There is nothing quite like a bowl of soul-warming soup that marries rich, savory flavors with comforting textures, and this Delicious Parmesan Beef Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe does exactly that. With hearty Italian beef sausage, tender ditalini pasta, vibrant fresh greens, and a bubbling broth enriched with Parmesan cheese, every spoonful is filled with robust flavors and delightful contrasts. This recipe is a celebration of simple ingredients coming together to create an unforgettable, satisfying meal perfect for cozy dinners and sharing with loved ones.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key, yet you’ll be pleased to find that each component in this soup is both accessible and essential. Each item plays a distinct role, contributing layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this dish truly special.
- Beef Italian Sausage: Provides a rich, savory base with a nice hint of spice and texture.
- Ditalini Pasta: The tiny tube-shaped pasta soaks up the broth perfectly without overpowering the other flavors.
- Freshly grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds a creamy, salty kick that ties everything together.
- Onion: Builds a sweet, aromatic foundation for the soup.
- Carrots: Add subtle sweetness and a delicate crunch.
- Celery: Brings a fresh, slightly peppery bite for depth.
- Garlic: Infuses the broth with fragrant warmth and zest.
- Beef Broth: Forms the rich, savory liquid base that carries all the flavors.
- Balsamic Vinegar or Beef Broth (for deglazing): Lifts the caramelized bits for added complexity.
- Crushed Tomatoes: Offer a subtle acidity and vibrant color.
- Fresh Spinach or Kale: Introduce a pop of green and gentle earthiness.
- Dried Oregano: Enhances the Italian vibe with its fragrant herbaceous notes.
- Dried Basil: Complements oregano and adds sweetness and depth.
- Bay Leaf: Slowly infuses a mild aromatic woodiness as it simmers.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Add a gentle heat that livens the soup without overpowering.
- Fresh Parsley: A bright, fresh garnish that finishes the dish beautifully.
How to Make Delicious Parmesan Beef Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef Italian Sausage
Start by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat, then add your beef Italian sausage. Break it up with your spoon as it cooks to ensure even browning. This step is crucial because well-browned sausage releases those lovely, deep flavors that form the soup’s hearty backbone. Cook until there’s no pink left, about 5 to 7 minutes, then transfer the sausage to a plate, leaving all those flavorful drippings right in the pot.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetable Trio
Lower the heat to medium and toss in diced onions, carrots, and celery. These classic soffritto ingredients create a wonderful aromatic base while adding natural sweetness and texture. Stir occasionally for 5 to 7 minutes until the vegetables soften and start to release their juices, setting the stage for your broth.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Herbs, Then Deglaze
Mix in minced garlic, dried oregano, and dried basil, cooking for about a minute until your kitchen fills with mouthwatering aromas. Then pour in a splash of balsamic vinegar or beef broth, using your spoon to scrape up all the browned bits from the bottom—the secret treasure trove of flavor that makes this soup stand out.
Step 4: Build the Broth
Into the pot goes crushed tomatoes and the rest of your beef broth, followed by a bay leaf. Bring everything to a gentle simmer then reduce heat to low and cover. Let this simmer for 15 to 20 minutes to deepen the flavors and let the ingredients meld beautifully.
Step 5: Cook the Pasta
Turn the heat back up to medium-high and bring the soup to a gentle boil. Add your ditalini pasta and cook it just until al dente, about 7 to 9 minutes depending on your package instructions. This is when the pasta absorbs the savory broth flavor without losing its delicate bite.
Step 6: Return Sausage and Add Greens
Once the pasta is perfect, return the cooked sausage to the pot along with fresh spinach or kale. Stir and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, until your greens have wilted down and infused the soup with their vibrant color and earthy notes.
Step 7: Finish with Parmesan Cheese
Remove the bay leaf for a clean finish, then stir in a generous handful of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. It will melt into the soup, adding creamy richness and a salty punch. Taste and adjust seasonings with salt and black pepper as needed to make it just right.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle this comforting bowl of goodness into bowls. For extra flair, sprinkle on even more grated Parmesan and fresh chopped parsley. Now you’re ready to savor every luscious bite of this Delicious Parmesan Beef Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe—comfort in a bowl!
How to Serve Delicious Parmesan Beef Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese sprinkled on top adds an inviting salty tang that melts slightly into the hot soup, creating a decadent finish every time. Bright, chopped fresh parsley not only enhances the presentation with its vibrant green color but also lends a refreshing herbal note that lifts the entire dish.
