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
Scale
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
