Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe

This hearty and flavorful soup combines savory Italian sausage, cheesy tortellini, and a rich tomato broth. It’s a comforting one-pot meal that’s perfect for chilly nights!

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme)
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 9 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
• 2 cups fresh spinach or kale, roughly chopped
• 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half (optional, for creaminess)
• Grated Parmesan cheese (for garnish)
• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Cook the Sausage
   • Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
   • Add the Italian sausage (casings removed) and cook, breaking it into small pieces with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain excess grease if needed.
2. Sauté the Aromatics
   • Add the chopped onion to the pot and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
   • Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Build the Soup Base
   • Pour in the crushed tomatoes (or tomato sauce) and chicken broth. Stir to combine.
   • Add the Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir well.
   • Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Add the Tortellini and Spinach
   • Stir in the cheese tortellini and cook according to the package instructions (usually 5-7 minutes for fresh or 7-9 minutes for frozen).
   • During the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, add the fresh spinach or kale and stir until wilted.
5. Finish with Cream (Optional)
   • If using, reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half. Warm the soup gently, but avoid boiling to prevent curdling.
6. Serve
   • Ladle the soup into bowls.
   • Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil or parsley.

Tips

• For a lighter version, skip the heavy cream or substitute it with a splash of milk.
• Use spicy Italian sausage for an extra kick of flavor.
• If you prefer a thicker soup, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes.
• Serve with crusty bread or garlic bread for dipping.

Enjoy your Sausage Tortellini Soup—it’s a hearty, satisfying meal that’s sure to become a favorite!