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Bowl of creamy Parmesan Italian sausage ditalini soup garnished with parsley

Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup

This hearty and comforting soup combines Italian sausage, fresh vegetables, and ditalini pasta, topped with grated Parmesan cheese for a rich, flavorful dish perfect for chilly evenings.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course, Soup
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Soup Base
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper diced (any color)
  • 2 medium carrots, sliced
  • 1 medium zucchini, diced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
For the Soup
  • 1 pound Italian sausage (sweet or spicy)
  • 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes (with juice)
  • 1 cup ditalini pasta
  • 1 cup fresh spinach (or kale)
For Garnish
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh basil or parsley for serving

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
  2. Stir in the minced garlic and diced bell pepper, and cook for 3-4 minutes until the bell pepper begins to soften.
  3. Add the sliced carrots and zucchini, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender.
  4. Remove the casing from the Italian sausage and crumble it into the pot. Cook for 7-10 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon until browned.
  5. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and the diced tomatoes, bringing the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 10 minutes to meld the flavors together.
  6. Add the ditalini pasta and cook according to package directions, approximately 8-10 minutes, until the pasta is al dente. Stir in the fresh spinach until wilted.
  7. Serve hot, garnishing each bowl with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs.

Notes

For fresh flavors, look for high-quality sausage and use organic vegetables when possible. You can substitute the ditalini pasta with gluten-free or whole wheat options. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, reheat on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of broth as needed. This soup freezes well for up to 3 months.