As the days grow colder, a hearty soup is just what we need to warm up. One of my go-to dishes for this time of year is Sausage and Tortellini Soup.
Loaded with flavorful Italian sausage, tender tortellini, and a variety of fresh ingredients, it’s a comforting option that’s quick to prepare.
This is one of those soup recipes you’ll keep coming back to because it’s satisfying and perfect for a cozy evening.
Creating this tortellini soup recipe is both simple and rewarding. With its mix of spices, vegetables, and cheese-filled tortellini, each spoonful brings a delightful taste experience.
The beauty of this soup is its flexibility. You can add your choice of greens like kale or spinach to give it a healthy twist without losing any flavor.
It’s a versatile dish that can be whipped up in less than 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights when you’re craving something hot and home-cooked.
What I love most about cooking this tortellini soup is how it fills my kitchen with a wonderful aroma that brings everyone to the table. It reminds me of the joy of preparing straightforward but delicious meals.
I’m sure once you try it, this recipe will become one of your favorite cook mode options, offering both great taste and ease of preparation.
Why You Will Love Sausage and Tortellini Soup
I absolutely adore sausage and tortellini soup for its delightful combination of flavors. The creamy broth balances perfectly with the spicy sausage and tender tortellini.
It’s this blend of rich, comforting ingredients that keeps me coming back for more.
One of the best features of this creamy sausage tortellini soup is how easy it is to make. With simple steps and minimal prep time, it’s ideal for busy weeknights.
Everything comes together in just about 30 minutes, making it a go-to choice when I’m short on time.
I love that it’s a one-pot meal. This not only makes the cooking process straightforward but also simplifies cleanup.
All ingredients, from the sausage to the leafy greens, cook together perfectly, absorbing all flavors in the creamy broth.
The creamy tortellini soup is the epitome of comfort food. Each spoonful is warm and satisfying, especially during colder months. The cheesy tortellini adds an extra layer of indulgence that feels like a cozy hug in a bowl.
This soup is adaptable, too. I often add extra vegetables or adjust the spices to suit my taste. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or give it your personal twist, sausage tortellini soup is sure to satisfy any craving.
How to Make Sausage and Tortellini Soup
This Sausage and Tortellini Soup is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines fresh ingredients for a comforting meal. With the right ingredients, instruments, and step-by-step guidance, you can prepare this delicious soup at home.
Ingredients
To make this soup, I use a delightful mix of ingredients.
Key items include Italian sausage, cheese tortellini, and fresh spinach. For the broth, I prefer chicken broth with diced tomatoes and optional tomato paste for added depth.
Common seasonings are Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. I also add minced garlic, diced onions, and sliced carrots to create a flavorful mirepoix base.
The soup is complemented with Parmesan cheese and a Parmesan rind for richness. Feel free to include cream for a smooth texture, or even swap for vegetable broth if you prefer.
Instruments
Having the right tools makes the cooking process easier.
I start with a large pot for browning the sausage and simmering the soup. A slow cooker can be used if you prefer a more hands-off approach.
A cutting board and a sharp knife are essential for chopping and preparing ingredients like vegetables and garlic. A wooden spoon comes in handy for stirring and preventing sticking at the bottom of the pot.
A measuring cup and spoons ensure accurate portions of broth and seasonings.
Step By Step Instruction
- Brown the Sausage: In a large pot, cook the Italian sausage until browned. Remove and set it aside, leaving some drippings.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, add diced onions, sliced carrots, and minced garlic. Cook until the onions are translucent.
- Add Broth and Tomatoes: Pour in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and, if using, tomato paste. Stir well and bring to a simmer.
- Return Sausage and Season: Add the sausage back to the pot with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- Stir in Tortellini: Add the cheese tortellini and cook as per package instructions. Stir occasionally.
- Finish with Spinach and Cream: Add fresh spinach or baby spinach and the Parmesan rind. Optionally, stir in cream for a richer soup.
- Serve: Remove the rind and ladle the soup into bowls. Top with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley before serving.
Enjoy a warm, hearty bowl of Sausage and Tortellini Soup that’s perfect for any cozy day.
Ingredient Substitute
When making sausage and tortellini soup, there are many options for ingredient substitutions to suit your taste or dietary needs.
Instead of using Italian sausage, try substituting with spicy turkey sausage or even ground chicken for a milder flavor. Ground beef can also be an option if you’re looking for a heartier taste.
If you’re out of fresh tortellini, frozen tortellini works just as well. You might also try gnocchi or ravioli for a different texture or gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free option.
For those looking to reduce sodium intake, consider using low-sodium chicken broth or beef broth instead of traditional options. Both will still add depth to your soup without overwhelming saltiness.
Add richness to the broth with heavy cream or thicken it slightly with all-purpose flour. Just stir a small amount of flour into the cream before adding it to prevent lumps.
To elevate the flavor, a splash of red wine can be added. It pairs wonderfully with the tomatoes and Italian spices.
When it comes to leafy greens, if you don’t have kale, spinach or Swiss chard are great alternatives that cook quickly and add nutrition.
Don’t hesitate to customize with personal touches like pepper flakes for heat or fennel seeds for a licorice aroma. Creativity in substitutions can make every bowl unique!
What to Serve with Sausage and Tortellini Soup
When I make sausage and tortellini soup, I like to pair it with something that complements its hearty flavors.
Garlic bread is a fantastic choice. The crisp texture and savory taste of the bread dipped into the soup create a delightful combination.
Another option I enjoy is serving breadsticks. They’re simple, yet offer a nice, crunchy contrast to the soup’s rich broth. Plus, they’re easy to make or find at most bakeries. Sprinkling them with a little Parmesan cheese before baking can add extra flavor.
If you’re in the mood for something different, consider trying a small salad. A Caesar salad offers freshness and crunch, making it a suitable side for this warm dish. It balances nicely with the soup’s richness.
For those who want to stick with similar flavors, sausage gnocchi soup offers an interesting variation. Preparing this and serving it alongside my main soup creates a spread that highlights the tasty theme of sausage and pasta.
Experimenting with different sides can lead to discovering new favorites. I love how each side dish brings out unique aspects of the tortellini soup, enhancing the meal in a special way. Enjoy exploring these delicious combinations!
How to Store Sausage and Tortellini Soup
I always start by refrigerating the soup once it cools to room temperature. This helps prevent bacterial growth, keeping it fresh and safe.
I place the soup in an airtight container, ensuring a tight seal. In the fridge, it can stay good for about 3-4 days.
For longer storage, I choose to freeze the soup. I allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.
It’s important to leave some space at the top of the container, as the soup will expand as it freezes. This way, it remains delicious for up to 2-3 months.
When I’m ready to enjoy it again, I thaw it overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheating is simple. I warm it gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat. Stirring occasionally helps keep the consistency smooth.
If it gets too thick, I add a little broth or water to adjust the texture.
If leftovers are plentiful, I make sure to follow these steps to savor the flavors of my sausage and tortellini soup again. This method ensures my soup retains its taste and texture. Following these tips helps make the most of whatever portion is left after serving.
Is Sausage and Tortellini Soup Healthy
When considering Sausage and Tortellini Soup, it’s important to look at the ingredients used.
Italian sausage is flavorful but can be high in saturated fats and sodium. Choosing lean sausage or turkey sausage can reduce these amounts.
Tortellini is typically made with cheese, adding protein but also calories. Using fresh or homemade vegetable-filled tortellini can increase fiber and vitamins.
Broth choice impacts healthiness too. I often opt for a low-sodium chicken broth to reduce salt intake. This helps control blood pressure while still offering rich flavors.
Including plenty of vegetables, like carrots, celery, and onions, adds essential nutrients and fiber. These vegetables contribute to the soup’s aroma and are packed with vitamins.
Adding leafy greens, such as spinach or kale, boosts the soup’s nutritional value. These greens introduce antioxidants and vitamin K, important for health.
For a creamy version, you can use a splash of cream, but swapping it for low-fat alternatives or plant-based milk can cut calories. Adding spices like red pepper flakes or Italian seasoning boosts flavor without extra calories.
By adjusting ingredients like meats and adding a variety of vegetables, you can balance flavor and nutrition in Sausage and Tortellini Soup. Making these adjustments turns a classic, hearty dish into a healthier choice for any meal.
Nutrition Fact in List Form
When I dig into sausage and tortellini soup, here’s what I focus on for its nutrition facts:
- Calories: Depending on the serving size, it ranges from around 150 to 643 calories.
- Protein: Averages about 19% of the total energy, providing essential building blocks for the body.
- Fat: This soup can contain up to 44% fat, including saturated fat.
- Carbs: Carbohydrates account for about 37% to 44%.
Additional Nutrients:
- Dietary Fiber: Helps with digestion. However, specific amounts may vary.
- Calcium: Important for healthy bones. It’s typically a component of such creamy soups.
- Iron: A good source, assisting in energy metabolism.
- Vitamin C: Although not prominently featured, vegetables in the soup may offer some benefits.
- Potassium: Important for heart health and fluid balance. It’s also present in veggies within the soup.
The warmth and richness of this soup balance taste with a dense nutritional profile. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or enjoying it alone, knowing these details helps me make informed dietary choices every time I savor this dish. The blend of carbs, protein, and fats makes it both delicious and satisfying, perfect for cold days.
Sausage and Tortellini Soup Recipe
Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 1 cup diced onion
- 1 cup sliced carrots
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 6 cups chicken broth low-sodium
- 1 can 14 oz diced tomatoes
- 1 tbsp tomato paste optional
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 9 oz cheese tortellini fresh or frozen
- 2 cups fresh spinach or kale
- 1/4 cup heavy cream optional
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 Parmesan rind optional
Instructions
- Heat a large pot over medium heat and cook the Italian sausage until browned. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté diced onions, sliced carrots, and minced garlic in the same pot until fragrant and softened.
- Add chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste (if using). Stir well and bring to a simmer.
- Return the sausage to the pot, season with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- Stir in the tortellini and cook according to package instructions.
- Add spinach or kale and the Parmesan rind. Cook until greens are wilted.
- For a creamy version, stir in heavy cream.
- Remove the Parmesan rind, garnish with grated Parmesan and fresh parsley, and serve hot.
Notes
- Calories: ~300
- Protein: 15g
- Carbs: 25g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Vitamin C: 30% DV
- Calcium: 15% DV
