As the days get cooler and the nights longer, there’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of comfort to lift your spirits. This Easy Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup is a delicious, hearty meal that brings the flavors of Italy right to your table.
With spicy sausage, tender tortellini, and a rich, savory broth, it’s a dish that promises to satisfy. Perfect for busy evenings, this one-pot wonder is as easy to make as it is to enjoy.
Gather your ingredients, and let’s get cooking!
Steps
- In a large saucepan, melt oil and butter over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in minced garlic and flour, cooking for an additional minute.
- Pour in vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Add Italian seasoning, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Stir well, taste the broth, and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Add cheese tortellini and cook for a few minutes until the tortellini are tender.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in fresh spinach, parmesan cheese, and cream. Mix until well combined.
- Serve the tortellini soup warm, garnished with chopped fresh basil and additional parmesan cheese if desired.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 package (20 ounces) refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- ½ cup cream or half-and-half
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil, chopped, for garnish
Nutritional Values
Calories: 472kcal | Carbohydrates: 46g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 74mg | Sodium: 1490mg | Potassium: 545mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 2518IU | Vitamin C: 20mg | Calcium: 286mg | Iron: 4mg
FAQ
- Can I make this tortellini soup ahead of time?
- Absolutely! This tortellini soup is perfect for preparing in advance. You can either make it earlier in the day or just before dinner, as it takes only about 30 minutes to cook.
- What type of tortellini is best for this soup?
- Refrigerated tortellini is recommended because it is both budget-friendly and tastier compared to the dry packaged variety. Additionally, it cooks more quickly, making it ideal for this recipe.
- How should I store and freeze the tortellini soup?
- For storage, keep the soup covered in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. If you wish to freeze it, prepare the soup up to the point before adding the tortellini. Allow it to cool, then store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, reheat the soup, add the tortellini, and cook until tender before stirring in the spinach, parmesan cheese, and cream.
- Can I add meat or extra vegetables to this soup?
- Yes, you can enhance the soup by adding cooked ground sausage or additional vegetables such as celery, shredded carrot, baby broccoli, chopped kale, or zucchini. Add these ingredients while sautéing the onion for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Is it possible to make this soup in a slow cooker?
- Certainly! To use a slow cooker, sauté the onion first, then transfer it to the crockpot. Add all ingredients except the tortellini, spinach, parmesan cheese, and cream. Cook on low for 4-5 hours, adding the tortellini in the last 30 minutes. Stir in the spinach, parmesan cheese, and cream just before serving.
Tips
- Use Refrigerated Tortellini: Opt for refrigerated tortellini rather than the dried version, as it is more affordable, tastes better, and cooks faster.
- Customize with Extra Vegetables: Enhance the soup’s nutrition and flavor by adding extra vegetables you have on hand, such as celery, shredded carrot, or chopped zucchini, while sautéing the onion.
- Consider Making Sausage Tortellini Soup: For a heartier version, add cooked ground sausage along with the onion at the beginning of the recipe.
- Freeze Before Adding Tortellini: If you plan to freeze the soup, do so before adding the tortellini. When reheating, bring the soup to a boil, add the tortellini, and cook until tender before finishing with spinach, parmesan cheese, and cream.
Equipment
- Large Saucepan or Stockpot – If you don’t already have a suitable large saucepan or stockpot for cooking the soup, you might consider purchasing one.
- Crockpot (optional) – If you want to try the crockpot variation of the recipe, you might need a crockpot if you don’t already own one.
- Freezer Safe Containers – For storing or freezing leftover soup.
- Immersion Blender (optional) – While not explicitly mentioned, if you prefer a smoother texture, you might consider using an immersion blender.
