This Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup is a warm, satisfying dish that brings together bold flavors and creamy textures in every bite. Made with savory Italian sausage, tender ditalini pasta, and fresh spinach, all immersed in a rich Parmesan-infused broth, this recipe is the ultimate comfort food. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for chilly nights or family dinners. Pair it with crusty bread to complete this cozy meal!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy One-Pot Meal: Minimal cleanup and maximum convenience.
- Rich in Flavor: Loaded with seasoned ground beef, a tomato-based broth, and a hint of Italian spices.
- Customizable: Adaptable for different dietary preferences with various protein and pasta options.
- Perfect for Leftovers: Tastes even better the next day, and reheats beautifully.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Essential Tools and Equipment
- 4.5-quart soup pot or Dutch oven: Provides enough room to cook and simmer the soup comfortably.
- Wooden spoon or spatula: Ideal for stirring and breaking up the ground beef.
- Sharp knife and cutting board: Ensures clean and efficient chopping of vegetables.
- Ladle: Makes serving easy and mess-free.
Importance of Each Tool
- A sturdy pot ensures even cooking and prevents burning.
- A sharp knife and quality cutting board save time and ensure precision while preparing fresh ingredients.
- A ladle allows you to portion the soup neatly and consistently.
Preparation Tips
- Preheat Ingredients: Measure out all ingredients ahead of time for seamless cooking.
- Season as You Go: Layering flavors at each step enhances the overall taste.
- Pasta Timing: Add pasta later in the cooking process to avoid overcooking.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 large onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes (do not drain)
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce or puree
- 3 ounces tomato paste (about ¼ cup)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1-2 cups water (adjust to desired consistency)
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon sea salt (or to taste)
- Black pepper, to taste
- 8 ounces bowtie pasta (uncooked; see notes for substitutions)
Suggested Toppings:
- ½ cup ricotta cheese
- 2 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese (about ½ cup)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Heat the Pot
- Place your soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and heat until shimmering.
2. Cook the Ground Beef
- Add the ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic to the pot.
- Sauté, breaking up the beef with a wooden spoon, until the beef is fully cooked and the onions are translucent.
- Drain any excess fat to avoid a greasy soup.
3. Build the Flavor Base
- Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato sauce, and tomato paste.
- Pour in the chicken broth and water, then add the Italian seasoning, sea salt, and black pepper.
- Mix well to combine.
4. Add the Pasta
- Increase the heat to high and bring the soup to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and stir in the uncooked pasta.
5. Simmer
- Allow the soup to simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking together.
- Check the pasta’s doneness and adjust the soup’s consistency by adding more water or broth, if needed.
6. Serve
- Ladle the soup into bowls and top with your preferred combination of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese.
- Garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
Recipe Notes
- Pasta Substitutions: Use macaroni, penne, or rigatoni for a sturdier texture. Avoid lasagna noodles, as they tend to break apart over time.
- Protein Variations: Replace ground beef with ground turkey or Italian sausage for a new twist.
- Thicker Soup: Substitute crushed tomatoes for diced tomatoes to create a heartier broth.
Lasagna soup is not just a meal—it’s an experience. Pair it with complementary side dishes, avoid common pitfalls, and refine your technique to make every bowl exceptional.
Serving Suggestions
This lasagna soup is rich and flavorful, making it a complete dish on its own. However, the right side dishes and presentation can elevate your meal to the next level.
- Family-Style: Serve in large bowls with a cheese topping bar for a fun, interactive meal.
- Individual Servings: Customize each bowl with unique combinations of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
- Dipping Station: Pair with breadsticks or garlic bread for a satisfying dipping experience.
Common Mistakes to Avoid & How to Perfect the Recipe
1. Overcooking the Pasta
- Issue: Pasta becomes mushy if left in the soup too long.
- Fix: Cook the pasta separately and add it just before serving if you expect leftovers.
2. Skipping the Browning Step
- Issue: Skipping the sauté step for the beef and onions reduces flavor depth.
- Fix: Always brown the beef and onions to caramelize and enhance the soup’s base.
3. Using Low-Quality Cheese
- Issue: Pre-shredded cheese can be less flavorful and doesn’t melt as smoothly.
- Fix: Grate fresh mozzarella, Parmesan, or ricotta for the best texture and taste.
4. Inconsistent Seasoning
- Issue: Bland or overly salty soup can ruin the dish.
- Fix: Taste as you go and adjust the salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning incrementally.
Side Dish Recommendations
Pair your lasagna soup with these delicious side dishes for a well-rounded Italian-inspired meal.
1. Garlic Bread
- Crispy, buttery slices of bread with a hint of garlic and parsley. Perfect for dipping into the rich tomato broth.
2. Caesar Salad
- A classic side dish with crisp romaine lettuce, Parmesan shavings, and creamy Caesar dressing.
3. Roasted Vegetables
- Lightly charred zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms seasoned with olive oil and Italian herbs.
4. Caprese Salad
- Sliced tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze for a light and refreshing accompaniment.
