## Cozy Up with Creamy Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup: A Step-by-Step Recipe
As the days grow shorter and the evenings get cooler, there’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting bowl of soup to chase away the chill. And when it comes to satisfying and flavorful soups, Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup reigns supreme. This recipe combines the savory goodness of Italian sausage with the delightful chewiness of cheese-filled tortellini, all simmered in a rich and creamy tomato-based broth. It’s a complete meal in a bowl that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend lunch.
This recipe provides detailed, step-by-step instructions and helpful tips to guide you through the process. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, you’ll find this recipe easy to follow and incredibly rewarding. Let’s get started!
### Why You’ll Love This Soup
* **Flavorful and Hearty:** The combination of Italian sausage, aromatic vegetables, and cheesy tortellini creates a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave you feeling satisfied and content.
* **Easy to Make:** This recipe is surprisingly simple to prepare, requiring minimal effort and readily available ingredients.
* **Customizable:** Feel free to adjust the ingredients and seasonings to suit your taste preferences. Add more vegetables, swap the sausage, or use a different type of broth – the possibilities are endless!
* **Perfect for Meal Prep:** This soup is even better the next day, making it a great option for meal prepping. Make a big batch on Sunday and enjoy it throughout the week.
* **Comfort Food at Its Best:** There’s just something about a warm bowl of soup that evokes feelings of comfort and nostalgia. This Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup is the ultimate comfort food.
### Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you begin, gather the following ingredients:
* **Italian Sausage:** 1 pound, removed from casings (sweet, mild, or hot – your choice!)
* **Olive Oil:** 2 tablespoons
* **Onion:** 1 medium, chopped
* **Carrots:** 2 medium, chopped
* **Celery:** 2 stalks, chopped
* **Garlic:** 3 cloves, minced
* **Dried Italian Seasoning:** 2 teaspoons
* **Red Pepper Flakes:** 1/4 teaspoon (optional, for a little heat)
* **Canned Crushed Tomatoes:** 28 ounces
* **Chicken Broth:** 6 cups (low sodium recommended)
* **Cheese Tortellini:** 9-12 ounces, fresh or frozen
* **Heavy Cream:** 1/2 cup
* **Fresh Spinach:** 5 ounces, roughly chopped
* **Grated Parmesan Cheese:** For garnish
* **Fresh Basil:** For garnish (optional)
* **Salt and Black Pepper:** To taste
### Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these detailed instructions to create the perfect Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup:
**Step 1: Brown the Sausage**
* Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
* Add the Italian sausage, removed from its casings, to the pot. Break it up with a spoon.
* Cook the sausage, stirring occasionally, until it is browned and fully cooked through. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Drain off any excess grease.
**Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables**
* Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot with the cooked sausage.
* Cook the vegetables, stirring occasionally, until they are softened and slightly translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
**Step 3: Add Garlic and Seasonings**
* Add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the pot.
* Cook for another minute, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant.
**Step 4: Add Tomatoes and Broth**
* Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth into the pot.
* Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
* Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes, to allow the flavors to meld together. The longer it simmers, the more flavorful the soup will become.
**Step 5: Add Tortellini**
* Add the cheese tortellini to the simmering soup.
* If using fresh tortellini, cook for about 3-5 minutes, or until they are tender and float to the surface. If using frozen tortellini, cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are cooked through.
**Step 6: Stir in Cream and Spinach**
* Stir in the heavy cream to make the soup richer and creamier.
* Add the chopped spinach to the soup and stir until it wilts, which should only take a minute or two.
**Step 7: Season and Serve**
* Season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste. Be sure to taste it first before adding salt, as the sausage and broth may already contain salt.
* Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil (if using).
* Serve immediately and enjoy!
### Tips and Variations
* **Sausage Options:** Feel free to experiment with different types of Italian sausage. Sweet Italian sausage will provide a milder flavor, while hot Italian sausage will add a spicy kick. You can also use turkey Italian sausage for a leaner option.
* **Vegetable Variations:** Add other vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the soup for added nutrients and flavor.
* **Broth Alternatives:** If you don’t have chicken broth, you can use vegetable broth or even beef broth. Just be sure to adjust the seasonings accordingly.
* **Spice Level:** Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the spice level of the soup. If you’re sensitive to spice, omit the red pepper flakes altogether.
* **Cream Cheese Option:** For an extra creamy soup, stir in a couple of tablespoons of cream cheese along with the heavy cream.
* **Make it Vegetarian:** Omit the sausage and use vegetable broth to make a vegetarian version of this soup. Add some white beans or chickpeas for extra protein.
* **Gluten-Free Option:** Use gluten-free tortellini to make this soup gluten-free.
* **Add Beans:** Cannellini beans or Great Northern beans are a great addition for extra protein and fiber.
* **Slow Cooker Version:** This soup can easily be made in a slow cooker. Brown the sausage and sauté the vegetables as directed. Then, transfer everything to a slow cooker and add the remaining ingredients (except the tortellini, spinach, and cream). Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Stir in the tortellini, spinach, and cream during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
* **Freezing Instructions:** This soup freezes well. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
### Serving Suggestions
This Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup is a complete meal on its own, but you can also serve it with:
* **Crusty Bread:** Perfect for soaking up the delicious broth.
* **Side Salad:** A light salad will complement the richness of the soup.
* **Garlic Bread:** For an extra dose of garlicky goodness.
### Nutritional Information (Approximate)
* Calories: 450-550 per serving (depending on ingredients and portion size)
* Protein: 25-35g
* Fat: 25-35g
* Carbohydrates: 30-40g
*Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.*
### Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
**Q: Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?**
A: Yes, you can use frozen spinach. Be sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out any excess water before adding it to the soup.
**Q: Can I make this soup ahead of time?**
A: Absolutely! This soup is even better the next day as the flavors have had time to meld together. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
**Q: Can I use a different type of cheese for the tortellini?**
A: Yes, you can use tortellini filled with other cheeses like ricotta or mozzarella. You can even use meat-filled tortellini, although this will change the overall flavor profile of the soup.
**Q: My soup is too thick. How can I thin it out?**
A: Add a little more chicken broth or water to thin the soup out to your desired consistency.
**Q: My soup is not thick enough. What do I do?**
A: You can add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) to the soup while it’s simmering to thicken it. Another option is to blend a small portion of the soup using an immersion blender and then stir it back into the pot.
**Q: Can I add other herbs besides Italian seasoning?**
A: Yes, feel free to add other herbs like oregano, thyme, or rosemary to enhance the flavor of the soup.
**Q: Can I use fire-roasted tomatoes?**
A: Yes! Fire-roasted tomatoes will add a deeper, smokier flavor to the soup.
### Conclusion
This Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion. Its rich flavors, hearty ingredients, and easy preparation make it a go-to recipe for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. So gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to enjoy a delicious and comforting bowl of soup that will warm you from the inside out. Happy cooking!