Tortellini Soup With Sausage: A Hearty & Delicious Recipe

Tortellini Soup With Sausage: the ultimate comfort food that’s ready in under an hour! Imagine a chilly evening, the aroma of savory sausage filling the air, and a warm bowl of cheesy tortellini swimming in a rich, flavorful broth. This isn’t just soup; it’s a hug in a bowl, a culinary masterpiece that’s surprisingly simple to create.

While the exact origins of tortellini are debated, these delightful pasta rings are believed to have originated in the Emilia region of Italy, with folklore suggesting they were inspired by the goddess Venus’s navel! Over time, tortellini have found their way into countless dishes, but few are as satisfying as a hearty soup. Adding sausage elevates this classic, transforming it into a complete and nourishing meal.

People adore Tortellini Soup With Sausage for its incredible flavor profile. The combination of the savory sausage, the cheesy tortellini, and the aromatic broth creates a symphony of tastes that dance on your palate. It’s also incredibly convenient. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something delicious and comforting without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser, making it ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings. Get ready to experience the magic of this Italian-inspired delight!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound Italian sausage, removed from casings
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 cups chicken broth
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 9 ounces cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
• 5 ounces fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Preparing the Sausage and Vegetables:

1. First, we’re going to brown the sausage. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking 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 big chunks.
2. Once the sausage is cooked, remove it from the pot with a slotted spoon and set it aside. Leave any rendered fat in the pot – this will add flavor to our vegetables!
3. Now, let’s get those veggies going. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes. You want them to be tender but not browned. This is called a mirepoix, and it’s the foundation of so many great soups!
4. 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:

1. Time to bring it all together! Pour in the chicken broth and add the diced tomatoes (with their juice). Stir in the dried Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes (if using). The red pepper flakes add a nice little kick, but you can definitely leave them out if you prefer a milder soup.
2. Bring the soup to a simmer. Once it’s simmering, return the cooked sausage to the pot. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Remember, you can always add more seasoning later, so start with a little and adjust as needed.
3. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and deepen. The longer it simmers, the better it will taste!

Adding the Tortellini and Spinach:

1. Now for the stars of the show: the tortellini and spinach! Add the tortellini to the soup and cook according to the package directions. Fresh tortellini will cook much faster than frozen, so keep an eye on it. Generally, it takes about 3-5 minutes for fresh tortellini and 5-7 minutes for frozen tortellini. You want the tortellini to be tender and cooked through.
2. Once the tortellini is cooked, add the fresh spinach to the soup. Stir until the spinach wilts, about 1-2 minutes. The spinach will add a nice pop of color and some healthy greens to our soup.

Serving and Enjoying:

1. Ladle the tortellini soup into bowls. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. The Parmesan adds a salty, cheesy flavor, and the parsley adds a fresh, herbaceous note.
2. Serve immediately and enjoy! This soup is perfect on a cold day, and it’s also great for meal prepping. It reheats well, and the flavors actually improve over time.

Tips and Variations:

• Spice it up: If you like a spicier soup, add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Add more vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the soup, such as zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms.
• Use different protein: Instead of Italian sausage, you can use ground beef, ground turkey, or even shredded chicken.
• Make it vegetarian: Omit the sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version. You could also add some white beans or chickpeas for extra protein.
• Add cream: For a creamier soup, stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end.
• Lemon juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end can brighten up the flavors of the soup.
• Type of Tortellini: Feel free to experiment with different types of tortellini. Cheese tortellini is a classic choice, but you can also use meat-filled tortellini or spinach and ricotta tortellini.
• Broth: While chicken broth is the most common choice, you can also use vegetable broth or beef broth. Each will impart a slightly different flavor to the soup.
• Storage: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
• Freezing: This soup can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. However, the tortellini may become slightly softer after freezing and thawing. To minimize this, cook the tortellini al dente before adding it to the soup.

