Description
Hearty sausage tortellini soup brings Italian comfort to winter dinner tables. Rich broth, tender tortellini, and savory sausage create a satisfying meal you’ll crave during chilly evenings.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat:
- 1 pound (454 grams) Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
Vegetables:
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 large carrot, diced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cups fresh spinach or kale
Remaining Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 (28 ounces/794 grams) can crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 9 ounces (255 grams) refrigerated cheese tortellini
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
Instructions
- Warm olive oil in a spacious stockpot over medium heat at 350°F, then brown the sausage until it develops a rich, caramelized exterior. Transfer the meat to a separate plate.
- Utilize the same pot to sauté aromatic vegetables – onions, garlic, carrots, and celery – until they become translucent and tender, releasing their fragrant essence.
- Pour in crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes, creating a robust liquid base. Elevate the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Reintroduce the cooked sausage into the bubbling liquid, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify during a 10-minute simmering process.
- Gently incorporate tortellini, submerging them completely in the liquid. Cook for 5-7 minutes or until the pasta reaches an al dente texture.
- Introduce fresh spinach or kale into the soup, stirring until the greens wilt and become tender. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the overall taste profile.
- Ladle the steaming soup into serving bowls and garnish with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an additional layer of flavor and richness.
Notes
- Choose spicy or mild Italian sausage depending on your heat preference.
- Remove sausage casings for easier cooking and better flavor distribution.
- Use fresh tortellini from refrigerated section for superior taste and texture.
- Swap tortellini with gluten-free alternative for celiac-friendly version.
- Add extra vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for more nutrition.
- Freeze leftovers in airtight containers for quick future meals.
- Substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for vegetarian adaptation.
- Top with fresh herbs like basil or parsley for bright, fresh finish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 340 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg