Easy Sausage and Tortellini Soup
introduction
Sausage and Tortellini Soup is a delightful and comforting dish that warms you up from the inside out. Perfect for chilly evenings or when you’re feeling under the weather, this soup combines the heartiness of Italian sausage, the soft bite of tortellini, and the nutritious punch of fresh spinach. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and speed—making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something wholesome without spending hours in the kitchen.
why make this recipe
There are plenty of reasons to whip up a batch of Easy Sausage and Tortellini Soup. First and foremost, it’s a one-pot dish, which means less cleanup for you. Furthermore, its ingredients are easy to find, and it comes together in just about 30 minutes. This soup is not only delicious but also packed with protein, vitamins, and minerals. With its satisfying flavors and textures, it’s a family-friendly meal that even picky eaters will love. Plus, who doesn’t enjoy a cozy bowl of soup to brighten their day?
how to make Easy Sausage and Tortellini Soup
Ingredients :
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 1 package tortellini (about 9 ounces)
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 ounces)
- 2 cups spinach
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil
- Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
Directions :
- Prepare the Base: In a large pot, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. It’s important to keep stirring so they don’t burn.
- Cook the Sausage: Add the Italian sausage to the pot, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until the meat is browned and fully cooked, about 5-6 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally for even cooking.
- Add Broth and Tomatoes: Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This helps all the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Cook the Tortellini: Stir in the tortellini and let it cook for 5-7 minutes or until tender and al dente. Keep an eye on it, as tortellini can cook quickly.
- Incorporate Spinach: Add the spinach to the pot, stirring until it wilts, which should take about 2 minutes. The spinach will add a lovely color and nutritional boost.
- Season the Soup: Season with salt and pepper to taste. A little goes a long way, so add gradually and adjust as per your preference.
- Serve Hot: Serve the soup hot, optionally sprinkled with Parmesan cheese for added flavor and richness. Enjoy your delicious bowl of warmth!
how to serve Easy Sausage and Tortellini Soup
To serve Easy Sausage and Tortellini Soup, ladle the hot soup into bowls. For a delightful garnish, sprinkle each bowl with some freshly grated Parmesan cheese. You might also consider serving it with crusty bread or warm garlic bread on the side. This helps soak up all the delicious broth and makes for a hearty meal. A fresh garden salad can also be a nice accompaniment to your soup, rounding out the meal beautifully. Enjoy your comforting dish with family and friends for a cozy dining experience!
how to store Easy Sausage and Tortellini Soup
If you find yourself with leftovers, you can easily store the Easy Sausage and Tortellini Soup for future meals. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. If you want to store it for a longer time, you can freeze it. Just remember to leave out the tortellini if you plan to freeze, as it can become mushy upon reheating. Instead, you can cook the tortellini fresh when you are ready to enjoy the soup again. Frozen soup can last for up to three months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge before warming it up on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.
tips to make Easy Sausage and Tortellini Soup
- Choose Your Sausage: The type of Italian sausage you choose can change the flavor significantly. You can go for sweet or spicy Italian sausage based on your taste preference.
- Homemade Broth: If you have homemade chicken broth, use it for even more flavor. Your soup will taste richer and more satisfying.
- Add More Veggies: Feel free to sneak in other vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini for extra nutrition and color. Just chop them small to ensure they cook through in the same time as the onions.
- Fresh Herbs: If you have fresh herbs like basil or parsley, toss them in at the end for an added layer of flavor.
- Don’t Overcook the Spinach: Spinach cooks quickly, so add it just a few minutes before you’re ready to serve to maintain its bright color and fresh nutrients.
variation
If you want to mix things up a bit, there are several delicious variations of this recipe you can try:
- Creamy Version: For a creamier soup, add a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese after adding the broth and tomatoes. Stir until incorporated.
- Low Carb Option: Swap the tortellini with zucchini noodles or palmini noodles for a low-carb version of this dish.
- Vegetarian Delight: Replace the sausage with plant-based sausage or omit it entirely, adding extra vegetables to maintain the heartiness of the soup.
- Spicy Kick: Consider adding some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick!
FAQs
Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes! You can use frozen tortellini; just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions. Add it to the pot directly without thawing.What can I use instead of spinach?
Kale is a great substitute for spinach if you prefer a sturdier green. Additionally, you can use Swiss chard or even frozen greens if you don’t have fresh ones on hand.Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! This soup can be made in advance. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or freeze it for later. Just remember to add the tortellini when reheating.Is this soup gluten-free?
Traditional tortellini is not gluten-free, but you can find gluten-free pasta versions in stores. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free if you follow a gluten-free diet.How can I adjust the serving size?
This recipe easily scales up or down. Simply multiply the ingredients based on how many servings you need, keeping the proportions similar.
Easy Sausage and Tortellini Soup
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free (if using gluten-free tortellini)
Description
A delightful one-pot soup combining Italian sausage, tortellini, and spinach, perfect for chilly evenings.
Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 1 package tortellini (about 9 ounces)
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 ounces)
- 2 cups spinach
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil
- Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the Italian sausage to the pot, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5-6 minutes.
- Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in the tortellini and cook for 5-7 minutes or until tender and al dente.
- Add the spinach, stirring until it wilts, about 2 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, optionally with Parmesan cheese on top.
Notes
For a creamy soup, add heavy cream or cream cheese. Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days in the fridge, or freeze without tortellini for up to three months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg