If you are craving a warm, hearty, and comforting meal, this Delicious Parmesan Beef Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s an amazing blend of savory Italian beef sausage, tender ditalini pasta, fresh greens, and a rich tomato-beef broth, all enhanced by the nutty, melty goodness of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Perfect for any day when you want a bowl of soul-satisfying comfort, this recipe balances bold flavors with simple ingredients that come together effortlessly to create a soup that tastes like a hug in a bowl.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to making this soup a standout. Each item adds its own unique layer to the flavor, texture, and color, making this recipe both wholesome and irresistible.
- Beef Italian Sausage: Choose quality sausage for bold flavor and a savory base.
- Ditalini Pasta: Tiny, tube-shaped pasta that holds soup beautifully without overpowering.
- Freshly grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds creamy, nutty richness to the broth.
- Onion: Provides sweetness and depth once sautéed.
- Carrots: Give subtle sweetness and vibrant color.
- Celery: Adds an aromatic crunch that rounds out the flavor profile.
- Garlic: Infuses the soup with warm, pungent notes that elevate every spoonful.
- Beef Broth: Forms the savory, hearty liquid base full of umami.
- Balsamic Vinegar or Beef Broth (for deglazing): Helps lift those flavorful browned bits from the pot for extra complexity.
- Crushed Tomatoes: Bring brightness and a tangy tomato richness to balance the meatiness.
- Fresh Spinach or Kale: Adds a fresh, green touch and a boost of nutrition.
- Dried Oregano: A classic herb that complements Italian sausage perfectly.
- Dried Basil: Adds aromatic warmth and sweetness.
- Bay Leaf: Imparts subtle herbal undertones that elevate the simmering soup.
- Red Pepper Flakes: A pinch gives the slightest kick for balanced heat.
- Fresh Parsley: Brightens the final dish with a fresh, herbal finish.
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 heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. The goal is to get it nicely browned with no pink remaining, which usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Once cooked through, use a slotted spoon to transfer the sausage to a plate, but keep all the flavorful rendered fat in the pot for the next step.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Lower the heat to medium and add diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. These trio of veggies will form the aromatic base, so sauté them for 5 to 7 minutes until they soften just enough to release their natural sweetness without losing their texture. This step fills your kitchen with a wonderful, comforting aroma that sets the tone for the delicious soup to come.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Herbs, Then Deglaze
Once the veggies are ready, stir in minced garlic, dried oregano, and dried basil. Cook these together for about a minute until fragrant, which helps release their essential flavors. Then, pour in a splash of balsamic vinegar or about a quarter cup of beef broth to deglaze the pot. Scrape up those delicious browned bits from the bottom — they pack a huge punch of flavor into your soup!
Step 4: Build the Broth and Simmer
Next, stir in crushed tomatoes and the remaining beef broth, then toss in a bay leaf. Bring everything to a gentle simmer before lowering the heat, covering the pot, and letting it cook for at least 15 to 20 minutes. This simmer allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the broth to become rich and savory, truly bringing your Delicious Parmesan Beef Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe to life.
Step 5: Cook the Ditalini Pasta
Raise the heat to medium-high and bring the soup back to a rolling boil. Add your ditalini pasta and cook according to the package instructions, generally 7 to 9 minutes, until it’s perfectly al dente. The little pasta tubes will soak up some of that delicious broth while still keeping a satisfying bite, adding a wonderful texture contrast.
Step 6: Return Sausage and Wilt the Greens
Once the pasta is cooked, add the browned sausage back into the pot. Stir in fresh spinach or kale, cooking for another 2 to 3 minutes until the greens have just wilted. This adds a pop of vibrant green and a fresh, slightly earthy flavor that brightens the hearty soup.
Step 7: Finish with Parmesan Cheese
Remove the bay leaf before stirring in a generous handful (about half a cup) of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. It will melt luxuriously into the broth, enriching the soup with a creamy, savory depth. Taste it now, and add salt and black pepper as needed to perfect every bite of your Delicious Parmesan Beef Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle your hot soup into bowls, garnish with extra freshly grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley if you like. Serve immediately and prepare for a comforting, flavorful meal that fills your belly and soul alike.
How to Serve Delicious Parmesan Beef Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe
Garnishes
The right garnishes add another layer of wow to your soup. Extra Parmesan cheese adds creamy umami, fresh parsley brings herbal brightness, and a light sprinkle of red pepper flakes can give it a gentle warmth. These finishing touches make every spoonful feel special and inviting.
