Description
A delightful Italian-inspired soup featuring savory Italian sausage, tender tortellini, and a flavorful broth that’s both hearty and comforting. It’s the perfect bowl of warmth and flavor for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup:
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1 lb (450g) Italian sausage (mild or spicy, depending on your preference)
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 medium onion, diced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
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1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
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4 cups chicken broth
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1 cup water
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1 package (9 oz) cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
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1 cup fresh spinach, chopped (optional)
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1 teaspoon dried basil
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1 teaspoon dried oregano
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½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional, for added depth)
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Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
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Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish
Instructions
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage to the pot, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Sauté the sausage for about 5-7 minutes, or until it’s browned and cooked through. If there is excess grease, drain it off, leaving a small amount of fat in the pot to sauté the vegetables.
Once the sausage is cooked, add the diced onion to the pot and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, until the onion is soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. The aroma of the garlic and onion will complement the sausage perfectly.
Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juices) and tomato paste. The tomato paste adds a rich depth of flavor to the soup. Stir to combine, then pour in the chicken broth and water. Stir everything together, scraping up any browned bits on the bottom of the pot, which will add even more flavor to the soup.
Add the dried basil, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir to combine and adjust the seasoning to taste. If you prefer a slightly tangy note, you can also add a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar, which enhances the soup’s overall depth of flavor.
Bring the soup to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Taste the broth and adjust the seasonings as necessary.
Add the cheese tortellini to the pot, stirring gently to ensure the tortellini is submerged in the broth. Let the soup simmer for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until the tortellini is cooked through. If you’re using fresh tortellini, the cooking time may be shorter, so check for doneness after 5-7 minutes.
Once the tortellini is cooked, stir in the chopped spinach (if using). Let the soup simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the spinach is wilted and tender. The spinach adds a fresh, leafy texture to the soup that complements the other ingredients nicely.
Ladle the soup into bowls and top each serving with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley or basil. The Parmesan adds a savory, umami kick, while the fresh herbs bring brightness and a pop of color to the soup. Serve hot and enjoy the comforting, rich flavors of your homemade Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 350-400 kcal
- Fat: 18-20g
- Carbohydrates: 30-35g
- Protein: 20-25g