– 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 3 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 large carrot, diced
– 1 celery stalk, diced
– 6 cups chicken broth
– 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
– 1 cup ditalini pasta
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Creating this creamy Italian soup is simple! Just follow these step-by-step instructions:
1. Brown the Sausage: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and brown it, breaking it apart as it cooks until it is no longer pink.
2. Sauté Vegetables: Add the diced onion, garlic, carrot, and celery to the pot. Sauté for about 5 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
3. Add Broth and Tomatoes: Pour in the chicken broth and add the diced tomatoes (do not drain). Bring to a gentle boil.
4. Cook Pasta: Stir in the ditalini pasta and Italian seasoning. Cook according to package instructions until the pasta is al dente, typically about 8-10 minutes.
5. Incorporate Cream and Cheese: Once the pasta is cooked, lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheese has melted and the soup is creamy.
6. Season to Taste: Add salt and pepper to taste. Adjust any seasonings based on your preference.
7. Serve Hot: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley for an extra pop of color and flavor.