Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe

Introduction

This Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for any day. It combines savory Italian sausage, tender vegetables, and small pasta in a rich broth, finished with fresh spinach and Parmesan cheese.

Ingredients

• 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, based on preference)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup ditalini pasta
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large pot over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, add the Italian sausage. Cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Step 2: Drain excess fat from the pot if necessary. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, diced carrots, and diced celery to the pot. Sauté until vegetables are softened, about 4-5 minutes.
3. Step 3: Stir in the diced tomatoes with their juices, chicken broth, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes if using. Bring the mixture to a boil.
4. Step 4: Add the ditalini pasta to the boiling soup. Reduce the heat and simmer according to pasta package instructions, usually 8-10 minutes, until al dente.
5. Step 5: In the last few minutes of cooking, stir in the chopped spinach and grated Parmesan cheese. Allow the spinach to wilt and the cheese to melt, stirring to combine well.
6. Step 6: Taste and season with salt and black pepper as needed.
7. Step 7: Serve hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Add other vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers to boost nutrients and flavor.
• For a thicker soup, puree a portion of it and stir it back in.
• To make it vegetarian, substitute the sausage with plant-based sausage and use vegetable broth.

Storage

This soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a little extra broth if needed to maintain the desired consistency.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta instead of ditalini?

Yes, small pasta shapes like elbow macaroni or small shells work well as substitutes for ditalini in this soup.

Is it possible to make this soup ahead of time?

Absolutely. It reheats nicely and flavors deepen over time. Just store it properly and add extra broth when reheating if it has thickened too much.

Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 132 reviews

This hearty Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup combines savory Italian sausage with tender vegetables and ditalini pasta, finished with fresh spinach and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. It’s a comforting, easy-to-make soup perfect for beginners looking for a filling and flavorful meal.

• Author: Isla
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 30 mins
• Total Time: 45 mins
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Soups
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat & Oils

• 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, based on preference)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Vegetables & Aromatics

• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped

Pantry Items

• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup ditalini pasta
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1⁄2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Cheese & Garnish

• 1⁄2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Brown the Sausage: In a large pot over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Brown and cook through for about 5-7 minutes.
2. Sauté Vegetables: Drain any excess fat from the pot if needed. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, diced carrots, and diced celery. Sauté until the vegetables soften, about 4-5 minutes.
3. Add Liquids and Seasonings: Stir in the undrained diced tomatoes, chicken broth, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes if using. Bring the mixture to a boil.
4. Cook Pasta: Once boiling, add the ditalini pasta. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook according to pasta package instructions, about 8-10 minutes, until pasta is al dente.
5. Add Spinach and Parmesan: During the last few minutes, stir in chopped spinach and grated Parmesan cheese. Allow the spinach to wilt and the cheese to melt fully, stirring until combined.
6. Season and Serve: Taste and season with salt and black pepper to your preference. Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

• This soup can be made ahead and reheats well; add extra broth when reheating if needed for consistency.
• Feel free to add other vegetables such as zucchini or bell peppers for added flavor and nutrition.
• For a thicker soup, puree part of it and stir back into the pot.
• To make it vegetarian, substitute plant-based sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Keywords: Parmesan, Italian Sausage, Ditalini, Soup, Easy Soup, Comfort Food, Italian Soup, Sausage Soup