Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup

Ingredients:

1 lb sweet Italian sausage

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 large onion, diced

3 garlic cloves, minced

6 cups chicken broth

1 cup heavy cream

1 1/2 cups ditalini pasta

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried basil

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Salt and pepper to taste

4 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish

Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Directions:

Cook the Sausage:

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sweet Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up into smaller pieces with a wooden spoon. Remove the sausage from the pot and set aside.

Sauté the Vegetables:

In the same pot, add the diced onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.

Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Add the Broth and Herbs:

Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.

Stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper.

Cook the Pasta:

Add the ditalini pasta to the pot and cook until al dente, following the package instructions.

Add the Cream and Spinach:

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream.

Add the roughly chopped fresh spinach and cook until wilted.

Return the Sausage:

Return the browned sausage to the pot and stir to combine.

Finish with Parmesan:

Stir in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined.

Serve:

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with additional grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley.

Enjoy your Hearty Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup!