If you’re craving comfort food that warms you up from the inside out, you’re going to adore this Delicious Parmesan Beef Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe. It’s loaded with savory Italian beef sausage, tender little ditalini noodles, and a rich tomato-infused broth that’s topped off with a cheesy sprinkle of Parmesan. Every spoonful is a perfect blend of hearty flavors and satisfying textures, making it a go-to meal for chilly days or anytime you need a bit of extra cozy in your bowl.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is the first step to creating the magic of this soup. Each component plays a crucial role, whether it’s the rich flavor of the sausage, the comforting bite of ditalini pasta, or the fresh brightness from spinach that rounds everything out beautifully.
- Olive oil: Helps brown the sausage and builds the base flavor with a subtle fruitiness.
- Italian beef sausage: The star protein that brings an irresistible savory and slightly spiced character.
- Small onion: Adds natural sweetness and helps deepen the soup’s flavor.
- Garlic cloves: Provide a fragrant, aromatic punch that awakens the palate.
- Beef broth: The hearty liquid foundation that infuses the soup with meaty richness.
- Diced tomatoes (with juice): Deliver bright acidity and a lovely red hue.
- Ditalini pasta: Tiny, tubular shapes that soak up the broth perfectly without overpowering each bite.
- Dried oregano: Adds warm, herbal notes essential for that classic Italian vibe.
- Dried basil: Complements the oregano with a sweet, aromatic touch.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: For balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the soup to create a creamy, cheesy richness.
- Fresh spinach (optional): Brings a pop of color and a fresh, slightly earthy note.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): For those who love a gentle kick of heat to brighten each mouthful.
How to Make Delicious Parmesan Beef Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the Italian beef sausage, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Browning the sausage until it’s beautifully caramelized brings out those deep, savory notes that make this soup unforgettable. This step usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes, and you’ll want to have the sausage fully cooked before moving on.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Once your sausage is ready, toss in the finely chopped onion. Sauté for around 3 minutes until it becomes translucent and soft, releasing its natural sweetness. Then stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. The garlic should become wonderfully fragrant but not browned, giving the soup a lovely aromatic base.
Step 3: Build the Broth
Pour in the beef broth along with the entire can of diced tomatoes, juice included. This combination forms the hearty liquid base of your soup. Add the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and freshly ground black pepper, stirring everything together. Bring the pot to a boil to begin marrying all those bright, savory flavors.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
Once boiling, add your ditalini pasta and reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 8 to 10 minutes, or until the pasta reaches a perfect al dente texture. This timing is key — you want the pasta tender but still with a slight bite so it holds up in the soup without getting mushy.
Step 5: Cheese and Greens Finish
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and the chopped fresh spinach, if you’re using it. The cheese melts into the hot broth, creating a creamy consistency that envelops every forkful. The spinach wilts down nicely, adding color and a subtle fresh flavor that brightens the entire dish. Let everything meld together for about 2 minutes before tasting to adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 6: Serve Hot and Enjoy
Your Delicious Parmesan Beef Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe is ready to be ladled into bowls. Don’t forget to top with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you want to add some heat. Grab a cozy spot and savor the comforting warmth with every spoonful.
How to Serve Delicious Parmesan Beef Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate this soup, sprinkle additional freshly grated Parmesan cheese right before serving, adding a luscious creaminess with every bite. For a touch of color and heat, red pepper flakes provide a wonderful contrast to the cheesy richness, while a few fresh basil leaves can brighten the presentation and add a burst of fragrance.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty garlic bread or buttery dinner rolls that are perfect for mopping up the leftover broth. A simple mixed green salad dressed with a lemon vinaigrette can also offer a refreshing counterpoint to the soup’s hearty flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this delightful soup in rustic bread bowls for a fun and cozy touch at your table. Or ladle it into pretty ceramic bowls and add colorful microgreens on top to make the dish feel extra special. For a casual family dinner, a large slow cooker set-up with bowls ready to go can keep everyone happily dipping and enjoying all night long.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover soup stores beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep it in an airtight container to preserve freshness. The flavors continue to develop overnight, making for an even tastier meal the next day. Just give it a good stir before reheating.
Freezing
This soup can be frozen, but for the best texture, consider cooking the pasta separately and adding it after thawing. Freeze the soup base in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to avoid scorching. If the soup seems too thick after reheating, simply add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen it up. Stir in freshly shredded Parmesan just before serving for that perfect cheesy finish.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Small pasta shapes such as elbow macaroni, mini shells, or even alphabet pasta can substitute for ditalini nicely. Just watch the cooking time since some shapes cook faster than others.
Can I prepare this soup in advance?
Yes! It’s actually a great make-ahead meal because the flavors deepen when it sits overnight in the fridge. Just reheat it gently on the stove and add any last-minute touches like fresh cheese or spinach before serving.
Is this soup freezer-friendly?
Yes, the soup freezes well, especially if you separate the pasta from the broth. Freezing the broth and sausage mixture alone prevents the pasta from becoming mushy. When thawing, simply cook fresh pasta or add previously cooked pasta while reheating.
Can I use turkey or chicken sausage instead of beef?
Definitely! Using turkey or chicken sausage lightens the dish without sacrificing flavor. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure the sausage is fully cooked through and enjoy a leaner version of this comforting soup.
How spicy is the soup? Can I make it milder?
The base recipe is mild, but you can adjust the heat by adding or omitting red pepper flakes. If you prefer no spice, simply leave them out and enjoy a beautifully balanced savory soup that’s kid-friendly too.
Final Thoughts
This Delicious Parmesan Beef Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe is one of those special dishes that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. Its blend of rich sausage, tender pasta, fresh greens, and comforting tomato broth comes together effortlessly to create a meal that’s both satisfying and nourishing. I encourage you to give it a try—you might just find your new favorite soup to share with friends and family!
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Delicious Parmesan Beef Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Delicious Parmesan Beef Sausage Ditalini Soup is a hearty and comforting dish packed with savory Italian beef sausage, tender ditalini pasta, and a rich tomato and beef broth. Perfect for a cozy meal, the soup is elevated with aromatic herbs and finished with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh spinach for a tasty, nutritious bowl that warms you up from the inside out.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian beef sausage, casings removed
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Pasta & Cheese
- 1 cup ditalini pasta
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
Vegetables & Garnishes
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped (optional)
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the Italian beef sausage, removing casings if necessary, and cook while breaking it up with a spoon until browned and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the finely chopped onion to the pot and sauté until translucent, approximately 3 minutes. Then stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, ensuring not to burn the garlic.
- Add Broth and Tomatoes: Pour in the beef broth along with the undrained diced tomatoes. Stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil to meld the flavors.
- Cook the Pasta: Add the ditalini pasta to the boiling soup and then reduce the heat to a simmer. Allow the pasta to cook until al dente, which should take about 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Finish with Cheese and Spinach: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and the roughly chopped spinach if using. Let the spinach wilt and the cheese melt into the soup for about 2 minutes. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you prefer a bit of heat. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute beef sausage with turkey or chicken sausage.
- Add additional vegetables such as diced carrots or celery to increase the nutrition and flavor complexity.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator and often taste better the next day as flavors continue to meld.
- If freezing the soup, cook pasta separately to avoid mushiness and add it fresh when reheating.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
