Welcome to the cozy world of homemade soup! I can’t tell you how much joy it brings me to whip up a big pot of sausage tortellini soup. It’s one of those recipes that wraps you in warmth, perfect for chilly evenings or when you need a little comfort food. Honestly, what could be better than a hearty soup filled with cheesy tortellini, savory sausage, and vibrant greens? It’s so simple to make, even if you’re just starting out in the kitchen! I love how quickly it comes together—within 30 minutes, you can have a delicious meal that feels like a warm hug. Plus, the delightful aroma that fills your home while it simmers is just unbeatable. Trust me, you’re going to want to keep this recipe close!
Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious sausage tortellini soup. I’ve made sure to keep it simple and straightforward, just like the recipe itself!
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
- 1 package cheese tortellini (9 oz)
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Make sure to gather everything before you start! It keeps the cooking process smooth and stress-free. Trust me, once you have all these ingredients prepped, you’ll be on your way to a comforting bowl of soup in no time!
How to Prepare Sausage Tortellini Soup
Now that you’ve got your ingredients ready, let’s dive into making this delicious sausage tortellini soup! I promise, it’s a straightforward process that even beginners can master. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a warm, comforting soup in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Brown the Sausage
Start by heating a large pot over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes until it’s nicely browned and no longer pink. You want to see those golden edges—this adds flavor, so don’t rush it!
Sauté Onion and Garlic
Once the sausage is browned, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Stir everything together and let it cook for about 3-4 minutes until the onion turns soft and translucent. This step is super important because it builds that fantastic flavor base!
Add Broth and Tomatoes
Now, pour in the chicken broth and add the can of diced tomatoes. Make sure to stir well to combine all those yummy flavors. Bring it to a gentle boil—this should take just a couple of minutes.
Cook Tortellini
Once boiling, add your cheese tortellini and sprinkle in the Italian seasoning. Let everything boil for about 3-4 minutes. This step is crucial because you want the tortellini to be cooked through and tender. After that, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer for another 5 minutes.
Incorporate Spinach
Finally, stir in the fresh spinach and cook for just another minute or two until it’s wilted down. It’s amazing how vibrant and healthy this makes your soup look!
Season and Serve
Before you serve, give it a taste and season with salt and pepper. You can adjust it to your liking. Serve hot in bowls and enjoy every comforting spoonful of your homemade sausage tortellini soup!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional information for a hearty bowl of sausage tortellini soup. Keep in mind that these values can vary slightly based on the specific ingredients you use, but this will give you a good idea of what to expect!
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Cholesterol: 50mg
This soup is not just comforting but also a great source of protein and flavor. Enjoy each bowl knowing it’s packed with wholesome goodness!
Tips for Success
Here are some handy tips to ensure your sausage tortellini soup turns out perfectly every time. These little nuggets of wisdom can help you avoid common mistakes and elevate your cooking game!
- Don’t rush the browning: Allow the sausage to brown nicely. This adds a depth of flavor that makes your soup taste amazing. Keep an eye on it, and let it get those lovely golden bits!
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh spinach and high-quality sausage can make a huge difference in flavor. If you can, opt for fresh tortellini from the deli section instead of frozen!
- Adjust the seasoning: Don’t be shy about tasting as you go! If it needs a little more salt or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a kick, go for it! Everyone’s palate is different.
- Leftover love: If you have leftovers, they can thicken up as they sit in the fridge. Just add a splash of broth when reheating to get that soupy goodness back!
- Mix it up: Feel free to experiment! Adding in some diced carrots or bell peppers can add sweetness and color. Different types of sausage, like spicy or sweet, can change the flavor profile beautifully.
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be well on your way to making a delicious sausage tortellini soup that everyone will love! Enjoy the process and have fun with it!
Variations
One of the best things about sausage tortellini soup is how versatile it is! You can easily switch things up to match your taste or what you have on hand. Here are some fun ideas to get those creative juices flowing:
- Swap the sausage: Try using different types of sausage like spicy Italian for a kick, or chicken sausage for a lighter option. You can even go meatless with a hearty vegetable sausage if you’re looking for a vegetarian twist!
- Add more veggies: Feel free to toss in some diced carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini for added nutrition and color. Just sauté them with the onion and garlic at the beginning so they soften nicely!
