Hearty Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup

Warm up with a bowl of pure comfort! This hearty Italian sausage ditalini soup is a family-favorite recipe, perfect for those chilly evenings when you crave something satisfying. It combines rich, savory flavors with tiny ditalini pasta in a creamy, flavorful broth. Get ready to enjoy an easy, delicious meal that comes together quickly, making ditalini soup a new staple in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup

This comforting soup isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience. Here’s why it will quickly become a favorite:

• Quick and Easy Weeknight Meal: You can have this delicious Italian sausage ditalini soup on the table in under 40 minutes, ideal for busy schedules.
• Packed with Savory Italian Flavors: Each spoonful bursts with the robust taste of Italian sausage, herbs, and tomatoes.
• Hearty, Satisfying, and Fulfilling: The combination of pasta, meat, and vegetables makes this soup incredibly substantial and comforting.
• Customizable for Various Tastes: Easily adjust the spice level or add your favorite vegetables to make it your own.
• One-Pot Convenience, Minimal Cleanup: Everything cooks in a single pot, simplifying both the cooking process and your post-dinner cleanup.

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Hearty Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup

A satisfying and comforting Italian‑inspired soup with savory Italian sausage, tender ditalini pasta, vegetables, spinach, and a rich tomato broth — perfect for cozy dinners.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 6 bowls

Course: Main, Soup

Cuisine: Italian‑American

Calories: 410

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Soup Base

• 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy) casings removed if using links
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 1 cup chopped carrots
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 15 oz can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 32 oz chicken broth
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup dry ditalini pasta
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1-2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• freshly grated Parmesan cheese for serving
• salt & pepper to taste

Equipment

• Large stock pot or Dutch oven
• Sharp Knife and Cutting Board
• measuring cups and spoons
• Ladle

Method

 

1. In a large stock pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, brown the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon until fully cooked.
2. Drain excess sausage fat if needed, then add the diced onion, celery, and carrots. Cook until vegetables begin to soften, about 3–5 minutes.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and Italian seasoning and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add the diced tomatoes (with juice), chicken broth, and water. Stir to combine and bring the soup to a simmer.
5. Add the dry ditalini pasta and continue simmering uncovered until the pasta is tender, about 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Stir in the chopped spinach and simmer until wilted, about 2–3 minutes.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

This hearty Italian sausage ditalini soup combines flavorful sausage, veggies, and tender pasta in a savory tomato broth — a complete meal in one pot. You can customize with extra vegetables or substitute kale for spinach if desired. Serve with crusty bread for dipping. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

Ingredients for Ditalini Soup

Gather these simple ingredients to create your cozy bowl of ditalini soup. Each component plays a vital role in building the rich, layered flavors you’ll love.

• 1 pound bulk Italian sausage, ground: The star of the show, providing savory depth.
• 1 small diced onion: Adds aromatic sweetness to the base.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: A convenient way to boost garlic flavor.
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano: Classic Italian herb for authentic taste.
• 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes: Creates a rich, tomatoey foundation.
• 8 cups chicken stock: The liquid base, adding savory notes.
• 3 cups ditalini pasta (uncooked): Tiny tubes that soak up all the broth’s goodness.
• 1½ cups whole milk: Contributes to the creamy texture.
• 2 Tablespoons cornstarch: Used to thicken the soup slightly.
• 10 ounces chopped spinach (fresh or frozen): Adds a touch of green and nutrients.
• ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese: For a salty, umami finish.

Notes & Substitutions

You can easily adapt this recipe to fit your pantry and preferences. Choose mild Italian sausage for a gentle flavor or hot Italian sausage if you like a kick. Ground turkey Italian sausage also works beautifully for a leaner option. If you don’t have ditalini, feel free to use other small pasta shapes like orzo, acini di pepe, or small elbow macaroni. For a creamier soup, substitute half-and-half or heavy cream for whole milk. Boost the veggie content by adding chopped kale, carrots, or celery with the onion. To make a vegetarian ditalini soup, swap Italian sausage for plant-based ground meat and use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock.

Equipment You’ll Need

You only need a few basic kitchen tools to make this delightful ditalini soup.

