Description
A rich, hearty soup loaded with flavor from Italian sausage, fire-roasted tomatoes, and tender ditalini pasta in a creamy broth.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage (mild or hot)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 5 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) fire-roasted diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2 cups uncooked ditalini pasta
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup milk (or half-and-half for richer soup)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large Dutch oven or heavy soup pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Add the ground Italian sausage and cook until browned and cooked through.
- If there is excess grease, carefully spoon some off.
- Stir in the minced garlic, red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and black pepper; cook for about 1 minute.
- Pour in the chicken broth and add the fire-roasted tomatoes with their juices; stir well.
- Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Once boiling, stir in the uncooked ditalini pasta.
- Reduce heat to a steady simmer and cook for about 10 minutes until the pasta is just al dente.
- Turn the heat down to low and add the Parmesan cheese and cream cheese; stir continuously until melted.
- Pour in the milk (or half-and-half) and stir until fully combined, keeping over low heat.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Stir in chopped parsley if using.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and top with extra grated Parmesan and parsley if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
Control the richness by using whole milk for a lighter soup or half-and-half for a creamier texture. Always add dairy over low heat to avoid curdling.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian