Looking for a hearty, comforting meal? This Creamy Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup is your answer! Packed with tasty sausage, ditalini pasta, and fresh spinach, it’s a dish everyone will love. I’ll guide you through each simple step, from browning the sausage to adding rich cream. Plus, I’ll share tips for meal prep and variations to match your needs. Get ready for a warm bowl of delight that’s perfect for any night!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
– Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
– Ditalini pasta
– Fresh spinach
For this soup, the main ingredients are key. Italian sausage adds rich flavor. You can choose mild for a gentle taste or spicy for a kick. Ditalini pasta gives a nice bite. It looks cute and fits well in the soup. Fresh spinach adds color and nutrients. It wilts nicely, making the dish vibrant.
Optional Garnishes
– Grated Parmesan cheese
– Fresh herbs (e.g., parsley, basil)
Garnishes can really elevate your soup. Grated Parmesan cheese adds creaminess and depth. Fresh herbs, like parsley or basil, bring brightness and freshness. Sprinkle these on top before serving. They make the dish more appealing and tasty.
Pantry Staples
– Low-sodium chicken broth
– Diced tomatoes
– Heavy cream
Pantry staples make this recipe easy. Low-sodium chicken broth provides a savory base. It keeps the soup light and healthy. Diced tomatoes add sweetness and texture. They also enhance the color of the soup. Heavy cream makes it creamy and luxurious. It ties all the flavors together.
For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions to create this delicious dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cooking the Sausage
To start, heat a large pot over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound of Italian sausage to the pot. Cook until it is browned and fully cooked. This takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Use a wooden spoon to break the sausage apart as it cooks.
Next, add 1 medium diced onion to the pot. Sauté the onion for 3 to 4 minutes until it turns translucent. This adds great flavor to the dish. After that, stir in 3 minced garlic cloves. Cook for 1 more minute until it smells great.
Combining Ingredients
Now it’s time to add more flavor. Pour in 4 cups of low-sodium chicken broth and 1 can of diced tomatoes with juice. Make sure to scrape the bottom of the pot to get all the tasty bits. Bring this mixture to a boil.
Once boiling, add 1 cup of ditalini pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions, usually about 7 to 8 minutes. Stir it occasionally to keep it from sticking.
Final Touches
When the pasta is just right, reduce the heat to low. Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and 2 cups of chopped fresh spinach. Add 1 teaspoon of dried Italian herbs, like oregano, basil, and thyme. Let it cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until the spinach is wilted.
Finally, season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the pot from the heat. Let the soup sit for a couple of minutes to thicken slightly. For the full recipe, check out the details provided.
Tips & Tricks
Achieving the Perfect Texture
To make your soup great, cook the pasta al dente. This means it should be firm when bitten. Follow the package directions for timing. Usually, it takes about 7-8 minutes. Stir it often to stop it from sticking. After cooking, let the soup thicken for a couple of minutes. This makes it creamy and rich. The heavy cream helps, but resting the soup really brings it together.
Flavor Enhancements
Using fresh herbs can make a big difference. Fresh basil or parsley adds bright flavor. If you use dried herbs, add them early in the cooking. They blend in well. Spice levels are also up to you! If you like heat, add red pepper flakes. Start small and taste as you go. You can always add more spice, but you can’t take it out.
Meal Prep Suggestions
Preparing ingredients ahead saves time. Chop onions and garlic the night before. You can also pre-measure the spices and cream. This makes cooking faster. If you have leftovers, freezing is a great option. Store the soup in airtight containers. It can last for up to three months in the freezer. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. Enjoy your creamy Italian sausage ditalini soup again! For the full recipe, check out the section above.
Variations
Dietary Adjustments
For those needing gluten-free options, swap the ditalini pasta for rice or gluten-free pasta. This keeps the soup hearty and tasty. You can also use cauliflower or zucchini noodles for a veggie touch.
If you want a low-fat alternative, try using lighter cream or milk. This keeps the soup creamy but cuts down on calories. You can also use Greek yogurt as a base for a tangy twist.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can change up the protein by using chicken or turkey sausage. These options lower the fat while keeping the flavor big. For a veggie-packed version, add chopped carrots or zucchini. These veggies boost nutrition and add color to your dish.
Flavor Profile Twists
To enhance the flavor, experiment with different herbs like thyme or rosemary. These herbs give a fresh twist to the soup. You can also try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat.
Incorporating different types of cheese adds richness. Try using mozzarella for a gooey texture or feta for a salty bite. These changes keep the soup exciting and full of flavor.
For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe].
Storage Info
Refrigeration Guidelines
You can keep your creamy Italian sausage ditalini soup in the fridge for about three days. Make sure to let the soup cool before storing it. Use an airtight container to keep it fresh. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat it on the stove or in the microwave.
Freezing Instructions
If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option! Allow the soup to cool completely. Then, pour it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Lay the bags flat in the freezer for easy stacking. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat on the stove, adding a little broth if needed.
Best Container Options
Choose containers that are safe for both freezing and reheating. Glass or BPA-free plastic containers work well. For easy meals, portion the soup into single servings. This way, you can grab just what you need. It helps reduce waste and makes meal prep a breeze.
FAQs
What if I don’t have ditalini pasta?
If you can’t find ditalini pasta, don’t worry! You can use other small pasta shapes. Here are some great options:
– Small shells
– Orzo
– Elbow macaroni
– Fusilli
These shapes will work well in this creamy Italian sausage ditalini soup. Just remember to adjust the cooking time as needed.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can make this soup in a slow cooker! Start by browning the sausage in a skillet. Then, add the sausage, diced onion, garlic, chicken broth, and diced tomatoes to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the ditalini pasta, heavy cream, and spinach. Let it cook until the pasta is tender.
Is this soup suitable for a low-carb diet?
This creamy Italian sausage ditalini soup is not low-carb due to the pasta. However, you can make it lower in carbs. Substitute the ditalini pasta with vegetables, like:
– Zucchini noodles
– Cauliflower rice
– Chopped broccoli
These swaps will help you enjoy a tasty, lower-carb version without losing flavor.
How can I make it spicier?
If you want to add some heat, try these tips:
– Use spicy Italian sausage instead of mild.
– Add red pepper flakes to taste while cooking.
– Stir in some hot sauce before serving.
These changes will give your soup a delightful kick! For the full recipe, check out the original instructions.
This blog post covered a tasty soup with Italian sausage, ditalini pasta, and fresh spinach. You can add your favorite garnishes and pantry staples for extra flavor. I shared tips for cooking and storing the soup, as well as ideas to switch up ingredients or adjust the recipe for dietary needs.
Enjoy making your soup your way. Explore the variations and savor every bowl!
![- Italian sausage (mild or spicy) - Ditalini pasta - Fresh spinach For this soup, the main ingredients are key. Italian sausage adds rich flavor. You can choose mild for a gentle taste or spicy for a kick. Ditalini pasta gives a nice bite. It looks cute and fits well in the soup. Fresh spinach adds color and nutrients. It wilts nicely, making the dish vibrant. - Grated Parmesan cheese - Fresh herbs (e.g., parsley, basil) Garnishes can really elevate your soup. Grated Parmesan cheese adds creaminess and depth. Fresh herbs, like parsley or basil, bring brightness and freshness. Sprinkle these on top before serving. They make the dish more appealing and tasty. - Low-sodium chicken broth - Diced tomatoes - Heavy cream Pantry staples make this recipe easy. Low-sodium chicken broth provides a savory base. It keeps the soup light and healthy. Diced tomatoes add sweetness and texture. They also enhance the color of the soup. Heavy cream makes it creamy and luxurious. It ties all the flavors together. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions to create this delicious dish! To start, heat a large pot over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound of Italian sausage to the pot. Cook until it is browned and fully cooked. This takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Use a wooden spoon to break the sausage apart as it cooks. Next, add 1 medium diced onion to the pot. Sauté the onion for 3 to 4 minutes until it turns translucent. This adds great flavor to the dish. After that, stir in 3 minced garlic cloves. Cook for 1 more minute until it smells great. Now it's time to add more flavor. Pour in 4 cups of low-sodium chicken broth and 1 can of diced tomatoes with juice. Make sure to scrape the bottom of the pot to get all the tasty bits. Bring this mixture to a boil. Once boiling, add 1 cup of ditalini pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions, usually about 7 to 8 minutes. Stir it occasionally to keep it from sticking. When the pasta is just right, reduce the heat to low. Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and 2 cups of chopped fresh spinach. Add 1 teaspoon of dried Italian herbs, like oregano, basil, and thyme. Let it cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until the spinach is wilted. Finally, season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the pot from the heat. Let the soup sit for a couple of minutes to thicken slightly. For the full recipe, check out the details provided. To make your soup great, cook the pasta al dente. This means it should be firm when bitten. Follow the package directions for timing. Usually, it takes about 7-8 minutes. Stir it often to stop it from sticking. After cooking, let the soup thicken for a couple of minutes. This makes it creamy and rich. The heavy cream helps, but resting the soup really brings it together. Using fresh herbs can make a big difference. Fresh basil or parsley adds bright flavor. If you use dried herbs, add them early in the cooking. They blend in well. Spice levels are also up to you! If you like heat, add red pepper flakes. Start small and taste as you go. You can always add more spice, but you can't take it out. Preparing ingredients ahead saves time. Chop onions and garlic the night before. You can also pre-measure the spices and cream. This makes cooking faster. If you have leftovers, freezing is a great option. Store the soup in airtight containers. It can last for up to three months in the freezer. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. Enjoy your creamy Italian sausage ditalini soup again! For the full recipe, check out the section above. {{image_2}} For those needing gluten-free options, swap the ditalini pasta for rice or gluten-free pasta. This keeps the soup hearty and tasty. You can also use cauliflower or zucchini noodles for a veggie touch. If you want a low-fat alternative, try using lighter cream or milk. This keeps the soup creamy but cuts down on calories. You can also use Greek yogurt as a base for a tangy twist. You can change up the protein by using chicken or turkey sausage. These options lower the fat while keeping the flavor big. For a veggie-packed version, add chopped carrots or zucchini. These veggies boost nutrition and add color to your dish. To enhance the flavor, experiment with different herbs like thyme or rosemary. These herbs give a fresh twist to the soup. You can also try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat. Incorporating different types of cheese adds richness. Try using mozzarella for a gooey texture or feta for a salty bite. These changes keep the soup exciting and full of flavor. For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. You can keep your creamy Italian sausage ditalini soup in the fridge for about three days. Make sure to let the soup cool before storing it. Use an airtight container to keep it fresh. When you're ready to eat, just reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option! Allow the soup to cool completely. Then, pour it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Lay the bags flat in the freezer for easy stacking. When you're ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat on the stove, adding a little broth if needed. Choose containers that are safe for both freezing and reheating. Glass or BPA-free plastic containers work well. For easy meals, portion the soup into single servings. This way, you can grab just what you need. It helps reduce waste and makes meal prep a breeze. If you can’t find ditalini pasta, don’t worry! You can use other small pasta shapes. Here are some great options: - Small shells - Orzo - Elbow macaroni - Fusilli These shapes will work well in this creamy Italian sausage ditalini soup. Just remember to adjust the cooking time as needed. Yes, you can make this soup in a slow cooker! Start by browning the sausage in a skillet. Then, add the sausage, diced onion, garlic, chicken broth, and diced tomatoes to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the ditalini pasta, heavy cream, and spinach. Let it cook until the pasta is tender. This creamy Italian sausage ditalini soup is not low-carb due to the pasta. However, you can make it lower in carbs. Substitute the ditalini pasta with vegetables, like: - Zucchini noodles - Cauliflower rice - Chopped broccoli These swaps will help you enjoy a tasty, lower-carb version without losing flavor. If you want to add some heat, try these tips: - Use spicy Italian sausage instead of mild. - Add red pepper flakes to taste while cooking. - Stir in some hot sauce before serving. These changes will give your soup a delightful kick! For the full recipe, check out the original instructions. This blog post covered a tasty soup with Italian sausage, ditalini pasta, and fresh spinach. You can add your favorite garnishes and pantry staples for extra flavor. I shared tips for cooking and storing the soup, as well as ideas to switch up ingredients or adjust the recipe for dietary needs. Enjoy making your soup your way. Explore the variations and savor every bowl!](https://soyumrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/b6ab9926-8674-48f3-b346-f5dcbeb9bf61-250x250.webp)