- Mix up the greens: Instead of spinach, you could add kale or Swiss chard. Just chop them up and toss them in at the end until they wilt. They add a lovely earthy flavor!
- Change the broth: Experiment with using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a different flavor base. It’s a great way to keep it light and fresh!
- Try different tortellini: Use different fillings in your tortellini, like mushroom or spinach and ricotta. This can add a new layer of taste that makes the soup even more exciting!
These variations can keep your sausage tortellini soup interesting and tailored just for you! So don’t be afraid to get a little adventurous in the kitchen—your taste buds will thank you!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Leftover sausage tortellini soup can be a lifesaver for busy weeknights! Here’s how to store it properly and reheat it without losing any of that delicious flavor.
First things first, let your soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. This helps avoid any condensation that could make your soup watery. You can store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure you label it with the date so you know when it was made!
If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the soup! Just pour it into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little room at the top for expansion. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply transfer it to the fridge to thaw overnight before reheating.
When it’s time to reheat, I recommend doing it on the stovetop for the best results. Pour the soup into a pot and heat it over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until it’s warmed through. If it seems a bit thick after sitting, feel free to add a splash of chicken broth or water to get it back to that perfect soup consistency.
Alternatively, if you’re in a hurry, you can microwave it! Just make sure to use a microwave-safe bowl, cover it loosely to allow steam to escape, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating.
With these simple steps, your sausage tortellini soup will taste just as amazing on day two (or three or four!) as it did when you first made it. Enjoy those cozy leftovers!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just 30 minutes from start to finish, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute meals. It’s so simple that even beginner cooks can whip it up with confidence!
- Comfort in a Bowl: There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm bowl of soup. The combination of savory sausage, cheesy tortellini, and fresh spinach makes for a cozy meal that feels like a hug on a chilly day.
- Flavor Galore: Each spoonful is packed with flavor! The hearty sausage, aromatic garlic, and zesty tomatoes come together to create a rich and satisfying soup that will have you coming back for seconds.
- Customizable: One of the best parts about this recipe is its versatility! You can easily mix and match ingredients to suit your taste—whether it’s trying different types of sausage or adding extra veggies, the possibilities are endless!
- Perfect for Leftovers: This soup stores beautifully, making it an excellent meal prep option. You can enjoy it for lunch or dinner throughout the week, and it tastes even better the next day!
FAQ Section
Got questions about making sausage tortellini soup? No worries! Here are some common queries that can help you navigate this delightful recipe.
Q1. Can I use frozen tortellini instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen tortellini works just as well. Just add it directly to the soup without thawing, and give it an extra minute or two of cooking time. It’s super convenient and still delicious!
Q2. What type of sausage is best for this soup?
I love using Italian sausage because it adds so much flavor, but feel free to experiment! You can try spicy sausage for a kick, or chicken sausage for a lighter option. Just pick what you enjoy most!
Q3. How can I make this soup vegetarian?
Great question! To make a vegetarian version, simply substitute the sausage with your favorite plant-based sausage or omit it entirely. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and load up on extra veggies to keep it hearty!
Q4. Can I add more vegetables to the soup?
Definitely! This soup is super flexible. You can add diced carrots, bell peppers, or even mushrooms. Just sauté them with the onion and garlic to get them nice and tender before adding the broth.
Q5. How do I store leftovers properly?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Just remember to let it cool completely before storing!
For more information on the health benefits of spinach, check out this article. You’ll be amazed at how nutritious this leafy green is!
To learn more about the different types of tortellini and their fillings, visit this guide. It’s a great resource for pasta lovers!
Print
Sausage Tortellini Soup: 5 Steps to Comforting Goodness
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A comforting and hearty sausage tortellini soup perfect for beginners.
Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
- 1 package cheese tortellini (9 oz)
- 2 cups spinach
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot, brown the sausage over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until onion is soft.
- Pour in chicken broth and diced tomatoes. Stir well.
- Add tortellini and Italian seasoning. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 5-7 minutes or until tortellini is cooked.
- Add spinach and cook until wilted.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot and enjoy.
Notes
- Use a different type of sausage for varied flavors.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots or bell peppers.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: sausage tortellini soup, easy soup recipe, beginner soup recipe