Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

Ingredients:

16 ounces mild Italian sausage

1/2 large yellow onion diced

2 tablespoons minced garlic

1 jar Barilla Marinara Sauce

1/2 lb Barilla Penne Pasta

2 cups chicken broth

3 cups half and half, heavy cream or whole milk

29 ounces whole tomatoes

1 14.5 ounce can diced tomatoes

1 tablespoons Italian seasoning

3 cups shredded Gambilin Mozzerella cheese

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

4 tablespoons butter

Instructions:

In a large pot fill with 6 cups of water and cook pasta according to package directions.

Once pasta is completely cooked, rinse with cold water and drain. Set pasta aside for later.

Using the same pot, heat 2 tablespoon olive oil.

Once heated add sausage, onion and garlic; cook until sausage is completely cooked through.

Drain grease from sausage and set sausage aside.

Place the same pot over medium-high heat and add chicken broth, whole tomatoes – squeezing the whole tomatoes with your hand so that it breaks them up as you are pouring them in the the pan, diced tomatoes, Barilla marinara sauce, Italian seasoning and heavy cream. Bring to a slow boil, stirring constantly, reduce heat to medium and simmer for 5 minutes.

Add in sausage mixture, butter, 2 cups shredded Mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Simmer over medium heat for 10-15 minutes. Stir every few minutes so that it doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan.

Remove from heat. Stir in remaining shredded Mozzarella cheese.

Stir in the pasta and serve immediately.

I love to top the soup with a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper and Italian seasoning.

Nutrition Information:

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Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use spicy Italian sausage instead of mild in the creamy Italian sausage soup?

Absolutely! Feel free to use spicy Italian sausage if you prefer a bit of heat in your soup.

Is it necessary to rinse the cooked pasta with cold water?

Rinsing the pasta helps stop the cooking process and removes excess starch, preventing the noodles from sticking together.

It also cools the pasta for immediate use in the soup.

Can I substitute half and half with another dairy option?

Yes, you can use heavy cream or whole milk as alternatives to half and half, depending on your preference.

What should I do with the whole tomatoes in the recipe?

Squeeze the whole tomatoes with your hand as you add them to the pot, breaking them up in the process.

This helps incorporate them into the soup.

Can I use a different type of pasta instead of penne?

Certainly! Feel free to use your favorite pasta shape or whatever you have on hand.

Is it necessary to use Barilla marinara sauce, or can I use another brand?

You can use your preferred marinara sauce brand if Barilla is not available.

Choose one with flavors you enjoy.

Can I make this soup ahead of time and reheat it later?

Yes, you can make the soup ahead of time and reheat it when ready to serve.

Keep in mind that the pasta may continue to absorb liquid, so you might need to adjust the consistency.

Is there a recommended type of cheese for topping the soup?

Freshly ground black pepper and Italian seasoning make excellent toppings.

However, feel free to experiment with additional grated cheese or fresh herbs.

What if I don’t have Italian seasoning?

You can create your own blend using dried herbs like oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary.

Mix according to your taste preferences.

Can I freeze leftovers of the creamy Italian sausage soup?

While the soup can be frozen, keep in mind that the texture of the pasta may change upon thawing.

Consider freezing without the pasta and adding it when reheating for better results.