Name: Sausage Tortellini Soup: A Delicious & Easy Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 6-8 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound Italian sausage (sweet or hot, casings removed); 1 (20-ounce) package refrigerated cheese tortellini; 1 medium yellow onion, chopped; 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced; 2 stalks celery, diced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 8 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred); 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); Salt and pepper to taste; 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Sausage Tortellini Soup: the ultimate comfort food that's ready in under 30 minutes! Imagine a chilly evening, the aroma of savory Italian sausage filling your kitchen, and a warm, comforting bowl of soup waiting for you. This isn't just any soup; it's a hug in a bowl, packed with flavor and incredibly easy to make.

Tortellini, those delightful ring-shaped pasta pockets, have a rich history rooted in the Emilia region of Italy. Legend has it that a voyeuristic innkeeper, captivated by Venus's navel, created the pasta in its image! While the story might be more fanciful than factual, tortellini has certainly captured hearts (and stomachs) for centuries. Combining it with the robust flavors of sausage transforms a simple pasta into a hearty and satisfying meal.

People adore Sausage Tortellini Soup for its incredible versatility and ease. It's a one-pot wonder that's perfect for busy weeknights. The combination of savory sausage, tender tortellini, and a flavorful broth creates a symphony of textures and tastes that's simply irresistible. Plus, it's endlessly customizable! Add your favorite vegetables, herbs, or a splash of cream for an extra touch of indulgence. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this Sausage Tortellini Soup recipe is guaranteed to become a family favorite.

Ingredients:

Sausage: 1 pound Italian sausage (sweet or hot, casings removed)
Tortellini: 1 (20-ounce) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
Onion: 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
Carrots: 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
Celery: 2 stalks celery, diced
Garlic: 4 cloves garlic, minced
Chicken Broth: 8 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
Diced Tomatoes: 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
Tomato Paste: 2 tablespoons tomato paste
Heavy Cream: 1/2 cup heavy cream
Parmesan Cheese: 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons olive oil
Italian Seasoning: 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and Pepper: To taste
Fresh Parsley: 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Sautéing the Vegetables and Sausage

Prepare the Vegetables: First, let's get all our veggies prepped. Chop the onion, dice the carrots and celery, and mince the garlic. Having everything ready to go before you start cooking makes the whole process smoother.
Brown the Sausage: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it's browned and cooked through. This usually takes about 7-10 minutes. Make sure to crumble the sausage well so you don't have big chunks in your soup.
Remove Excess Grease: Once the sausage is cooked, carefully drain off any excess grease from the pot. Leaving too much grease can make the soup oily, and we want a nice, clean flavor.
Sauté the Aromatics: Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot with the sausage. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes. This step is crucial for building flavor, so don't rush it! You want the onions to become translucent and the carrots and celery to soften slightly.
Add the Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter. The aroma of garlic sautéing is one of my favorite kitchen smells!
Tomato Paste Power: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. Cooking the tomato paste helps to deepen its flavor and adds richness to the soup. Make sure to scrape the bottom of the pot to prevent it from sticking.

Simmering the Soup

Add the Liquids: Pour in the chicken broth and add the diced tomatoes (with their juices). Stir well to combine all the ingredients. The chicken broth forms the base of our soup, and the diced tomatoes add a lovely acidity and texture.
Season the Soup: Stir in the Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir and then taste the broth. Adjust the seasoning as needed to suit your preferences. Remember, you can always add more seasoning, but you can't take it away!
Simmer: Bring the soup to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together. This is a great time to relax and let the soup do its thing.

Adding the Tortellini and Finishing Touches

Cook the Tortellini: Add the cheese tortellini to the simmering soup. Cook according to the package directions, usually about 3-5 minutes, or until the tortellini are tender and float to the surface. Be careful not to overcook the tortellini, as they can become mushy.
Stir in the Cream and Parmesan: Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. The heavy cream adds a lovely richness and creaminess to the soup, while the Parmesan cheese adds a salty, savory flavor. Stir until the cheese is melted and the cream is fully incorporated.
Adjust Seasoning (Again!): Taste the soup one last time and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want to add a little more salt, pepper, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
Garnish and Serve: Ladle the sausage tortellini soup into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley and extra grated Parmesan cheese. A sprinkle of parsley adds a pop of freshness, and extra Parmesan is always a good idea!

Tips and Variations:

Spice Level: If you like a spicier soup, use hot Italian sausage or add more red pepper flakes.
Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the soup, such as spinach, kale, zucchini, or bell peppers. Just add them along with the carrots and celery.
Beans: For a heartier soup, add a can of drained and rinsed cannellini beans or kidney beans.
Herbs: Experiment with different herbs, such as oregano, basil, or thyme.
Broth: You can use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version.
Sausage Type: Ground beef or turkey sausage can be substituted for Italian sausage.
Make Ahead: The soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will actually deepen as it sits. Just add the tortellini right before serving, as they can become soggy if stored in the soup.
Freezing: This soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Again, it's best to add the tortellini after thawing and reheating to prevent them from becoming mushy.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve with a side of crusty bread for dipping.
Pair with a simple green salad.
Top with a dollop of ricotta cheese for extra creaminess.

Nutritional Information (Approximate):

(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)

Calories: Approximately 400-500 per serving
Fat: 25-35g
Protein: 20-25g
Carbohydrates: 30-40g

Conclusion:

This Sausage Tortellini Soup isn't just another recipe; it's a warm hug in a bowl, a comforting symphony of flavors that will leave you craving more. From the savory Italian sausage to the tender cheese-filled tortellini, every spoonful is an explosion of deliciousness. The rich tomato broth, infused with aromatic herbs and spices, ties everything together in perfect harmony. Trust me, this is one soup you absolutely have to try! But why is this recipe a must-try, you ask? Well, beyond the incredible taste, it's incredibly versatile and easy to customize. It's a fantastic weeknight meal that comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy families. Plus, it's a crowd-pleaser that's sure to impress even the pickiest eaters. And let's be honest, who doesn't love a good soup, especially one that's as hearty and satisfying as this one? Serving Suggestions and Variations: The beauty of this Sausage Tortellini Soup lies in its adaptability. Feel free to experiment with different types of sausage. For a spicier kick, use hot Italian sausage. For a milder flavor, opt for sweet Italian sausage or even chicken sausage. You can also add vegetables like spinach, kale, or zucchini for extra nutrients and texture. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and a dollop of ricotta cheese on top adds a touch of elegance and creaminess. For a heartier meal, serve it with a side of crusty bread for dipping. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the soup perfectly. And if you're feeling adventurous, try adding a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half for an even creamier texture. Looking for a lighter version? Use turkey sausage and low-sodium broth. You can also reduce the amount of cheese or substitute it with a lighter alternative like part-skim mozzarella. This recipe is also fantastic for meal prepping. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to four days and can be easily reheated on the stovetop or in the microwave. You can even freeze it for longer storage. Just be sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. Now it's your turn! I'm so excited for you to try this Sausage Tortellini Soup recipe. I truly believe it will become a staple in your kitchen. It's a comforting, flavorful, and versatile dish that's perfect for any occasion. Don't be afraid to get creative and put your own spin on it. Experiment with different ingredients and flavors to create a soup that's uniquely yours. Once you've made it, I'd love to hear about your experience! Share your photos and comments on social media using #SausageTortelliniSoup or tag me in your posts. I can't wait to see what you come up with! Let me know what variations you tried and how they turned out. Your feedback is invaluable and helps me improve my recipes. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to create a culinary masterpiece. Happy cooking! I hope you enjoy this Sausage Tortellini Soup as much as I do!