausage, you have options. If you like heat, go for spicy Italian sausage. It adds depth to the soup. For a milder taste, stick with sweet Italian sausage. You can also mix both for a balanced flavor. Add red pepper flakes for extra spice if desired. Adjust to your taste for the perfect kick! To keep your soup fresh, store it in an airtight container. Let the soup cool down before sealing it. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. If you need to store it longer, freezing is a great option. To freeze the soup, pour it into a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top for expansion. You can also use freezer bags for easy stacking. Label the bags with the date. This way, you won't forget how long it's been in the freezer. The soup can last up to three months frozen. When it's time to enjoy your leftovers, reheat the soup on the stove. Use medium heat to warm it slowly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. If the soup seems too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water. You can also microwave it in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover it to avoid splatters. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until warm. Enjoy your creamy Italian sausage ditalini soup just like the first day! For the full recipe, check out the instructions above. Yes, you can. Use any small pasta you like. Orzo, macaroni, or even fusilli work well. Just make sure the pasta cooks in a similar time frame as ditalini. This keeps your soup smooth and creamy. To spice things up, add crushed red pepper flakes. Start with a teaspoon and add more to taste. You can also choose spicy Italian sausage instead of mild. This brings heat right into the soup. This soup pairs nicely with crusty bread or a fresh salad. Garlic bread is a great choice too. It soaks up the rich broth and adds a nice crunch. You can also enjoy it with a light, tangy salad for balance. To make this soup gluten-free, simply swap ditalini with a gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer tasty options. Check the cooking time to get it just right. Always read labels to ensure all ingredients are gluten-free. Enjoy your creamy delight without worry! This blog post shared a complete guide for making Creamy Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup. We covered ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips. You learned cooking techniques and enjoyed variations to suit your taste. Plus, storage info helps with leftovers, ensuring fresh meals later. In making this soup, you can personalize each step. Experiment and find your perfect balance. Enjoy every spoonful, knowing you created something delicious!

Creamy Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup

Savor the warm, comforting flavors of creamy Italian sausage ditalini soup with this easy recipe! Packed with Italian sausage, ditalini pasta, and fresh spinach, this soup is perfect for a cozy dinner. Discover how simple ingredients can come together to create a hearty meal that’s ready in just 30 minutes. Click through for the full recipe and elevate your dining experience with this delicious soup!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound Italian sausage (choose between mild or spicy based on your preference)

1 medium onion, diced into small pieces

3 cloves of garlic, minced finely

4 cups low-sodium chicken broth

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, including the juice

1 cup ditalini pasta

1 cup heavy cream

2 cups fresh spinach, chopped coarsely

1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (such as oregano, basil, and thyme)

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Grated Parmesan cheese, for topping

Optional: Fresh herbs for garnish

Instructions
 

Start by heating a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, and cook until it's well-browned and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.

    Once the sausage is browned, add the diced onion to the pot. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes soft and translucent.

      Incorporate the minced garlic into the pot, cooking for an additional minute while stirring, until you can smell its fragrant aroma.

        Pour in the chicken broth and the can of diced tomatoes, scraping the bottom of the pot with a spoon to deglaze and lift any flavor-packed bits stuck to the bottom. Bring the entire mixture to a boil.

          When the soup is boiling, introduce the ditalini pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions, which is typically around 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally to keep the pasta from sticking.

            Once the pasta reaches an al dente texture, reduce the heat to low. Gently stir in the heavy cream, followed by the chopped spinach and dried Italian herbs. Let this mixture cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the spinach wilts and the soup is warmed through.

              Season the soup with salt and pepper according to your taste preference.

                Remove the pot from heat and allow the soup to rest for a couple of minutes, which will help it thicken slightly.

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 mins | 30 mins | 6 servings

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve the soup hot in individual bowls, generously garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. To elevate the presentation further, add a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top and consider drizzling a touch of olive oil for added richness before serving. Enjoy your delicious bowl of creamy comfort!