Sausage Tortellini Comfort Soup

$- 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy) - 1 medium onion, diced finely - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 2 medium carrots, diced into small pieces - 2 celery stalks, diced - 6 cups chicken broth (low-sodium preferred) - 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme) - 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped - 1 package (9 ounces) cheese tortellini - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - Grated Parmesan cheese for serving - Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish You can swap the Italian sausage with turkey sausage or chicken sausage for a lighter meal. Fresh herbs can replace dried ones for a brighter flavor. If you want a vegetarian version, use veggie broth and omit the sausage. Fresh spinach is best, but frozen spinach works, just thaw and drain it well. Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels. - Large pot or Dutch oven - Wooden spoon or spatula - Cutting board - Knife - Measuring spoons and cups - Ladle for serving - Bowls for serving These tools help you create a warm, hearty meal easily. Make sure your pot is big enough to hold all the ingredients. A good knife makes chopping quick and fun! {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by gathering all your ingredients. This makes cooking easier. - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 pound Italian sausage - 1 medium onion, diced finely - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 2 medium carrots, diced into small pieces - 2 celery stalks, diced In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the Italian sausage. Use a spoon to break it into smaller pieces. Cook until it turns brown, about 5-7 minutes. Next, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Stir well and cook for another 2-3 minutes. You want the onion to be translucent. After that, toss in the diced carrots and celery. Cook for another 5-6 minutes until the veggies soften. Once your veggies are ready, pour in 6 cups of chicken broth. Add 1 can of undrained diced tomatoes as well. Stir everything until it mixes well. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of dried Italian herbs. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Increase the heat slightly and bring your soup to a gentle simmer. Let it cook uncovered for about 10 minutes. This helps the flavors blend nicely. Now it's time to add the tortellini. Stir in 1 package of cheese tortellini. Cook according to the package instructions, usually about 4-5 minutes. You want them tender but not mushy. Next, gently fold in 1 cup of roughly chopped fresh spinach. Let it wilt in the soup for about 1 minute. This keeps it bright and fresh. Taste your soup and adjust the seasoning if needed. Add more salt or pepper if desired. Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your hearty and easy meal! To boost flavor in your sausage tortellini soup, herbs and spices are key. I recommend using dried Italian herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme. This mix brings warmth and depth. Fresh herbs like parsley can add a bright touch. Don't forget to season with salt and black pepper. This simple step can make a huge difference! One common mistake is not browning the sausage enough. This step adds great flavor to the soup. Another pitfall is overcooking the tortellini. Keep an eye on them; they should be tender but not mushy. Finally, avoid adding too much broth at once. It's better to add gradually. This way, you control the soup's thickness. For a cozy meal, serve your soup in rustic bowls. A drizzle of olive oil on top gives a nice shine. Pair the soup with crusty bread for dipping. This combination offers a hearty and satisfying experience. You can also add a side salad for freshness. A simple green salad complements the rich flavors perfectly. Pro Tips Choose Your Sausage Wisely: Select a high-quality Italian sausage for the best flavor. If you're unsure, you can mix mild and spicy sausages for a balanced taste. Fresh Herbs for Flavor: If possible, use fresh herbs instead of dried for a brighter flavor profile. Add them towards the end of cooking to retain their freshness. Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for added nutrition and color. Just make sure they cook down in the same time frame as the carrots and celery. Perfect Tortellini Texture: To prevent the tortellini from becoming mushy, add them to the soup towards the end of the cooking process, following the package instructions closely. {{image_4}} If you have dietary needs, you can make simple swaps. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free tortellini. You can use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a lighter taste. If you want to lower fat, choose lean turkey sausage. Swap out heavy cream with almond milk for a dairy-free option. Always make sure to read labels to avoid allergens. You can easily switch the sausage for other meats. Ground turkey or chicken gives a lighter flavor. If you want a smoky taste, try chorizo. You can even add diced ham for a different twist. Each meat adds its own unique flavor, so feel free to experiment! For a vegetarian or vegan soup, leave out the meat. You can add more veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini. Use plant-based tortellini for a vegan option. Instead of chicken broth, use vegetable broth. Adding beans or lentils boosts protein and adds heartiness. This way, you keep the soup filling and nutritious without meat. To store your sausage tortellini comfort soup, let it cool first. Pour it into an airtight container. Make sure to leave some space at the top. This helps the soup expand if it freezes. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. When you are ready to eat, reheating is easy. Pour the soup into a pot. Heat it on medium-low. Stir it often to avoid sticking. You can also microwave it in a bowl. Cover it loosely. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between until it's hot. If you want to freeze the soup, do it right after it cools. Use freezer-safe containers. Leave space at the top for expansion. The soup can last in the freezer for about three months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat as mentioned above. Enjoy a warm bowl anytime! Yes, you can make this soup ahead of time. It keeps well in the fridge for up to three days. Just let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container. When you're ready to eat, simply reheat it over medium heat. The flavors will deepen and taste even better! You can add many healthy options. Try adding: - Kale or Swiss chard for added greens. - Chickpeas for extra protein and fiber. - Zucchini for a boost of vitamins. - Bell peppers for color and crunch. These additions can make the soup heartier and more nutritious. To thicken the soup, you have a few easy options. You can: - Add a bit of cornstarch mixed with water. Stir this in and let it cook for a few minutes. - Blend a small amount of the soup and stir it back in for a creamy texture. - Use mashed potatoes or cooked rice to thicken it naturally. These methods will give you a nice, hearty consistency. This soup recipe gives you all you need to know. We explored key ingredients, tools, and steps. You learned tips to enhance flavor and avoid mistakes. Variations let you customize it for any diet. Proper storage and reheating keep leftovers tasty. By following these steps, you can make a delicious meal that warms you inside and out. Enjoy your cooking journey!$

Sausage Tortellini Comfort Soup

A hearty and flavorful soup featuring Italian sausage, tortellini, and fresh vegetables, perfect for a cozy meal.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 20

Total Time 35

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 6

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
1 medium onion, diced finely
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 medium carrots, diced into small pieces
2 stalks celery, diced
6 cups chicken broth, low-sodium preferred
1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped
1 package (9 ounces) cheese tortellini
to taste salt
to taste freshly ground black pepper
for serving grated Parmesan cheese
for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the Italian sausage. Cook the sausage, using a spoon to break it into smaller pieces, until it is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Stir well and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent. Then, add the diced carrots and celery, cooking for another 5-6 minutes until the vegetables soften.
Pour in the chicken broth along with the undrained diced tomatoes. Stir everything together until well combined.
Sprinkle in the dried Italian herbs and season the mixture with salt and black pepper to suit your taste.
Increase the heat slightly and bring the soup to a gentle simmer. Let it cook uncovered for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Stir in the cheese tortellini, cooking according to package instructions, typically around 4-5 minutes until they become tender and al dente.
Gently fold in the fresh spinach and let it wilt in the soup for about 1 minute, ensuring it retains its vibrant color.
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt or pepper if desired.
Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and a few fresh parsley leaves on top before serving.

Notes

Serve the soup in rustic bowls, drizzling a little additional olive oil on top for a shiny finish. Pair with crusty bread for dipping for a hearty meal.

Keyword comfort food, sausage, soup, tortellini