Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe

I discovered this gem of a recipe while looking for a quick, one-pot dinner idea that still felt like a comforting, homemade meal. It’s now a staple in my household – not only because it’s easy to make but also because everyone, from picky eaters to soup enthusiasts, loves it. Let’s dive into what makes this soup so special!

Why You’ll Love This Sausage Tortellini Soup

Get ready to add a new favorite to your dinner rotation! This Sausage Tortellini Soup isn’t just a recipe – it’s a time-saving, crowd-pleasing solution for busy nights.

First, it’s incredibly quick and easy. In under 30 minutes, you’ll have a piping-hot bowl of deliciousness ready to serve. That’s faster than waiting for takeout and so much more satisfying.

The flavors in this soup are absolutely unbeatable. The robust, seasoned sausage, creamy tortellini, and tangy tomato broth blend together beautifully, creating a dish that’s rich and deeply satisfying.

It’s also a one-pot wonder, which means less cleanup! You’ll only need a single pot to cook everything, making this a dream recipe for anyone short on time or energy.

Lastly, this soup is customizable. Want to add more veggies? Prefer a spicier broth? You can easily tailor it to suit your tastes, making it as versatile as it is delicious.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this Sausage Tortellini Soup lies in its simple yet flavor-packed ingredients. Here’s what makes each component essential:

• Italian Sausage: This is the backbone of the soup’s flavor. You can use sweet, mild, or hot sausage depending on your preference. Crumble and brown it for a deliciously savory base.
• Cheese Tortellini: These little pasta pillows are the star of the show. They cook quickly and add a creamy, cheesy bite to every spoonful. Fresh or frozen varieties both work beautifully.
• Crushed Tomatoes: A can of crushed tomatoes gives the soup its rich, tangy base. Look for high-quality brands to ensure a vibrant flavor.
• Chicken Broth: Using chicken broth as the base keeps the soup light yet flavorful. Opt for low-sodium broth if you prefer to control the saltiness.
• Baby Spinach: A handful of fresh spinach stirred in at the end adds color, nutrients, and a subtle earthiness to balance the richness of the broth.

You’ll also need staples like onion, garlic, olive oil, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for depth and spice. A sturdy stockpot or Dutch oven is all the equipment required to bring it all together.

How to Make Sausage Tortellini Soup

Making this Sausage Tortellini Soup is as simple as can be, yet the results feel gourmet. Let’s break it down step by step:

1. Cook the Sausage: Start by heating a drizzle of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up into crumbles as it cooks. Once browned and cooked through, remove it with a slotted spoon and set aside.
2. Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot, toss in diced onion and minced garlic, stirring until fragrant and softened. These aromatics create the base of the soup’s flavor.
3. Build the Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and crushed tomatoes, then stir in a touch of Italian seasoning and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
4. Add Tortellini: Gently add the cheese tortellini to the simmering soup. Cook according to the package instructions, usually about 3-5 minutes, until tender and heated through.
5. Finish with Spinach: Stir in a few handfuls of baby spinach just before serving. The heat of the soup will wilt the spinach perfectly without overcooking it.

Serve piping hot, garnished with grated Parmesan and a side of crusty bread for dipping. From start to finish, this recipe takes just about 30 minutes!

Storage Options

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, this Sausage Tortellini Soup stores beautifully!

• Refrigerator: Store cooled soup in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Be aware that the tortellini may soak up some of the broth over time, so you might want to add a splash of extra broth when reheating.
• Freezer: If you plan to freeze the soup, it’s best to do so without the tortellini, as they can become mushy upon reheating. Freeze the broth and sausage mixture in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw, reheat, and add fresh tortellini.

To reheat, simply warm the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot.

Variations and Substitutions

The beauty of this soup is its flexibility. Here are a few ways to make it your own:

• Protein Swap: Try using ground turkey, chicken sausage, or even a plant-based sausage alternative for a lighter twist.
• Vegetarian Option: Skip the sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken. Add extra veggies like zucchini or mushrooms for more flavor.
• Spicier Version: Use hot Italian sausage or add a generous dash of cayenne pepper to the broth for some extra heat.
• Creamy Upgrade: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half just before serving to make the broth luxuriously creamy.
• Gluten-Free: Look for gluten-free tortellini to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

Don’t be afraid to experiment – this soup is forgiving and delicious no matter how you customize it!

Warm, hearty, and oh-so-satisfying, this Sausage Tortellini Soup is destined to become a family favorite. Whether you’re curled up on the couch on a chilly evening or serving a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe delivers comfort and flavor in every bite. What will your twist on this classic be?

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