Sausage Tortellini Soup

Sausage Tortellini Soup is a very simple and quick meal, that’s as easy to make as it is delicious.

We combine Italian sausage with cheese tortellini and fresh vegetables, all simmered together in a rich broth. It’s easy to make and sure to satisfy everyone at the table.

Ingredients

• 1 lb mild or spicy Italian sausage
• 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
• 2 celery stalks, finely diced
• 1 large carrot, finely diced
• 5 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tsp ground fennel seeds
• 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 14 oz tortellini
• ¼ cup heavy cream
• 2 handfuls spinach
• Shredded Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions

1. Cook the Sausage
   • Heat a Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Cook until the sausage is mostly browned.
2. Add the Vegetables
   • When the sausage is mostly cooked, add the finely diced onion, carrot, and celery to the pot. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.
3. Incorporate Garlic and Spices
   • Add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and ground fennel seeds to the pot. Stir everything together and cook for a few more minutes until fragrant, making sure to stir to prevent the garlic from burning.
4. Add Tomato Paste
   • Stir in the can of tomato paste, mixing well to combine with the sausage and vegetables. Cook for a couple of minutes to allow the tomato paste to meld with the other ingredients.
5. Pour in Chicken Broth
   • Add the 6 cups of chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits (this adds great depth to the soup). Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15 minutes.
6. Add Cream, Tortellini, and Spinach
   • Stir in the ¼ cup of heavy cream, then add the tortellini and spinach to the pot. Mix everything together to combine. Keep the soup at a low simmer and cook until the tortellini are al dente, following the package instructions (usually about 7-10 minutes).
7. Serve
   • Once the tortellini are cooked and the spinach has wilted, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Ladle the soup into bowls and top with shredded Parmesan cheese. Enjoy your hearty Sausage Tortellini Soup!

What Else Can I Serve With This?

This soup is satisfying on its own, but pairing it with some additional sides can make your meal even more delightful:

• Crusty Bread: A slice of warm, crusty bread or garlic bread is perfect for dipping into the soup and soaking up the delicious broth.
• Side Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the rich soup. Consider a simple mixed greens salad or a classic Caesar salad.
• Grilled Vegetables: Lightly grilled or roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus can complement the soup’s hearty ingredients.
• Antipasto Platter: An assortment of olives, cheeses, cured meats, and marinated vegetables can make for a delightful starter or side.

Storage Instructions

If you have leftovers, here’s how to store your Sausage Tortellini Soup:

• Refrigeration: Allow the soup to cool to room temperature. Transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, you might need to add a bit more broth or water, as the tortellini can absorb some liquid over time.
• Freezing: To freeze the soup, it’s best to do so before adding the tortellini and spinach, as the pasta can become mushy when thawed and reheated. Prepare the soup up to the point before adding these ingredients. Cool it completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight, bring it to a simmer, and add the tortellini and spinach, cooking until tender.
• Reheating: Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. If the soup has thickened, add a splash of broth or water to reach your desired consistency.