Hearty Italian soup with creamy cheese, savory sausage, pasta, and tomatoes for a warming meal.
# The Ingredients You'll Need:
→ Meats
01 - 1 lb (450 g) Italian sausage
→ Aromatics & Vegetables
02 - 1/2 cup diced onion
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
→ Seasonings
04 - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
05 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
06 - 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
→ Liquids
07 - 4 cups (950 ml) chicken broth
08 - 1 can (14.5 oz/410 g) petite diced tomatoes, undrained
→ Pasta
09 - 8 oz (225 g) ditalini pasta
→ Dairy
10 - 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened and cubed
11 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
→ Fresh Herbs
12 - 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (plus more for serving)
# Step-by-Step Instructions:
01 - Place the Italian sausage in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium-high heat. Cook, breaking it into crumbles, until browned and cooked through. Drain excess grease if necessary.
02 - Add the diced onion, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until the onions begin to soften.
03 - Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
04 - Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes (with their juices). Stir to combine. Add the ditalini pasta, ensuring it is submerged in the liquid.
05 - Bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to a gentle boil and cook for about 8 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente.
06 - Lower the heat to medium. Add the softened cream cheese and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until both cheeses are melted and the soup is creamy, about 5 minutes.
07 - Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
08 - Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh basil. Serve hot.
