There's nothing quite like a warm bowl of creamy sausage and pasta soup on a chilly evening. I remember one winter night when my son, Jake, and I whipped up this recipe together, and the aroma filled our home. It was a cozy moment that turned into a family favorite, perfect for those Italian nights when you want something comforting and delicious.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love It
- It’s rich and creamy, making it a perfect comfort food.
- The combination of sausage and ditalini pasta is simply delightful.
- It’s quick to prepare, so you can enjoy it on busy weeknights.
- Everyone in the family will love it, even the picky eaters!
Pure Comfort
This creamy sausage and ditalini soup is pure comfort in a bowl. With every spoonful, you’ll feel the warmth wrapping around you like a cozy blanket, making it an ideal dish for family gatherings or quiet nights at home.
What You Need
- 1 lb 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed – You can use mild or spicy sausage depending on your preference.
- 1 1 large yellow onion, diced – Adds sweetness and depth to the soup.
- 3 3 cloves garlic, minced – Fresh garlic enhances the flavor.
- 4 cups 4 cups chicken broth – Low-sodium broth works well if you prefer less salt.
- 1 cup 1 cup heavy cream – For a lighter version, use half-and-half.
- 1 cup 1 cup ditalini pasta – Any small pasta shape can be substituted.
- 1 cup 1 cup spinach, chopped – You can use kale if spinach is not available.
- to taste Salt and pepper, to taste – Adjust according to your preference.
Time to Cook
Prep: 10 minutes | Cook: 25 minutes | Total: 35 minutes | Difficulty: Easy | Make-Ahead: You can prepare the soup a day in advance.
Steps to Make It
- In a large pot, heat over medium heat and add the Italian sausage. Cook until browned and crumbly, about 5-7 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s no longer pink and has a nice sizzle.
- Next, add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Stir and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent and fragrant. The aroma will make your mouth water.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. This should take about 5 minutes. Keep an eye on it, as you want to see those lovely bubbles forming.
- Once boiling, add the ditalini pasta. Cook according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and watch for the pasta to become tender.
- After the pasta is cooked, reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Let it simmer for another 3-5 minutes until heated through. The soup should look creamy and inviting.
- Finally, add the chopped spinach and season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for an additional 2 minutes until the spinach wilts. This adds a lovely pop of color and nutrition.
Make It Perfect
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the sausage.
- Serve with crusty bread for dipping; it makes the meal even more delightful.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days, just reheat gently on the stove.
Mix It Up
- Swap the Italian sausage for turkey sausage for a leaner option.
- Add other vegetables like carrots or bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor.
Perfect Partners
- Pair this soup with a simple green salad for a complete meal.
- A glass of red wine can complement the flavors beautifully.
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FAQs
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it a day in advance and reheat it when ready to serve.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, it freezes well! Just make sure to cool it completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
What can I use instead of ditalini pasta?
Any small pasta shape like elbow macaroni or orzo will work perfectly.
Is this soup spicy?
It depends on the sausage you use. Mild sausage will give you a creamy, comforting flavor without the heat.
Conclusion
This creamy sausage and ditalini soup is a fantastic choice for cozy Italian nights. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and sure to become a family favorite. So, gather your loved ones and enjoy a warm bowl of comfort together!
Creamy Sausage and Ditalini Soup for Cozy Italian Nights
Equipment
- Large Pot
Ingredients
Main
- 1 large yellow onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 4 cups chicken broth low-sodium preferred
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half for lighter version
- 1 cup ditalini pasta or any small pasta shape
- 1 cup spinach chopped, kale can be used as substitute
- to taste salt and pepper
Instructions
- Heat a large pot over medium heat and cook the Italian sausage until browned and crumbly, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot, stirring and cooking for 3 to 4 minutes until the onion is translucent.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, about 5 minutes.
- Add the ditalini pasta and cook according to package instructions, about 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, simmering for 3 to 5 minutes until heated through.
- Add the chopped spinach and season with salt and pepper to taste, cooking for an additional 2 minutes until the spinach wilts.