Description
This hearty Sausage Tortellini Soup combines savory Italian sausage, tender three cheese tortellini, and fresh vegetables simmered in a flavorful broth enriched with Parmesan and cream. Perfect for a comforting weeknight meal, this soup is easy to make and packed with delicious Italian-inspired flavors.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage (casing removed)
- 1 medium sweet onion (diced)
- 2 carrots (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon fennel seeds
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 4 cups chicken stock
- 1 (3-inch) Parmesan rind (optional)
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
Main Ingredients
- 1 (9-ounce) package refrigerated three cheese tortellini
- 3 cups coarsely chopped fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 3 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
Instructions
- Cook Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add Italian sausage and cook until browned, about 3-5 minutes, breaking it up into crumbles as it cooks.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add diced onion and carrots to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally until tender, about 5 minutes.
- Add Seasonings and Garlic: Stir in minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and fennel seeds. Cook until fragrant, approximately 1 minute.
- Create Roux: Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook until lightly browned, about 1 minute. This will help thicken the soup.
- Add Liquids and Simmer: Pour in chicken stock and add the Parmesan rind if using. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened, about 10 minutes.
- Cook Tortellini: Stir in the refrigerated three cheese tortellini and cook until tender, approximately 4-5 minutes.
- Add Greens and Cream: Stir in chopped fresh spinach and heavy cream. Cook until the spinach wilts, about 1-2 minutes. Then stir in the fresh chopped basil and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve: Serve the soup immediately while hot and enjoy.
Notes
- Using the Parmesan rind adds a deep, savory flavor to the broth but is optional.
- You can substitute turkey or chicken sausage for a leaner option.
- For a spicier kick, add crushed red pepper flakes with the Italian seasoning.
- Fresh tortellini is preferred but frozen tortellini can also be used; adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
