Hearty Sausage Ditalini Soup Recipe – A Comforting Bowl of Flavor
Looking for a cozy, comforting meal that’s packed with flavor and comes together easily? This Sausage Ditalini Soup is your new go-to recipe! Loaded with savory Italian sausage, tender ditalini pasta, aromatic vegetables, and a rich, tomato-infused broth, this soup is perfect for chilly evenings, meal prep, or feeding a hungry crowd. Serve it with crusty bread and a sprinkle of Parmesan for the ultimate comfort food experience.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, based on preference), casings removed
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 medium carrots, diced
– 2 celery stalks, diced
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– ½ tsp dried basil
– ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
– Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
– 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1½ cups ditalini pasta
– 1 (15 oz) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
– 2 cups fresh spinach or kale, roughly chopped
– Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Brown the Sausage
In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until fully browned and no longer pink, about 5–6 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove the sausage and set aside. Leave about 1 tablespoon of fat in the pot.
2. Sauté the Aromatics
To the same pot, add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the veggies begin to soften. Add the minced garlic, dried oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Build the Broth
Add the canned diced tomatoes (with juices) and chicken broth. Stir everything together and bring to a light simmer.
4. Cook the Pasta
Stir in the ditalini pasta. Let the soup simmer until the pasta is al dente, about 8–10 minutes. Keep an eye on the pot and stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom.
5. Add the Beans and Greens
Return the cooked sausage to the pot. Stir in the cannellini beans and leafy greens (spinach or kale). Simmer for another 2–3 minutes until the greens are wilted and the beans are warmed through. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
6. Serve and Enjoy!
Ladle the hot soup into bowls and top each serving with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve with crusty bread for perfect dunking.
Helpful Tips:
– Want it creamier? Stir in a splash of heavy cream just before serving.
– Short on time? Use pre-chopped veggies and canned beans for a quick shortcut.
– Freezer-friendly: Cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Leave a little space for expansion.
Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests on the weekend, this Sausage Ditalini Soup is absolutely irresistible. Try it once, and it’s bound to become a staple in your kitchen!