Side Dishes
This soup is a satisfying meal on its own but pairs wonderfully with crusty Italian bread or garlic focaccia for dipping. A simple side salad with a lemon vinaigrette also complements the warmth and heartiness of the soup by introducing crisp freshness and acidity.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this soup in rustic bowls or mugs for a cozy, approachable feel. For a fun twist, try hollowing out small sourdough rolls and ladling the warm soup inside for edible bowls. Garnish with a Parmesan crisp or a drizzle of high-quality olive oil for that extra pop of gourmet flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, it will stay fresh and flavorful for 3 to 4 days, making it a perfect option for busy weeknights when you need a quick, nourishing meal.
Freezing
This Delicious Parmesan Beef Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe freezes beautifully. Just be mindful that the pasta can sometimes absorb broth and soften after freezing, so consider cooking the pasta fresh next time or slightly undercook it before freezing. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
Reheating
Reheat leftover soup gently on the stove over medium-low heat. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and add a splash of broth or water if it seems too thick. This keeps the flavors vibrant and ensures every bowl comes out as comforting and delicious as the first.
FAQs
Can I use turkey or chicken sausage instead of beef Italian sausage?
Absolutely! Turkey or chicken sausage can be a lighter alternative and will still infuse the soup with plenty of flavor. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly and adjust seasoning to suit the slightly different taste profile.
Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, swap out the beef sausage with plant-based sausage options or hearty vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini for a rich umami punch. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth to keep it fully vegetarian.
Can I prepare this soup in a slow cooker?
Definitely! Brown the sausage and sauté the vegetables first as the recipe suggests, then transfer everything to your slow cooker with the remaining ingredients. Cook on low for 4 to 6 hours, adding pasta and greens towards the last 30 minutes.
What type of Parmesan cheese works best?
Freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano is the best choice for authentic flavor and texture. Avoid pre-grated or powdered cheese as they won’t melt as smoothly or impart the same savory depth.
Can I substitute ditalini pasta with another shape?
Yes, any small pasta like orzo, small shells, or elbow macaroni will work. The key is to choose a pasta size that cooks quickly and blends nicely with the broth and other ingredients.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, this Delicious Parmesan Beef Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s approachable, full of layers of flavor, and so satisfying that it quickly becomes a go-to comfort food. Invite family or friends over, whip up a batch, and enjoy the magic of a homemade soup that’s as delicious as it is heartwarming.
Print
Delicious Parmesan Beef Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This hearty and flavorful Parmesan Beef Sausage Ditalini Soup combines savory Italian sausage, tender ditalini pasta, and fresh vegetables simmered in a rich tomato and beef broth base. Finished with fresh greens and a generous amount of Parmesan cheese, this comforting soup is perfect for a satisfying meal any day of the week.
Ingredients
Meat and Cheese
- 1 lb Beef Italian Sausage
- 1/2 cup Freshly grated Parmesan Cheese (plus extra for garnish)
Vegetables
- 1 medium Onion, chopped
- 2 medium Carrots, chopped
- 2 stalks Celery, chopped
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 2 cups Fresh Spinach or Kale, chopped
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Liquids and Broth
- 4 cups Beef Broth
- 1/4 cup Balsamic Vinegar or additional Beef Broth (for deglazing)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) Crushed Tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil (for cooking)
Pasta and Seasonings
- 3/4 cup Ditalini Pasta
- 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
- 1 teaspoon Dried Basil
- 1 Bay Leaf
- 1/4 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (optional for heat)
- Salt and freshly ground Black Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and no pink remains. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the sausage to a plate, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
- Sauté Vegetables: Reduce the heat to medium. Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot with the sausage drippings. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until vegetables soften.
- Add Aromatics and Deglaze: Stir in minced garlic, dried oregano, and dried basil. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar or beef broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom with a wooden spoon.
- Add Tomatoes and Broth: Stir in crushed tomatoes and the remaining 4 cups of beef broth. Add the bay leaf. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes.
- Cook Pasta: Increase heat to medium-high to bring soup to a rolling boil. Add ditalini pasta and cook according to package directions, about 7-9 minutes, until al dente.
- Add Sausage and Greens: Return the cooked sausage to the pot. Stir in chopped fresh spinach or kale. Cook for 2-3 minutes until greens are wilted.
- Finish Soup: Remove the bay leaf. Stir in about half a cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and incorporated. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed.
- Serve: Ladle soup into bowls. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy.
Notes
- Use low-sodium beef broth to control salt levels.
- Fresh spinach or kale can be substituted or combined according to preference.
- For a spicier soup, increase the red pepper flakes to taste.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat nicely on the stovetop.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the ditalini pasta with gluten-free small pasta shapes.
