Sausage Tortellini Soup: A Delicious & Easy Recipe

Sausage Tortellini Soup: just the name conjures up images of cozy nights, steaming bowls, and the comforting aroma of Italian herbs. Have you ever craved a dish that feels like a warm hug from the inside out? This is it! This hearty soup is more than just a meal; it’s an experience, a culinary journey that brings together the best of Italian-American flavors in one delightful pot.

Tortellini, those delightful ring-shaped pasta pockets, have a rich history rooted in the Emilia region of Italy. Legend has it that a Bolognese chef, captivated by the goddess Venus’s navel, created the pasta in her honor. Whether that’s true or not, tortellini have become a beloved staple in Italian cuisine, and their addition to soup elevates it to a whole new level of deliciousness.

What makes Sausage Tortellini Soup so irresistible? It’s the perfect combination of savory Italian sausage, tender cheese-filled tortellini, and a flavorful broth brimming with vegetables. People adore this soup because it’s incredibly satisfying, easy to make, and endlessly customizable. The creamy texture of the cheese filling contrasts beautifully with the slight chew of the pasta and the heartiness of the sausage. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in extra veggies for a healthy and delicious meal. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting weekend lunch, this soup is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. I know my family asks for it all the time!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound Italian sausage (sweet or hot, casings removed)
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 (9 ounce) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Browning the Sausage and Vegetables

Okay, let’s get started! The first step is to brown our sausage and build a flavorful base for our soup. This is where the magic happens, so don’t rush this part!

1. Heat the Olive Oil: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. You want the oil to shimmer, but not smoke. This usually takes about a minute or two.
2. Brown the Sausage: Add the Italian sausage to the pot. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Cook until the sausage is browned and cooked through, about 7-10 minutes. Make sure to crumble it well so you don’t have large chunks. Nobody wants a giant sausage surprise in their soup!
3. Remove Sausage: Once the sausage is browned, remove it from the pot with a slotted spoon and set it aside in a bowl. Leave any rendered fat in the pot – that’s flavor gold!
4. Sauté the Onion and Bell Pepper: Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. This step is important because it releases the natural sweetness of the vegetables.
5. Add the Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter. The aroma should be amazing at this point!

Building the Soup Base

Now that we have a delicious base of sausage and vegetables, it’s time to build the soup itself. This is where we add the tomatoes, broth, and spices that will give our soup its signature flavor.

1. Add Diced Tomatoes: Pour the can of diced tomatoes (undrained) into the pot. The liquid from the can adds extra flavor and helps to deglaze the pot.
2. Add Spices: Stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). These spices add warmth and depth to the soup. Don’t be afraid to adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your liking – a little goes a long way!
3. Deglaze the Pot: Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. These browned bits, called fond, are packed with flavor and will add richness to the soup.
4. Add Chicken Broth: Pour in the chicken broth. Bring the soup to a simmer.
5. Return Sausage: Return the browned sausage to the pot.
6. Simmer: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together. This is a great time to relax and let the soup do its thing!

Adding the Tortellini and Finishing Touches

We’re almost there! Now it’s time to add the tortellini and spinach, and finish the soup with a touch of cream and Parmesan cheese. This is the final flourish that will take our soup from good to great.

1. Add Tortellini: Stir in the cheese tortellini. Cook according to package directions, usually about 3-5 minutes, or until the tortellini are tender and float to the surface. Be careful not to overcook the tortellini, as they can become mushy.
2. Add Spinach: Stir in the fresh spinach. Cook until the spinach is wilted, about 1-2 minutes. The spinach adds a pop of color and nutrients to the soup.
3. Stir in Cream and Parmesan: Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. The cream adds richness and the Parmesan cheese adds a salty, savory flavor.
4. Season to Taste: Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Remember that the sausage and Parmesan cheese are already salty, so start with a small amount of salt and add more as needed.

Serving the Soup

Congratulations, your Sausage Tortellini Soup is ready! Now it’s time to serve it up and enjoy the fruits of your labor.

1. Ladle into Bowls: Ladle the soup into bowls.
2. Garnish: Garnish with extra grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or a drizzle of olive oil would also be delicious.
3. Serve Immediately: Serve immediately and enjoy! This soup is best served hot.

Tips and Variations

Here are a few tips and variations to help you customize this recipe to your liking:

• Sausage: You can use sweet or hot Italian sausage, or even a combination of both. You can also use ground turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter option.
• Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the soup, such as carrots, celery, or zucchini.
• Broth: You can use chicken broth, vegetable broth, or even beef broth.
• Tortellini: You can use cheese tortellini, meat tortellini, or even spinach tortellini.
• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your liking. If you don’t like spice, you can omit them altogether.
• Make it Creamier: For an even creamier soup, you can add an extra splash of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt to each bowl.
• Make it Vegetarian: To make this soup vegetarian, omit the sausage and use vegetable broth. You can also add some white beans or chickpeas for extra protein.
• Storage: Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
• Freezing: This soup can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Note that the tortellini may become slightly softer after freezing and thawing.

Enjoy!

I hope you enjoy this Sausage Tortellini Soup as much as I do! It’s a hearty, flavorful, and comforting meal that’s perfect for a chilly day. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and variations to make it your own. Happy cooking!

Conclusion:

This Sausage Tortellini Soup isn’t just another soup recipe; it’s a warm hug in a bowl, a flavor explosion that’s surprisingly simple to achieve, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. I truly believe it’s a must-try for anyone looking for a comforting, satisfying, and relatively quick meal. The combination of savory Italian sausage, tender cheese-filled tortellini, and the rich, flavorful broth creates a symphony of tastes and textures that will leave you wanting more. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel good from the inside out, perfect for a chilly evening or a cozy weekend lunch.

But what truly elevates this soup is its versatility. While the recipe as written is absolutely delicious, feel free to experiment and make it your own! For a spicier kick, use hot Italian sausage or add a pinch of red pepper flakes. If you’re looking to lighten it up, try using turkey sausage or chicken sausage instead of pork. You can also add more vegetables to boost the nutritional value and customize the flavor profile. Consider adding chopped spinach, kale, or zucchini for a healthy and vibrant twist.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

I love serving this soup with a crusty loaf of bread for dipping into the flavorful broth. A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a dollop of pesto on top adds a touch of elegance and enhances the overall taste. For a heartier meal, you can serve it with a side salad or a grilled cheese sandwich.

Here are a few more variations to inspire you:

* **Creamy Tomato Tortellini Soup:** Add a can of crushed tomatoes and a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half for a richer, creamier texture.
* **Chicken Tortellini Soup:** Substitute the sausage with cooked chicken breast or rotisserie chicken for a lighter option.
* **Vegetarian Tortellini Soup:** Omit the sausage altogether and add more vegetables, such as mushrooms, bell peppers, and onions. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
* Spicy Sausage Tortellini Soup: Add a diced jalapeño or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the soup while it simmers.

The possibilities are endless! Don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with different ingredients and flavors to create your own signature version of this amazing soup.

I’m confident that you’ll love this Sausage Tortellini Soup as much as I do. It’s a recipe that I keep coming back to time and time again, and it’s always a hit with my family and friends. It’s the perfect weeknight meal, and it’s also impressive enough to serve to guests.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, put on your apron, and get cooking! I promise you won’t be disappointed. And most importantly, I’d love to hear about your experience. Did you try the recipe as written, or did you make any modifications? What did you think of the flavor? What did your family and friends think? Please share your thoughts and photos in the comments below. I can’t wait to see your creations and hear your feedback! Happy cooking!

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