• A large stockpot or Dutch oven (at least 6 quarts) is essential for cooking everything in one vessel.
• A cutting board and sharp knife are handy for preparing your onion.
• You’ll need measuring cups and spoons for accurate ingredient amounts.
• A stirring spoon or ladle helps you mix and serve your delicious creation.

How to Make Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup (Step-by-Step)

Follow these simple steps to create a hearty and comforting Italian sausage ditalini soup that your whole family will love. This recipe is straightforward, perfect for beginners.

1. In a large stockpot or Dutch oven (at least 6 quarts), brown 1 pound bulk Italian sausage over medium heat. Break up the meat with a spoon as it cooks until no pink remains. Drain any excess fat from the pot if necessary.
2. Add the 1 small diced onion, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and ½ teaspoon dried oregano to the pot with the sausage. Cook, stirring frequently, until the onions are translucent and softened, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Stir in the 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes and 8 cups chicken stock. Turn the heat up to medium-high and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally.
4. Stir in the 3 cups ditalini pasta. Reduce the heat slightly to maintain a vigorous simmer and boil for 8 minutes, or until the pasta is just shy of al dente. It will continue to cook slightly in the hot soup.
5. While the pasta cooks, stir the 2 Tablespoons cornstarch into 1½ cups whole milk in a separate small bowl to create a smooth slurry. Ensure no lumps remain.
6. Pour the cornstarch slurry into the simmering soup, stirring constantly until it is fully incorporated. Continue to stir until the soup comes back to a gentle boil and begins to thicken slightly.
7. Drop the heat to low. Stir in the 10 ounces chopped spinach (fresh or frozen) and ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese. Allow the spinach to wilt completely and the cheese to melt smoothly into the ditalini soup.
8. Taste the soup and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. Serve hot immediately.

Pro Tips for the Best Ditalini Soup

Elevate your ditalini soup with these expert tips and avoid common pitfalls.

• Choose quality Italian sausage: The flavor of your sausage significantly impacts the soup’s overall taste. Opt for a brand you trust.
• Avoid overcooking the ditalini pasta: Mushy pasta is no fun! Cook it just until al dente, as it will continue to soften in the hot broth.
• Build flavor layers carefully: Sautéing the onion and garlic powder with the sausage creates a robust base. Don’t rush this step.
• Adjust seasonings at the end: Taste your soup before serving and add salt and pepper as needed. Parmesan cheese also adds saltiness.
• Ensure proper soup thickening: The cornstarch slurry is key. Whisk it well before adding to prevent lumps and create a smooth, creamy texture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not browning sausage sufficiently: Fully browning the sausage develops deep, savory flavors.
• Adding pasta too early or overcooking: This can lead to mushy pasta that breaks down in the soup.
• Skipping the cornstarch slurry: This step is crucial for achieving a slightly creamy, thickened broth.

Serving Suggestions, Storage, & Variations

Make the most of your delicious ditalini soup with these ideas.

For serving, a sprinkle of extra grated Parmesan cheese and a few leaves of fresh basil make a beautiful and flavorful garnish. This hearty soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, garlic knots, or a simple green salad.

Store any leftover ditalini soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken stock or milk if it has thickened too much. You can freeze the soup for longer storage, up to 2-3 months. For best results, freeze the soup base without the pasta. Cook fresh ditalini when you’re ready to reheat and serve.

Feel free to experiment with variations. Try using ground beef or ground chicken instead of Italian sausage for a different flavor profile. Add more vegetables like diced zucchini, bell peppers, or cannellini beans to boost nutrition and texture. For an extra kick, stir in red pepper flakes with the garlic powder.

Nutrition Information

This estimate is for informational purposes only and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation.

For more detailed information on ingredients like Italian sausage, resources such as the USDA FoodData Central can provide a comprehensive nutritional breakdown.

Please note: Nutritional values are estimates. Consult a professional for precise dietary advice.

Ditalini Soup FAQ

Conclusion

This hearty Italian sausage ditalini soup truly delivers on comfort and flavor, making it an ideal choice for any evening. Its simple preparation combined with rich, savory ingredients ensures a satisfying meal every time. We encourage you to try making this delicious ditalini soup and discover a new family favorite. Get ready to enjoy a warm, comforting bowl that feels like a hug in a mug.

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