5. Bruschetta
- Toasted baguette topped with a blend of diced tomatoes, garlic, basil, and olive oil.
6. Parmesan Breadsticks
- Cheesy, warm breadsticks that pair perfectly with the soup’s savory flavors.
7. Spinach & Ricotta Stuffed Mushrooms
- Bite-sized appetizers filled with creamy ricotta and spinach for a gourmet touch.
8. Antipasto Platter
- A selection of cured meats, cheeses, olives, and marinated vegetables to complement the soup’s Italian roots.
Perfect Wine Pairings
Enhance your lasagna soup with a wine pairing:
- Light Red Wine: Try a Chianti or Pinot Noir for a classic Italian match.
- White Wine Option: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc complements the soup’s tangy tomato base.
- Non-Alcoholic Alternative: Sparkling water with a slice of lemon or lime adds a refreshing contrast.
Recipe Tips
1. Customize for Flavor
- Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage for a kick.
- Creamier Broth: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or extra ricotta cheese.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace ground beef with plant-based meat and use vegetable broth.
2. Balance the Texture
- Cheese Melt: Allow the cheese to partially melt on top of the soup for a gooey finish.
- Thicker Broth: Substitute crushed tomatoes for diced ones or simmer longer to reduce liquid.
3. Enhance with Fresh Herbs
- Add freshly chopped basil, parsley, or oregano just before serving for vibrant flavor.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Storage
- Refrigerator: Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving space for expansion. Freeze for up to 90 days.
Reheating
- Stovetop: Heat the soup on medium, stirring occasionally. Add broth or water as needed to adjust consistency.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between sessions.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use gluten-free pasta?
Yes, but cook it separately and add it just before serving to prevent the noodles from breaking apart.
2. What’s the best type of cheese to use?
Freshly grated mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan provide the best flavor and texture. Avoid pre-shredded varieties if possible.
3. How can I make it dairy-free?
Replace cheese toppings with vegan cheese alternatives or omit them entirely. Ensure the pasta and broth are also dairy-free.
4. Can I make this in advance?
Absolutely! Lasagna soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Store the pasta separately if you want to avoid it absorbing too much broth.
5. What’s the best pasta for this recipe?
Sturdy pasta shapes like bowtie, rigatoni, or penne work best, as they hold up well during cooking and reheating.
6. Can I cook this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the beef and onions first, then transfer all ingredients (except the pasta) to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, adding pasta in the final 30 minutes.
Conclusion
This lasagna soup combines the rich, savory flavors of a classic lasagna with the convenience of a one-pot meal. It’s hearty, customizable, and perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests. Whether you’re enjoying it fresh, as leftovers, or from the freezer, this recipe is sure to become a go-to comfort food in your household.
Try it today and experience the joy of lasagna in a bowl—comfort food at its finest!
Lasagna Soup
Ingredients
- 1-2 tablespoons olive oil or preferred oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 large onion diced
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 15-ounce can diced tomatoes (do not drain)
- 1 15-ounce can tomato sauce or tomato puree
- 3 ounces tomato paste about ¼ cup
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1-2 cups water or more as needed to adjust consistency
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon sea salt or more to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 8 ounces bowtie pasta uncooked; see notes for substitutions
Suggested toppings:
- ½ cup ricotta cheese
- 2 ounces mozzarella cheese shredded (about ½ cup)
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese shaved, shredded, or grated
- ¼ cup fresh parsley chopped
Instructions
- Heat a 4.5-quart soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and heat until shimmering.
- Add the ground beef, onions, and garlic. Sauté until the beef is cooked through, stirring as needed. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato sauce, tomato paste, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and uncooked pasta.
- Increase the heat to high and bring the soup to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to medium and simmer the soup for 10-15 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent the pasta from sticking together, until the pasta is cooked to your liking.
- Adjust the soup’s consistency by adding more water or broth, if needed.
- Serve with toppings of your choice: either stir the ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan into the entire soup or serve them on the side for individual servings. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Storage Instructions:
- Allow the soup to cool completely before refrigerating in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- For freezing, store in a freezer-safe container for up to 90 days (or longer if vacuum sealed).
Reheating Instructions:
- When reheating, add small amounts of water or broth as needed to adjust the consistency, as the noodles will absorb some of the broth during storage.
Notes
Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or Italian sausage for a different flavor.
For a thicker broth, you can use canned crushed tomatoes instead of diced tomatoes.
If you don’t have canned tomato products on hand, replace them with a 24-ounce jar of marinara sauce and 1 cup of water.
Pressure Cooker Instructions: Select “Sauté” mode and heat olive oil in the pressure cooker.
Add the ground beef, onions, and garlic; sauté until cooked through. Drain excess fat, then deglaze the pot with a splash of broth. Press “Cancel.”
Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, broth, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and pasta.
Secure the lid and set the valve to “Sealing.” Pressure cook on high for 1 minute. For al dente pasta, perform a quick release. For softer pasta, allow natural release for 10 minutes before opening the lid.
Stir the soup and adjust the consistency with additional water or broth, if needed. Follow the serving instructions above.
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