This hearty and flavorful sausage tortellini soup is perfect for a cozy dinner. It’s packed with delicious Italian sausage, fresh vegetables, and cheesy tortellini, making it a complete meal in a bowl.
Ingredients:
1 lb Italian sausage (sweet or spicy, your choice)
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)
4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
1 (9 oz) package cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
2 cups fresh spinach (or kale)
1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
Parmesan cheese, grated (for serving)
Instructions:
Cook the Sausage:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, crumble and cook the Italian sausage over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
Sauté Vegetables:
Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Add Tomatoes and Broth:
Stir in the diced tomatoes (with juices), chicken or vegetable broth, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the mixture to a boil.
Cook Tortellini:
Reduce the heat to a simmer and add the tortellini. Cook according to the package instructions, usually about 3-5 minutes for fresh tortellini or 7-9 minutes for frozen.
Add Spinach and Cream:
Once the tortellini is cooked, stir in the fresh spinach and heavy cream. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the spinach is wilted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve:
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley or basil. Top with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Serving Suggestions:
Enjoy this soup with crusty bread or garlic bread on the side for a complete meal.
For added flavor, consider a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of balsamic vinegar.
This sausage tortellini soup is comforting and satisfying, making it a perfect dish for chilly evenings!