Ingredients
Method
Cooking the Sausage
- Start by placing the Italian sausage in a large Dutch oven or pot over medium heat.
- Brown the sausage, using a spoon to crumble it into bite-sized pieces.
- Cook until fully browned, then drain off any excess grease.
Sautéing Vegetables
- Stir in the diced onion, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Cook for 1-2 minutes until the onions become translucent and aromatic.
Adding Garlic
- Introduce the minced garlic to the pot and sauté for an additional minute.
Combining Ingredients
- Pour in the petite diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and ditalini pasta.
- Ensure the pasta is well covered by the broth.
- Bring the mixture to a rolling boil and allow it to cook for about 8 minutes or until the pasta is al dente.
Incorporating Cream
- Once the pasta is cooked, reduce the heat to medium.
- Gently fold in the softened cream cheese and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Stir until the cream cheese melts into the soup and the mixture becomes beautifully creamy.
Garnishing and Serving
- When serving, finish with a sprinkle of fresh basil on top.
Notes
Use high-quality sausage for the best flavor. Consider using homemade chicken broth for a richer taste. Letting the soup sit for a few minutes after cooking helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
