This Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup is a warm hug in a bowl! With hearty sausage, tasty tortellini, and lots of veggies, it’s a big hit with everyone.
When the weather gets chilly, this soup warms me right up. Plus, it’s super easy to make—just cook, stir, and enjoy! You’ll want seconds, trust me! 🍲
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Italian Sausage: You can choose between mild or spicy sausage based on your heat preference. If you’re looking for a lighter option, ground turkey or chicken works well too! Just use the same amount for a healthier twist.
Chicken Broth: If you’re out of chicken broth, vegetable broth does the job nicely. It still gives the soup depth but might be a touch lighter in flavor. Homemade broth is also a great option if you have it!
Tortellini: I love using refrigerated cheese tortellini for this recipe, but if you can’t find it, frozen or even dried tortellini can work. Just remember to adjust the cooking time according to the type you choose.
Spinach: Fresh spinach adds nice color and nutrition, but if you have kale or Swiss chard, they can be great substitutes. Just chop them up and add them just like you would spinach.
How Do I Get the Sausage Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking the sausage well is essential for flavor. You want it browned and cooked through! Here are some tips:
- Use medium heat to avoid burning the sausage. Let it brown for about 6-8 minutes.
- Break it up into smaller pieces with a spoon to cook evenly.
- If there’s too much fat after cooking, drain it off before adding onions and garlic to keep the soup light.
What’s the Best Way to Ensure My Veggies Are Tender?
To have perfectly tender veggies, follow these steps:
- Cook the onions and garlic until translucent (3-4 minutes) before adding other ingredients. This builds flavor.
- When adding spinach, stir it in at the end for just 1-2 minutes. This keeps it vibrant and fresh.
With these tips, you’re ready to make a delicious Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup that your family will love! Happy cooking!
Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2 cups water
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 9 oz refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup takes about 10 minutes of prep time and about 20 minutes of cooking time. You’ll have a warm, mouthwatering soup ready to enjoy in just 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Sausage:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon as you cook. Let it brown until it’s fully cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. If there’s any excess fat, you can remove it from the pot for a lighter soup.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot with the sausage. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant. This step adds lots of flavor to your soup!
3. Add Liquid Ingredients:
Pour in the chicken broth, the can of diced tomatoes (with their juice), and the water. Add the dried basil, oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
4. Cook the Tortellini:
Once the soup is boiling, add the cheese tortellini. Lower the heat to medium-low and let it simmer gently for about 5-7 minutes, or until the tortellini are tender and cooked through. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking!
5. Add Fresh Spinach:
Stir in the chopped fresh spinach and cook just until it wilts, about 1-2 more minutes. This adds a pop of color and extra nutrition to your soup.
6. Season and Serve:
Before serving, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Ladle the soup into bowls and top each serving with grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley. Enjoy your hearty and comforting Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup!
Can I Use Turkey Sausage Instead of Italian Sausage?
Absolutely! Turkey sausage is a great lean alternative. Just use the same amount as you would for regular Italian sausage, and you’ll still get that delicious flavor in your soup.
What Can I Substitute for Spinach?
If you don’t have spinach on hand, kale or Swiss chard are excellent substitutes. Just chop them roughly and add them at the same stage as you would spinach, allowing them to wilt slightly.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat, or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally.
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Yes! Just swap the Italian sausage for a plant-based sausage or omit it entirely, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You’ll still have a tasty, hearty soup!