Warm up your kitchen and your heart with a bowl of Sweet Italian Sausage and Tortellini Soup! This delightful Italian classic combines the rich flavors of savory sausage, tender tortellini, and vibrant spinach in a comforting broth that will make your taste buds dance. Perfect for chilly evenings or when you're craving a hearty meal, this soup is not only quick to prepare but also incredibly satisfying. Dive into this recipe and discover how easy it is to whip up a delicious dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound sweet Italian sausage
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 package cheese tortellini
- 2 cups spinach
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 pound of sweet Italian sausage, 1 chopped onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 4 cups of chicken broth, 1 can of diced tomatoes, 1 package of cheese tortellini, 2 cups of fresh spinach, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the sweet Italian sausage. Use a wooden spoon to break the sausage into smaller pieces as it cooks. Sauté until the sausage is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Once the sausage is browned, add the chopped onion to the pot. Sauté together with the sausage for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent.
- Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent the garlic from burning.
- Pour in the 4 cups of chicken broth and add the can of diced tomatoes (with their juices) to the pot. Stir to combine all the ingredients.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Add the 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the soup to simmer for about 10 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- After the soup has simmered, add the package of cheese tortellini to the pot. Cook according to the package instructions, usually around 3-5 minutes, until the tortellini is tender and cooked through.
- Once the tortellini is cooked, stir in the 2 cups of fresh spinach. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, just until the spinach is wilted.
- Remove the pot from heat and taste the soup, adjusting the seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary.
- Serve the Sweet Italian Sausage and Tortellini Soup hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy your delicious, homemade Italian soup!
Tips
- Choose Quality Sausage: For the best flavor, opt for high-quality sweet Italian sausage. You can even try using a mix of sweet and spicy sausage for a little kick!
- Prep Ahead: Chop your onions and mince your garlic in advance to save time when you start cooking. This will make the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.
- Don’t Rush the Simmer: Allow the soup to simmer for at least 10 minutes to let the flavors meld together. The longer it simmers, the more delicious it becomes!
- Fresh Spinach: Adding fresh spinach at the end ensures it retains its vibrant color and nutrients. If you prefer, you can substitute with kale or Swiss chard.
- Garnish for Extra Flavor: A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving adds a wonderful richness and depth to the soup.
- Storage Tips: This soup stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just be aware that the tortellini may absorb some broth, so you might want to add a splash of water or broth when reheating.
- Customize Your Soup: Feel free to add extra vegetables like carrots or bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor. You can also switch up the cheese tortellini for a different pasta shape if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 65mg