Side Dishes
For sides, a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette pairs beautifully to balance the soup’s richness. Crusty garlic bread or warm focaccia are perfect to dip and soak up every last drop of the savory broth, making the meal feel complete and indulgent.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the soup in rustic bowls with a Parmesan crisp on top for added texture and flair. Another great idea is to present it in mini bread bowls for individual servings that impress at any dinner gathering. Fresh herbs sprinkled right before serving brighten the look and flavor instantly.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your soup, let any leftovers cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, the soup will stay fresh for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making your next meal even better.
Freezing
This Delicious Parmesan Beef Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe freezes wonderfully. To freeze, keep the pasta separate if possible as it can get mushy; otherwise, freeze the entire soup in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add a splash of broth or water if the soup has thickened too much. Stir in a little fresh Parmesan when reheated to revive the creamy richness.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage in this soup?
Absolutely! While beef Italian sausage is traditional and flavorful, you can substitute with pork sausage or even turkey sausage for a lighter version. Just make sure to cook it well to develop that great browned flavor.
Is there a substitute for ditalini pasta?
Yes, feel free to swap ditalini with other small pasta shapes like elbow macaroni, small shells, or even orzo. Just adjust cook time accordingly so your pasta stays al dente and doesn’t turn mushy.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, replace the beef sausage with plant-based sausage and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. The soup will still be hearty and flavorful, especially with the addition of Parmesan and plenty of fresh herbs.
How spicy is this soup?
The soup usually has a gentle warmth thanks to the red pepper flakes, but you can adjust the heat to your liking by adding more or leaving them out entirely for a milder flavor profile.
Can I prepare this soup in advance?
Definitely! This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Prepare the soup a day in advance and reheat gently. For best texture, consider cooking pasta fresh just before serving or storing it separately.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Delicious Parmesan Beef Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe a try because it’s one of those comforting, flavorful dishes that become an instant favorite. Whether you’re looking for a satisfying family meal or a cozy dinner to warm up chilly evenings, this soup delivers every time with its hearty ingredients and harmonious flavors. Enjoy cooking and, most importantly, savor every delicious bite!
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 Delicious Parmesan Beef Sausage Ditalini Soup is a hearty and flavorful Italian-inspired dish that combines savory beef Italian sausage, tender ditalini pasta, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs in a rich beef broth base. Finished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and fresh greens, this comforting soup is perfect for a satisfying lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Meat
- 1 lb Beef Italian Sausage
Vegetables
- 1 medium Onion, chopped
- 2 medium Carrots, chopped
- 2 stalks Celery, chopped
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 2 cups Fresh Spinach or Kale, chopped
- 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Pantry Staples
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
- 1 teaspoon Dried Basil
- 1 Bay Leaf
- 1/4 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
- Salt and Black Pepper, to taste
Liquids & Broth
- 6 cups Beef Broth
- 1/4 cup Balsamic Vinegar or additional Beef Broth (for deglazing)
- 1 can (14 oz) Crushed Tomatoes
Pasta & Cheese
- 3/4 cup Ditalini Pasta
- 1/2 cup Freshly grated Parmesan Cheese (plus extra for garnish)
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage: In a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb beef Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Brown thoroughly until no pink remains, about 5-7 minutes. Remove sausage with a slotted spoon to a plate and leave rendered fat in the pot.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Reduce heat to medium. Add 1 chopped onion, 2 chopped carrots, and 2 chopped celery stalks to the pot. Sauté, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Add Aromatics and Deglaze: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, and 1 teaspoon dried basil. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in a splash (about 1/4 cup) of balsamic vinegar or beef broth and scrape up browned bits from the bottom with a wooden spoon.
- Add Tomatoes and Broth: Stir in 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes and the remaining beef broth (total 6 cups). Add 1 bay leaf. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 15-20 minutes to develop flavors.
- Cook the Pasta: Increase heat to medium-high and bring soup back to a rolling boil. Add 3/4 cup ditalini pasta and cook according to package directions, usually 7-9 minutes, until al dente.
- Combine Sausage and Greens: Once pasta is cooked, return the browned sausage to the pot. Stir in 2 cups fresh spinach or kale and cook for 2-3 minutes until the greens have wilted.
- Finish with Cheese and Seasonings: Remove the bay leaf. Stir in about 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and incorporated. Taste and adjust salt and black pepper as needed.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle soup into bowls. Garnish each serving with extra freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- You can substitute kale with spinach or other leafy greens according to your preference.
- For a spicier soup, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add crushed chili.
- Use low-sodium beef broth for better control over salt content.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, reduce the broth slightly or add more pasta.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 1 month.
