Description
Hearty baked potato soup combines creamy richness with comforting midwest flavors. Crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, and green onions create a delightful finish for diners craving warmth and satisfaction.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1/2 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
Pasta and Vegetables:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) ditalini pasta
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
Seasonings and Liquids:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Boil ditalini pasta in salted water until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes, then drain and reserve.
- Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat for 2 minutes.
- Sear sausage, breaking into crumbles, until golden brown and fully cooked, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Reduce heat to medium and introduce minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for 45-60 seconds to release aromatic flavors.
- Incorporate tomato paste, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper, stirring continuously for even distribution.
- Stream in heavy cream and chicken broth, whisking to create a smooth, integrated sauce.
- Simmer the mixture for 4-5 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and sauce to slightly thicken.
- Gradually sprinkle Parmesan cheese into the sauce, stirring until completely melted and incorporated.
- Fold reserved pasta into the creamy sauce, ensuring each pasta piece is evenly coated.
- Transfer to serving dishes, garnish with fresh basil leaves, and serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Enhance pasta’s texture by cooking just until al dente to prevent mushiness when added to the creamy sauce.
- Customize heat levels by adjusting red pepper flakes for those who prefer milder or spicier flavors.
- Choose high-quality sausage for deeper, richer flavor profiles that elevate the entire dish’s taste experience.
- Consider dairy-free alternatives like coconut cream or plant-based cheese for lactose-intolerant or vegan dietary needs.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 523
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 763 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 21 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 23 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg