Hello, food lovers! If you’re craving something warm, hearty, and packed with flavor, you’ve come to the right place. Today, we’re diving into a dish that will not only warm your soul but also leave your taste buds dancing in delight. Whether you’re in need of a comforting meal after a long day or looking for the perfect dish to share with loved ones, this Sausage Tortellini Soup will surely be a winner. Let’s get started on creating this irresistible soup that’s full of savory sausage, tender tortellini, and rich, creamy broth.
Introduction
Sausage Tortellini Soup is a classic comfort food that has roots in Italian cuisine, combining robust ingredients like Italian sausage and tender cheese-filled tortellini. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and versatility, making it a go-to meal for cozy nights in or a family gathering. The rich and creamy base, spiced with Italian herbs and sausage, provides an irresistible depth of flavor that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
This particular version of Sausage Tortellini Soup holds a special place in my heart because it’s one of the first dishes I made for my family when I moved into my first apartment. It’s quick, easy, and guaranteed to impress – a combination that never fails. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen newbie, you’ll find joy in making and savoring this dish.
Ingredients
To prepare this comforting Sausage Tortellini Soup, you’ll need:
- 1 lb. Italian sausage
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 onion, diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (28 oz.) diced tomatoes, with juice
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 package (10 oz.) cheese tortellini, uncooked
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Parmesan cheese, for serving
Feel free to substitute the sausage with a plant-based alternative if you’re catering to vegetarians. If you’re dairy-free, swap the heavy cream for a coconut cream alternative. Each substitution will change the flavor profile slightly, but this soup is incredibly forgiving.
How to Make Sausage Tortellini Soup
Follow these steps to create your own delicious Sausage Tortellini Soup:
- In a large pot, cook the Italian sausage over medium heat until browned. Break it up into small pieces as it cooks. Once fully cooked, remove the sausage and set it aside.
- In the same pot, add diced onion and garlic. Sauté for 5 minutes, or until the onions become translucent.
- Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes (including their juice). Stir in the basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce heat to medium and stir in the heavy cream. Let the soup simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Add the uncooked cheese tortellini and spinach. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the tortellini is tender and cooked through.
- Stir the sausage back into the soup and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Helpful Tips
- Choosing Sausage: Italian sausage adds a lot of flavor to this dish. If you prefer a milder version, go for sweet Italian sausage instead of the spicy one.
- Dairy Substitutes: For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a milk alternative. Just note that it may affect the creaminess of the soup.
- Tortellini Tips: Cheese tortellini is the most common choice for this soup, but feel free to experiment with different fillings like spinach or mushroom tortellini.
Cooking Tips
For the best flavor:
- Cook your sausage thoroughly before adding it to the soup to ensure a rich, meaty taste.
- If you want a thicker consistency, consider using a bit of flour or cornstarch mixed with cold water to thicken the soup.
- Use fresh tortellini if possible, as it will cook faster and have a more tender texture compared to dried versions.
In terms of equipment, a sturdy Dutch oven or large pot will work wonders for this recipe. It retains heat well and distributes it evenly, ensuring your soup stays warm for longer.
Serving Suggestions
Sausage Tortellini Soup is a meal on its own, but pairing it with the right sides can elevate the experience even more:
- Serve with a side of garlic bread or crusty French baguette to soak up the creamy broth.
- A simple side salad with balsamic vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the soup.
- For a complete Italian-themed meal, serve this with a glass of white wine like Pinot Grigio.
Nutritional Information
Short Nutritional Information for Sausage Tortellini Soup: This hearty soup contains a balanced mix of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats, making it a filling and nourishing meal. It’s high in calcium due to the cheese tortellini and cream, and the spinach adds a healthy dose of iron and vitamins.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 520
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 18g
- Fat: 37g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
- Sodium: 900mg
- Potassium: 550mg
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 5g
- Vitamin A: 3200 IU
- Vitamin C: 15mg
- Calcium: 180mg
- Iron: 3mg
This soup is nutrient-dense, thanks to the spinach and tomatoes. It’s a great source of fiber, vitamin A, and iron, making it as nutritious as it is comforting.
Storage and Leftovers
Refrigerate: Allow the soup to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. It can last in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Gently reheat the soup over low heat on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to thin out the consistency. The tortellini may absorb more of the broth as it sits, so a little extra liquid can help revive the soup.
Leftovers make a perfect lunch the next day, and you can even add a new twist by mixing in some cooked pasta or rice to stretch it further.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I freeze Sausage Tortellini Soup? Yes, but it’s best to freeze the soup without the tortellini. Once you’re ready to serve, you can cook fresh tortellini and add it to the reheated soup. Tortellini can become mushy if frozen and reheated.
- Can I make this soup vegetarian? Absolutely! Swap the sausage for a plant-based alternative and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The flavor will still be hearty and delicious.
- What can I substitute for heavy cream? For a lighter version, try using half-and-half or coconut cream for a dairy-free alternative. You could also omit the cream altogether for a brothier soup.
Related Recipes
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Conclusion
We hope this Sausage Tortellini Soup recipe brings warmth and joy to your table. Whether you’re enjoying it with family on a cold evening or whipping it up for a cozy solo meal, this soup is sure to become a household favorite. We encourage you to try it out, experiment with the flavors, and don’t forget to share your experience!
Do you have any variations or additions you’d like to share? Let us know in the comments below – we’d love to hear how you make this recipe your own!
PrintSausage Tortellini Soup – Creamy, Hearty & Delicious
Description
Hello, food lovers! If you’re craving something warm, hearty, and packed with flavor, you’ve come to the right place. Today, we’re diving into a dish that will not only warm your soul but also leave your taste buds dancing in delight. Whether you’re in need of a comforting meal after a long day or looking for the perfect dish to share with loved ones, this Sausage Tortellini Soup will surely be a winner. Let’s get started on creating this irresistible soup that’s full of savory sausage, tender tortellini, and rich, creamy broth.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. Italian sausage
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 onion, diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (28 oz.) diced tomatoes, with juice
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 package (10 oz.) cheese tortellini, uncooked
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions
- In a large pot, cook the Italian sausage over medium heat until browned. Break it up into small pieces as it cooks. Once fully cooked, remove the sausage and set it aside.
- In the same pot, add diced onion and garlic. Sauté for 5 minutes, or until the onions become translucent.
- Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes (including their juice). Stir in the basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce heat to medium and stir in the heavy cream. Let the soup simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Add the uncooked cheese tortellini and spinach. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the tortellini is tender and cooked through.
- Stir the sausage back into the soup and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Equipment
2Pcs Heart Shape Cake Pans, Aluminum Heart Cake Mold, Reusable 10 inch
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Buy Now →Notes
- Choosing Sausage: Italian sausage adds a lot of flavor to this dish. If you prefer a milder version, go for sweet Italian sausage instead of the spicy one.
- Dairy Substitutes: For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a milk alternative. Just note that it may affect the creaminess of the soup.
- Tortellini Tips: Cheese tortellini is the most common choice for this soup, but feel free to experiment with different fillings like spinach or mushroom tortellini.