Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup (Creamy One-Pot Dinner) - Quickie Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil, if needed
• 1 lb (450 g) mild or hot Italian sausage, casings removed
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, optional
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, with juices
• 6 cups (1.4 L) low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup (140 g) ditalini pasta
• 3/4 cup (180 ml) heavy cream
• 3/4 cup (65 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 2 packed cups (60 g) baby spinach
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice, optional
• Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste