1. Brown the Sausage
- Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
- Add sausage; cook 5–6 minutes, breaking into crumbles, until browned.
- Add onion; cook 3–4 minutes until soft.
- Stir in garlic; cook 1 minute.
2. Simmer the Base
- Pour in chicken broth and diced tomatoes.
- Add oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil; stir in ditalini.
- Reduce heat; simmer 8–10 minutes until pasta is al dente.
3. Finish with Cream & Greens
- Stir in spinach until wilted (1–2 mins).
- Reduce heat to low; stir in heavy cream and Parmesan until melted and smooth.
- Do not boil after adding dairy—keeps soup silky.
4. Serve Warm
- Ladle into bowls.
- Top with extra Parmesan, cracked pepper, or fresh basil.
Serving Suggestions
- 🥖 Classic pairing: Crusty bread or garlic toast for dipping
- 🥗 Balanced plate: Simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette
- 🍷 Wine pairing: Chianti or Pinot Grigio
- 🌶️ Spicy kick: Extra red pepper flakes or hot Italian sausage
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
- Fridge: Keeps up to 3 days—pasta will absorb broth; add extra broth when reheating.
- Freeze? Freeze without cream/pasta; add fresh when reheating.
- Prep ahead: Chop onion/garlic; store separately.
Frequently Asked Questions
A: Yes! Use GF ditalini (like Barilla or Jovial).
A: Substitute with coconut milk or whole milk + 1 tsp cornstarch.
A: Yes—but add 1 tbsp olive oil for moisture.
A: Stir in more broth or water, ¼ cup at a time.
❤️ The Heart of the Soup
“Good soup doesn’t need a recipe—it just needs sausage, pasta, and someone hungry.” 🍲✨