Oh, this soup! It’s practically a hug in a bowl, and it’s become my absolute go-to for those chilly holiday evenings. When the snow is falling and everyone’s gathered around, there’s just nothing better than a steaming bowl of this Cozy Italian Sausage Soup with Ditalini Pasta. I’ve been making holiday meals for ages, and this recipe is a staple. It’s got that perfect balance of savory sausage, tender veggies, and those little pasta shapes that just soak up all the amazing flavor. Trust me, it’s a crowd-pleaser that makes any festive occasion feel extra special.
Experience the Warmth: Why You’ll Love This Cozy Italian Sausage Soup with Ditalini Pasta
Seriously, this soup is a winner for so many reasons! It’s the perfect thing to have bubbling away when you’re busy with all the holiday prep.
- It’s incredibly hearty and satisfying, a real hit at any holiday gathering.
- It’s super simple to prepare, which is a lifesaver for us busy cooks during Christmas and Thanksgiving!
- The rich, savory flavors just appeal to everyone, from the pickiest eaters to the most discerning foodies.
Essential Ingredients for Your Cozy Italian Sausage Soup with Ditalini Pasta
Alright, let’s talk about what you’ll need to make this magic happen! It’s pretty straightforward, but getting the right stuff makes all the difference. You’ll want about a pound of good Italian sausage – I usually grab the bulk stuff without the casings, it’s just easier to crumble. Then, for your veggies, grab a medium yellow onion, a couple of carrots, and a stalk or two of celery. Give ’em a good chop, not too tiny, not too big. And don’t forget the garlic! Two cloves, minced nice and fine. The base of our soup is eight cups of chicken broth – I usually just use store-bought, but homemade is always amazing if you have it. A 14.5-ounce can of diced tomatoes, undrained, brings a lovely little tang. For the herbs, a teaspoon each of dried oregano and basil is perfect. And of course, salt and pepper to taste – start with about half a teaspoon of each. The star of the show, though? Ditalini pasta! You’ll need about a cup of those little guys. And to finish it off, some grated Parmesan cheese for serving. Yum!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Cozy Italian Sausage Soup with Ditalini Pasta
Now, about those ingredients! If you like a little kick, definitely go for hot Italian sausage instead of mild. It really wakes up the flavor, especially if you’re making this for a holiday crowd that enjoys a bit of spice. As for veggies, feel free to toss in some chopped spinach or a handful of kale in the last few minutes of simmering. They wilt down beautifully and add a nice touch of green. Sometimes I even throw in some chopped zucchini if I have some hanging around. It all works wonderfully with the sausage!
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Cozy Italian Sausage Soup with Ditalini Pasta
Okay, let’s get this cozy soup going! It’s really not complicated at all, and the steps just flow into each other. First things first, grab a big pot or a Dutch oven – the bigger, the better for this hearty soup. We’re going to start by cooking up that Italian sausage. Just toss it in the pot, break it up with your spoon, and cook it over medium heat until it’s all nicely browned. Once it’s cooked, you’ll want to drain off any excess grease. Nobody likes a greasy soup, right?
Browning the Sausage and Aromatics
After you’ve drained the sausage, toss in your chopped onion, carrots, and celery right into the same pot. We want to let those veggies soften up a bit, which usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Give them a stir now and then. When the veggies are looking nice and tender, add in your minced garlic. Garlic cooks super fast, so just a minute more is all it needs, until you can really smell that amazing aroma.
Building the Flavor Base
Now for the liquid! Pour in your chicken broth and those diced tomatoes (don’t drain them, that juice is flavor!). Then, add in your dried oregano and basil. Give everything a good stir to combine. Season it with your salt and pepper – I usually start with about half a teaspoon of each, but you can always add more later. Bringing this to a boil is the next step. Once it’s boiling, turn the heat down low so it can simmer gently. We want to let all those flavors get to know each other for about 15 minutes. This is where the magic really starts to happen, making the broth so rich and delicious.
Simmering to Meld Flavors
After that 15-minute simmer, your soup base is ready for the star: the ditalini pasta! Add the pasta directly into the simmering soup. You’ll want to cook it according to the package directions, which is usually around 8 to 10 minutes. The key here is to cook it until it’s ‘al dente’ – that means it’s tender but still has a slight bite to it. Nobody likes mushy pasta in their soup!
Cooking the Ditalini Pasta to Perfection
Once the pasta is cooked just right, give the soup a final taste. This is your chance to add more salt or pepper if you think it needs it. Sometimes, depending on the broth and sausage you used, it might need a little extra seasoning to really make those flavors pop. Just stir it in and taste again. And that’s it! Your cozy, festive soup is ready to be served.
