Ingredients:
– 1 lb Italian sausage
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 can diced tomatoes
– 1 cup ditalini pasta
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, cook the Italian sausage over medium heat until browned. Add in the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until fragrant.
2. Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes, bringing the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Stir in the ditalini pasta, cooking until al dente. Add in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, stirring until well combined.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil.
Nutrition Information:
– Calories: 350
– Fat: 20g
– Carbohydrates: 25g
– Protein: 15g
Helpful tips:
1. To add a depth of flavor, you can use a combination of sweet and hot Italian sausages.
2. For a healthier option, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk.
3. Feel free to customize the soup by adding extra vegetables such as spinach or carrots.
4. For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
5. You can make the soup ahead of time and reheat it when ready to serve.
6. Stir the soup occasionally while simmering to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
7. Adjust the amount of Parmesan cheese according to your preferences for a more or less cheesy flavor.
8. Garnish with additional fresh herbs like parsley or oregano for a pop of color and freshness.
9. Serve the soup with a side of crusty bread or a light salad for a complete meal.
10. Freeze any leftovers for a quick and convenient meal option.
Expert Secrets:
1. Browning the Italian sausage adds flavor to the soup, so be sure not to skip this step.
2. Use good quality Parmesan cheese for the best taste and texture in the soup.
3. Allow the soup to simmer for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together perfectly.
4. Taste the soup before serving and adjust seasoning as needed to suit your palate.
5. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese will melt more evenly into the soup compared to pre-packaged grated cheese.
6. For a creamy texture, stir in the heavy cream slowly and allow it to heat through before serving.
7. Fresh basil adds a burst of freshness to the soup, so don’t skip this garnish.
8. Experiment with different types of pasta shapes for a fun twist on the traditional ditalini.
9. Use low-sodium chicken broth if you prefer to control the saltiness of the soup.
10. Enjoy the soup as a main course or as a starter for a larger meal.