Detailed Notes on Ingredients:

• Italian Sausage: I prefer to use sweet Italian sausage, but you can use mild or hot Italian sausage depending on your preference. Make sure to remove the sausage from its casings before cooking. This allows it to crumble easily and distribute evenly throughout the soup.
• Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is a good choice for this recipe, but you can also use regular olive oil or another vegetable oil.
• Onion, Carrots, and Celery: These three vegetables form the base of many soups and stews. They add a depth of flavor and sweetness to the soup. Make sure to dice them into small, even pieces so they cook evenly.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is always best, but you can also use jarred minced garlic if you’re short on time.
• Chicken Broth: Use a good quality chicken broth for the best flavor. You can use store-bought broth or homemade broth.
• Diced Tomatoes: I prefer to use diced tomatoes with their juice, but you can also use crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce.
• Italian Seasoning: This is a blend of dried herbs that adds a classic Italian flavor to the soup. You can find it in the spice aisle of most grocery stores.
• Red Pepper Flakes: These add a touch of heat to the soup. Use them sparingly if you’re sensitive to spice.
• Cheese Tortellini: Fresh or frozen cheese tortellini can be used in this recipe. Fresh tortellini will cook faster than frozen tortellini.
• Spinach: Fresh spinach is best, but you can also use frozen spinach. If using frozen spinach, make sure to thaw it and squeeze out any excess water before adding it to the soup.
• Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan cheese is used as a garnish for the soup. It adds a salty, cheesy flavor.
• Parsley: Fresh parsley is used as a garnish for the soup. It adds a fresh, herbaceous note.

Troubleshooting:

• Soup is too thick: If the soup is too thick, add more chicken broth until it reaches your desired consistency.
• Soup is too thin: If the soup is too thin, simmer it uncovered for a longer period of time to allow some of the liquid to evaporate.
• Soup is too salty: If the soup is too salty, add a pinch of sugar or a splash of lemon juice to balance the flavors.
• Soup is bland: If the soup is bland, add more salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, or red pepper flakes. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice or a splash of balsamic vinegar to brighten up the flavors.
• Tortellini is overcooked: To prevent the tortellini from overcooking, add it to the soup just before serving and cook it according to the package directions.

This Tortellini Soup with Sausage is a hearty and flavorful meal that’s perfect for any occasion. I hope you enjoy making and eating it as much as I do!

Conclusion:

This Tortellini Soup With Sausage isn’t just another soup recipe; it’s a warm hug in a bowl, a flavor explosion that’s both comforting and exciting, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. I truly believe it’s a must-try for anyone looking for a quick, easy, and utterly delicious meal. The combination of savory Italian sausage, tender cheese tortellini, and a rich, flavorful broth is simply irresistible. It’s the kind of dish that will have everyone asking for seconds, and trust me, you’ll be happy to oblige!

But what truly elevates this soup is its versatility. Feel free to experiment with different types of sausage – spicy Italian sausage for an extra kick, sweet Italian sausage for a milder flavor, or even chicken sausage for a lighter option. You can also add different vegetables to suit your taste. Spinach, kale, or even chopped zucchini would be fantastic additions, adding both nutrients and texture. For a creamier soup, stir in a dollop of heavy cream or mascarpone cheese just before serving. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a splash of dry sherry or white wine to the broth for an extra layer of complexity.

Serving suggestions are endless! A crusty loaf of bread is a must for soaking up all that delicious broth. A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a swirl of pesto are the perfect finishing touches. You can also serve it with a simple side salad for a complete and satisfying meal. This soup is also fantastic for meal prepping. It keeps well in the refrigerator for several days and freezes beautifully, making it a perfect option for busy weeknights.

I’ve made this Tortellini Soup With Sausage countless times, and it’s always a hit. It’s the perfect dish to warm you up on a chilly evening, to impress your friends and family at a dinner party, or simply to enjoy a comforting and satisfying meal on your own. It’s a recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, put on your apron, and get cooking! I promise you won’t be disappointed. This recipe is designed to be easy and accessible for cooks of all skill levels, so don’t be intimidated. Just follow the simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious and satisfying soup on the table in no time.

I’m so confident that you’ll love this Tortellini Soup With Sausage that I can’t wait to hear about your experience. Please, try this recipe and share your thoughts, variations, and photos in the comments below. Did you add any special ingredients? Did you make any modifications to the recipe? I’m always looking for new ideas and inspiration, and I’m sure other readers would love to hear about your creations as well. Let’s build a community of soup lovers and share our culinary adventures! Happy cooking! I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do. Bon appétit!

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