Tips for Success with Your Cozy Italian Sausage Soup with Ditalini Pasta
A few little tricks can make this soup absolutely perfect for your holiday table. Always make sure to drain off that excess grease after browning the sausage – it keeps the soup from feeling too heavy. And please, please taste and adjust the seasoning right at the end! That’s the best way to make sure every spoonful is just right.
Achieving the Perfect Consistency
You want this soup to be hearty, but not too thick. If it seems a little too thick after the pasta is cooked, just stir in a splash more chicken broth or even some water until it reaches that perfect, slurpable consistency. It should coat the back of a spoon nicely, but still flow easily.
Enhancing the Flavor Profile
Don’t be shy with the Parmesan cheese at the end! A good sprinkle really brings out the savory notes. Also, if you have fresh parsley, a little chopped sprinkle on top before serving adds a lovely freshness that really brightens up the whole dish. It makes it look so festive, too!
Serving and Storing Your Cozy Italian Sausage Soup with Ditalini Pasta
This soup is fantastic on its own, but I love serving it with some crusty Italian bread for dipping – it’s perfect for soaking up every last bit of that delicious broth! A little sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese right before serving is a must, and some fresh parsley adds a lovely pop of green and freshness. If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), just let the soup cool completely. Then, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. It reheats beautifully on the stovetop or in the microwave!
Festive Serving Suggestions
For those holiday gatherings, why not serve this soup in cute little mugs or small bowls? It makes it feel extra special! A sprinkle of red pepper flakes on top can add a nice touch for those who like a bit more heat. And seriously, a side of garlic bread or some warm, crusty rolls is the ultimate accompaniment. It’s just pure comfort food!
Storing and Reheating for Later Enjoyment
Leftovers are a gift, especially with this soup! Once it’s cooled down, pop it into an airtight container and it’ll keep in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. To reheat, I usually just pour it into a saucepan and warm it gently over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If it seems a little thick, just add a splash of broth or water. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave. It tastes just as good, if not better, the next day!
Frequently Asked Questions About Cozy Italian Sausage Soup with Ditalini Pasta
Got questions about this amazing holiday soup? I’ve got answers! Making this Cozy Italian Sausage Soup with Ditalini Pasta for Christmas or Thanksgiving is always a hit, and I get asked a lot about how to tweak it or store it.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Oh, absolutely! If you want to make this soup vegetarian, just skip the Italian sausage. You can replace it with some extra veggies like mushrooms or zucchini, or even use a plant-based sausage. You might want to add a little extra seasoning, like a pinch of smoked paprika, to give it a bit more depth without the sausage. It’s still super cozy and delicious!
What other pasta shapes work well in this soup?
Ditalini is my absolute favorite because those little tubes catch all the yummy broth, but honestly, most small pasta shapes work great! Small shells, elbow macaroni, or even orzo would be fantastic. Just make sure whatever you choose is a small shape so it fits nicely on your spoon with the sausage and veggies. Cook it until it’s al dente, just like the ditalini!
How long can I store leftovers of this Cozy Italian Sausage Soup with Ditalini Pasta?
This soup is a leftover champion! Once it’s cooled down completely, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. It reheats wonderfully on the stovetop or even in the microwave. Some people even say it tastes even better the next day, as the flavors have more time to meld together. Perfect for a quick and comforting meal during the busy holiday season!
Estimated Nutritional Information
Just a friendly reminder that the nutritional information for this Cozy Italian Sausage Soup with Ditalini Pasta is an estimate. It can vary quite a bit depending on the specific brands of ingredients you use, like the sausage or broth, and even how much oil you drain off. So, think of these numbers as a general guide! For more information on understanding nutritional labels, you can check out resources from the FDA.
Cozy Italian Sausage Soup: 1 Perfect Holiday Bowl
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A hearty and comforting Italian sausage soup with ditalini pasta, perfect for festive occasions like Christmas and Thanksgiving.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 cup chopped yellow onion
- 1 cup chopped carrots
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- 1 cup ditalini pasta
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the Italian sausage over medium heat until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes. Add the oregano and basil. Season with salt and pepper.
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Add the ditalini pasta and cook according to package directions, usually 8-10 minutes, until al dente.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- For a spicier soup, use hot Italian sausage.
- You can add other vegetables like spinach or kale in the last few minutes of simmering.
- This soup freezes well. Let it cool completely before freezing in airtight containers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: Italian sausage soup, ditalini pasta, comfort food, holiday soup, Christmas soup, Thanksgiving soup, hearty soup