Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup
Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup is a delightful dish that brings the warmth of Italian cuisine to your table. Comforting, hearty, and rich in flavors, this soup is perfect for a cozy dinner or a casual gathering with friends and family. Its combination of savory Italian sausage, creamy broth, and tender tortellini makes for a satisfying meal that everyone will love.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is an ideal choice for several reasons. Firstly, it is quick and easy to prepare, taking just around 30 minutes from start to finish. Secondly, it’s a one-pot meal, which means less cleanup after cooking. The combination of protein, pasta, and vegetables ensures that it’s both filling and nutritious. Plus, it can be easily customized to suit your taste preferences, making it a versatile addition to your meal rotation.
How to Make Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup
Ingredients:
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 package (9 ounces) refrigerated tortellini
- 2 cups spinach
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese for serving
Directions:
- In a large pot, cook the Italian sausage over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess grease.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot; sauté until the onion is translucent.
- Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes; bring to a boil.
- Stir in the heavy cream and tortellini; reduce heat and simmer for about 5-7 minutes until the tortellini is cooked.
- Add in the spinach; cook until wilted.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve hot, topped with Parmesan cheese.
How to Serve Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup
When serving Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup, consider pairing it with crusty bread or garlic bread for dipping. A side salad can also complement the richness of the soup, adding freshness to the meal. For an extra touch, sprinkle some freshly chopped herbs, like basil or parsley, on top before serving to elevate the presentation.
How to Store
To store any leftover soup, cool it to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you would like to store it for longer, consider freezing the soup. Just be sure to leave out the spinach, as it tends to become mushy after freezing. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove.
Tips to Make
- For a more intense flavor, consider using spicy Italian sausage or adding red pepper flakes.
- If you want to add more vegetables, bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini can be great additions.
- To make the soup lighter, you can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
- Always taste the soup before serving to adjust the seasoning as needed.
Variation
This soup recipe is quite flexible; you can easily make variations based on dietary preferences. For a vegetarian version, replace the Italian sausage with a plant-based sausage or simply omit it, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Additionally, you can experiment with different types of tortellini or even use homemade pasta if you’re feeling adventurous.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen tortellini instead of refrigerated?
Yes, frozen tortellini works well in this recipe. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure they’re fully cooked.
2. Is it possible to make this soup in a slow cooker?
Certainly! You can brown the sausage, onion, and garlic in a skillet first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker along with the broth and tomatoes. Cook on low for 4-6 hours, then stir in the cream, tortellini, and spinach in the last 30 minutes.
3. Can I omit the cream for a lighter version?
Absolutely! You can skip the cream or substitute it with a lighter option like milk or almond milk. The soup will still be delicious; just note that it will have a different texture.
Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage Can use spicy Italian sausage for more flavor.
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth Can substitute vegetable broth for vegetarian option.
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream Can substitute with half-and-half for a lighter version.
- 1 package (9 ounces) refrigerated tortellini Frozen tortellini can also be used.
- 2 cups spinach Omit spinach if freezing the soup.
- to taste Salt and pepper Adjust seasoning to preference.
- as needed Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large pot, cook the Italian sausage over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess grease.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot; sauté until the onion is translucent.
Cooking
- Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes; bring to a boil.
- Stir in the heavy cream and tortellini; reduce heat and simmer for about 5-7 minutes until the tortellini is cooked.
- Add in the spinach; cook until wilted.
- Season with salt and pepper.
Serving
- Serve hot, topped with Parmesan cheese.
