Go Back
To make this tasty soup, gather these ingredients: - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 small onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 pound Italian sausage, casing removed - 4 cups chicken broth - 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes with herbs - 1 cup ditalini pasta - 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving - Fresh basil leaves for garnish You can tweak this soup for a new taste. Here are some optional items: - Add carrots or celery for crunch. - Use kale instead of spinach for a heartier bite. - Substitute turkey sausage for a lighter choice. - Toss in cannellini beans for extra protein. To whip up this soup, you will need: - A large pot for cooking - A wooden spoon for stirring - A sharp knife for chopping - A cutting board for prep - Measuring cups and spoons for accuracy With these ingredients and tools, you're ready to create a bowl of comfort with my Parmesan Ditalini Soup with Sausage. Enjoy the process and the delightful aroma that fills your kitchen! {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Start by gathering your ingredients. You will need: - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 small onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 pound Italian sausage, casing removed - 4 cups chicken broth - 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes with herbs - 1 cup ditalini pasta - 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving - Fresh basil leaves for garnish 2. Dice the onion into small pieces. Mince two garlic cloves. 1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. 2. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until it becomes soft. 3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until it smells great. 4. Add the Italian sausage to the pot. Break it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook it until it is browned, about 6-8 minutes. 5. Pour in the chicken broth and add the diced tomatoes with their juice. Bring this to a simmer. 6. Add the ditalini pasta and oregano. Cook according to the package instructions until the pasta is al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes. 7. In the last 2 minutes of cooking, stir in the chopped spinach until it wilts. 1. Season the soup with red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper to taste. 2. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and blends well. 3. Serve the soup hot. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves. This soup is hearty and simple, perfect for any day! Enjoy! To boost the taste of your Parmesan Ditalini Soup, use fresh herbs. Fresh basil adds a bright note. You can also try adding thyme or parsley for depth. If you want a kick, go for more red pepper flakes. A squeeze of lemon juice at the end brightens everything up. Always taste as you go, adding salt and pepper to get it just right. Serve your soup in warm bowls. Top it with extra Parmesan cheese for richness. Add fresh basil leaves for color and flavor. Pair the soup with crusty bread for a complete meal. It’s perfect for dipping! You can also serve a side salad to add crunch to your meal. One common mistake is overcooking the pasta. It should be al dente, so check it a minute early. Another mistake is not seasoning the soup. Taste it often and adjust the salt and pepper. Lastly, don’t skip the cheese. It adds creaminess and depth. Always stir in the cheese at the end for the best flavor. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, opt for fresh spinach and high-quality Italian sausage to enhance the overall flavor of your soup. Customize the Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes according to your heat preference. You can also add a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick. Make it Ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day! Prepare it in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Serve with Crusty Bread: Pair the soup with a hearty loaf of crusty bread for a comforting and satisfying meal. {{image_2}} You can easily make a vegetarian version of this soup. Instead of Italian sausage, use a mix of hearty vegetables. Try mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers for great flavor. You can also add plant-based sausage if you want a meat-like taste. Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth for a rich base. Add extra spinach for more greens. This version is just as satisfying and full of flavor. To make the soup gluten-free, choose gluten-free ditalini pasta. Many brands offer excellent alternatives made from rice or corn. Be sure to check the broth too. Some chicken broths contain gluten, so look for certified gluten-free options. The rest of the recipe remains the same, ensuring you still enjoy the hearty taste. If you want to switch up the protein, try ground turkey or chicken. Both will give a lighter flavor while keeping the soup filling. You can also use beans like cannellini or chickpeas for a plant-based protein boost. Each option adds its own twist to the soup while keeping it delicious and hearty. Store leftover Parmesan ditalini soup in an airtight container. Let the soup cool first. Once cooled, place it in the fridge. It will stay fresh for 3 to 4 days. Make sure to label the container with the date. This helps you keep track of how long it has been stored. To reheat the soup, pour it into a pot. Heat it over medium heat. Stir often to prevent it from sticking. You can also microwave the soup in a safe bowl. Heat it in 30-second intervals. Stir after each interval until it is hot. If it looks thick, add a bit of water or broth to thin it out. You can freeze Parmesan ditalini soup for up to 3 months. Use a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. Leave some space at the top, as liquids expand when frozen. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight. You can reheat it once it is fully thawed. Always check for the best flavor and texture after freezing. Ditalini pasta is a small, tube-shaped pasta. It is perfect for soups because it holds broth well. The name "ditalini" means "little thimbles" in Italian. This shape adds fun texture to your soup. You can find it in most grocery stores. If you can’t find ditalini, you can use any small pasta, like elbow macaroni. Yes, you can use different types of sausage. Italian sausage is spicy and flavorful, but you can swap it for chicken or turkey sausage. If you prefer a milder taste, use sweet sausage. For a kick, try spicy sausage. Just make sure to cook it until it is browned and fully cooked. To make this soup creamier, you can add a splash of heavy cream. Stir it in just before serving. Another option is to blend a small portion of the soup. This will create a creamy texture while keeping some chunky bits. You can also use more cheese. Add extra Parmesan cheese to enhance the creaminess and flavor. This post covered ingredient lists, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips for your dish. You learned about variations, storage tips, and answers to common questions. Remember to adjust for taste and dietary needs. Cooking is fun, so don’t stress. Experiment with flavors and enjoy the process. Keeping these points in mind will make your meals better each time. Cooking should be creative and enjoyable, so dig in and savor every bite!

Hearty Parmesan Ditalini Soup with Sausage

A comforting and hearty soup made with Italian sausage, ditalini pasta, and fresh spinach, topped with Parmesan cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 pound Italian sausage, casing removed
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes with herbs
  • 1 cup ditalini pasta
  • 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
  • to garnish fresh basil leaves

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened.
  • Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
  • Add the Italian sausage to the pot, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
  • Pour in the chicken broth and the diced tomatoes (including their juice) and bring to a simmer.
  • Add ditalini pasta and dried oregano; cook according to the pasta package instructions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes.
  • During the last 2 minutes of cooking, stir in the chopped spinach until wilted.
  • Season the soup with red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper to taste.
  • Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined.
  • Serve hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves.

Notes

Ladle the soup into bowls, sprinkle with extra Parmesan and basil, and serve with crusty bread on the side for a comforting meal.
Keyword Italian, parmesan, pasta, sausage, soup