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To make this tasty Parmesan sausage ditalini soup, gather these items: - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed) - 1 medium onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 2 carrots, diced - 2 celery stalks, diced - 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained - 4 cups chicken broth - 1 cup water - 1 cup ditalini pasta - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried basil - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup kale, chopped (or spinach) - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving) - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) You can swap some ingredients for different flavors: - Use turkey or chicken sausage instead of Italian sausage. - For a vegetarian option, try canned beans in place of sausage. - If you have no ditalini pasta, any small pasta works well. - Feel free to change kale with spinach or Swiss chard. Garnishes can add extra flavor and fun: - Top each bowl with more grated Parmesan cheese. - Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley for color. - A dash of red pepper flakes can add heat. - Crusty bread makes a great side for dipping. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, gather all your ingredients. You need olive oil, Italian sausage, onion, garlic, carrots, celery, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, water, ditalini pasta, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, kale, Parmesan cheese, and parsley. Having everything ready makes cooking smooth and easy. 1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. 2. Add the Italian sausage. Cook it for 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart as it cooks. You want it browned and tasty. 3. Next, toss in the diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté them for about 5 minutes. This makes the veggies soft and sweet. 4. Stir in the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and water. Bring the mix to a boil. 5. Once boiling, add the ditalini pasta, oregano, and basil. Lower the heat and let it simmer. Cook the pasta for about 8-10 minutes, following the package instructions. 6. After the pasta is done, add the chopped kale. Let it wilt for 2-3 minutes. This adds color and nutrients. 7. Take the pot off the heat. Mix in the Parmesan cheese. Stir until it melts and makes the soup creamy. 8. Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste. - Use good quality sausage for better flavor. - Adjust the spices to fit your taste. - For a thicker soup, add more pasta or reduce the liquid. - Serve hot and garnish with extra Parmesan and parsley. This makes the dish look great! - Enjoy with crusty bread for a filling meal. When making Parmesan sausage ditalini soup, some common mistakes can affect the taste. One big mistake is not browning the sausage well. This step adds flavor, so take your time. Another mistake is overcooking the pasta. Follow the package instructions for perfect ditalini. If you add it too early, it may get mushy. Lastly, don't skip seasoning. Salt and pepper enhance all the flavors in your soup. To boost the flavor, use fresh herbs like basil and oregano. Fresh herbs bring a bright taste that dried ones can't match. You can also add a splash of lemon juice. This small touch brightens the soup and balances the richness of the cheese. Lastly, let the soup simmer for a bit before serving. This time allows the flavors to blend beautifully. For serving, bowl the soup and sprinkle extra Parmesan on top. This adds a nice touch and a cheesy kick. A sprinkle of fresh parsley not only looks great but adds fresh flavor too. Pair your soup with crusty bread for dipping. A side salad can also complement this dish well, adding freshness to your meal. Pro Tips Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs like basil and oregano will enhance the flavor of the soup. Add them towards the end of cooking for the best aroma and taste. Optimize Sausage Flavor: For extra flavor, consider browning the sausage in the pot before adding the vegetables. This helps to build a deeper flavor base for the soup. Texture Variation: To add more texture, consider including a variety of vegetables such as zucchini or bell peppers. These can complement the existing ingredients well. Cheese Substitutions: If you’re out of Parmesan, try Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano for a similar salty and nutty flavor that will work well in the soup. {{image_2}} You can switch up the meat in this soup. Use ground turkey or chicken instead of Italian sausage. Both options give a lighter taste. If you like it spicy, use hot sausage. You may also mix meats for a unique flavor blend. Want a meat-free version? Use plant-based sausage. These products give a similar taste and texture. You can also skip the sausage and add more veggies. Consider mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers for depth. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegan option. Add-ins make this soup even better. Try adding beans like cannellini or chickpeas for extra protein. You can toss in corn for a sweet touch. Adding fresh herbs, like basil or thyme, brightens the flavor. Enjoy experimenting with these options to find your perfect mix! To keep your Parmesan Sausage Ditalini Soup fresh, store it in an airtight container. Let the soup cool to room temperature before sealing. This helps prevent steam from building up and keeps the soup tasty. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you plan to keep it longer, freezing is the way to go. When you're ready to enjoy the soup again, reheat it on the stove. Pour the soup into a pot and heat over medium-low. Stir often to ensure even heating. You might need to add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up. Heat until it’s hot but not boiling. You can also use a microwave. Place the soup in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover it and heat in short bursts, stirring in between. If you want to freeze the soup, do so without the pasta. The ditalini can become mushy when thawed. Instead, freeze the soup base in a container. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw the soup overnight in the fridge. Reheat it on the stove and cook the pasta fresh. This way, you will get a perfect texture every time. Yes, you can! While ditalini works great, feel free to swap in small pasta shapes like elbow macaroni or shells. Just adjust the cooking time based on the pasta type. For a fun twist, you might try orzo or even broken spaghetti. Each option brings a different texture and taste to the soup. Making this soup ahead is simple. Just follow all the steps, but stop before adding the cheese. Let it cool, then store it in the fridge for up to three days. When you're ready, heat it on the stove and mix in the Parmesan cheese before serving. This way, the soup stays fresh and tasty. This soup pairs well with crusty bread or a side salad. You can also serve it with garlic bread for a nice crunch. A sprinkle of fresh parsley on top adds color and flavor. For a complete meal, consider a light dessert, like fruit or sorbet, to finish. This blog post covered the essential ingredients, steps, tips, variations, and storage for making a delicious Parmesan Sausage Ditalini Soup. I shared common mistakes to avoid and helpful cooking techniques to enhance flavor. Remember, you can customize the soup with different meats or even make it vegan. Proper storage ensures your soup stays fresh and tasty. Using these guidelines will help you create a comforting meal every time. Enjoy experimenting and making this soup your own!

Hearty Parmesan Sausage Ditalini Soup

A comforting and hearty soup made with Italian sausage, ditalini pasta, and fresh vegetables, topped with Parmesan cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 6
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 2 stalks celery, diced
  • 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup ditalini pasta
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 cup kale, chopped (or spinach)
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
  • for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
  • Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Once the sausage is cooked, add the diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté for 5 minutes, until the vegetables soften.
  • Stir in the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and water. Bring the mixture to a boil.
  • Add the ditalini pasta, dried oregano, and dried basil to the pot. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook according to pasta package instructions until al dente (usually around 8-10 minutes).
  • Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the chopped kale and allow it to wilt for about 2-3 minutes.
  • Remove the pot from heat and mix in the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and the soup is creamy.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Notes

Serve with crusty bread for a complete meal.
Keyword Italian, Parmesan, pasta, sausage, soup