Rich Italian-Inspired Soup (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
02 - 1 tbsp olive oil
03 - 1 small onion, diced
04 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
05 - 4 cups chicken broth
06 - 1 cup heavy cream
07 - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
08 - 1 cup uncooked ditalini pasta
09 - 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
10 - 2 cups fresh spinach (or kale)
11 - Salt and pepper to taste

# Instructions:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it into small pieces, and cook until browned. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
02 - In the same pot, sauté the onion until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Add diced tomatoes and reduce the heat to medium-low.
04 - Stir in the uncooked ditalini pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until al dente, stirring occasionally.
05 - Reduce the heat to low and mix in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until fully incorporated. Return the cooked sausage to the pot.
06 - Add fresh spinach (or kale) and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until wilted. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
07 - Serve hot with additional Parmesan cheese and crusty bread on the side.

# Notes:

01 - For a spicier version, use hot Italian sausage instead of mild
02 - If you can't find ditalini pasta, substitute with another small pasta shape like orzo or small shells
03 - The soup will thicken as it cools. When reheating, you may need to add a splash of broth or water