Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup

$To make a tasty Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup, you need simple ingredients. Here’s what to gather: - 1 pound Italian sausage (choose sweet or spicy) - 1 medium onion, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 4 cups chicken broth - 2 cups fresh spinach - 1 package (9 oz) cheese tortellini - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste These ingredients form the base of your soup. The sausage adds flavor, while the tortellini gives it heartiness. You can enhance this soup with several tasty additions. Consider these options: - Carrots, diced, for sweetness and color - Celery, diced, for extra crunch - Red pepper flakes, for some heat - Fresh herbs like thyme or basil, for freshness These additions can make your soup even richer and more enjoyable. Garnishing your soup makes it look nice and adds flavor. Here are some ideas: - Grated Parmesan cheese, for a salty touch - Chopped fresh parsley, for color and freshness - A drizzle of olive oil, for richness These garnishes not only add visual appeal but also enhance the taste. Enjoy your delicious and creamy soup! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start with a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 pound of Italian sausage. Break it up with a spatula as it cooks. You want it browned, which takes about 5-7 minutes. If there is too much fat, drain it. Now, add 1 medium diced onion to the pot. Cook it for about 3-4 minutes until it softens. Next, stir in 3 minced garlic cloves. Cook for another minute until the garlic smells great. Pour in 4 cups of chicken broth. Bring the mix to a gentle simmer. Once it simmers, add 1 package (9 oz) of cheese tortellini. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Cook the tortellini according to the package, usually 3-5 minutes. You want the tortellini to be tender but not mushy. Once the tortellini is ready, stir in 2 cups of fresh spinach. Then add 1 cup of heavy cream. Let the soup simmer for another 2-3 minutes. This helps the spinach wilt and heats the soup through. Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. Enjoy your creamy sausage tortellini soup! Pick high-quality Italian sausage for great flavor. Look for fresh sausage at the store. You can choose sweet or spicy based on your taste. Sweet sausage adds a nice balance, while spicy sausage gives more kick. Check the ingredients to avoid fillers. Always go for sausage made with real meat. To get the creamiest soup, use heavy cream. Add it at the end of cooking. This keeps the cream from curdling. Stir it in slowly and let it heat gently. You can also blend a bit of the soup for extra creaminess. Using fresh spinach adds a nice touch and keeps the texture light. Avoid overcooking the tortellini. Follow package instructions closely. Overcooked tortellini can become mushy. Don’t skip draining the sausage fat if there is too much. This helps keep the soup from being greasy. Lastly, taste as you go. Adjust the salt and pepper for your perfect flavor. Pro Tips Choose Your Sausage Wisely: The type of Italian sausage you use will greatly affect the flavor of your soup. Sweet sausage offers a mild flavor, while spicy sausage adds a kick. Feel free to mix both for a balanced taste! Fresh Spinach Boost: Adding the spinach at the end of cooking ensures it retains its vibrant color and nutrients. If you prefer a stronger spinach flavor, you can add it earlier in the cooking process. Perfect Creaminess: For a richer soup, consider using half-and-half or a combination of heavy cream and whole milk. This will give you a creamy texture without being overly heavy. Garnish for Flavor: Don't skip the Parmesan and parsley garnish! They not only enhance the presentation but also add layers of flavor that elevate the overall dish. {{image_2}} If you want a meat-free version, swap the sausage for mushrooms. Use about 1 pound of sliced mushrooms. They add great flavor and texture. You can also add more veggies like zucchini or carrots for extra nutrients. For protein, use beans or lentils. They make the soup hearty and filling. To boost the flavor, try adding sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers. These ingredients add sweetness and depth. You could also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. This makes the soup lighter and adds a nice herb taste. For a spicy kick, sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes. If you can’t find tortellini, don’t worry! You can use any small pasta. Try shells, ditalini, or even elbow macaroni. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time. Cook the pasta according to package directions before adding it to the soup. This way, the texture stays just right. You can store leftover creamy sausage tortellini soup in an airtight container. Let the soup cool first. Then, place it in the fridge. It stays fresh for about 3-4 days. Make sure to label the container with the date. This helps you keep track of how long it has been stored. If you want to freeze the soup, use a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top for expansion. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. When you want to eat it, move it to the fridge overnight. This helps it thaw slowly and safely. Reheat the soup on the stove over medium heat. Stir it often to prevent sticking. If the soup is too thick, add a splash of broth or cream. Heat until it is hot all the way through. You can also use a microwave, but stir halfway to heat evenly. Enjoy your warm bowl of soup! To make creamy sausage tortellini soup gluten-free, use gluten-free tortellini. Many stores sell this option. Also, check the chicken broth label. Some brands add gluten. This way, you still enjoy the same rich taste without gluten. Yes, you can use frozen tortellini! Just add it to the pot straight from the freezer. Increase the cooking time by a few minutes. Frozen tortellini cooks well in the soup and still tastes great. This soup stays fresh in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Store it in an airtight container. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. I suggest pairing this soup with fresh bread or a side salad. Garlic bread works well too! These sides add crunch and flavor, making your meal even better. This blog post covered all you need to make creamy sausage tortellini soup. We explored the main ingredients, tasty additions, and garnishes to enhance flavor. I shared step-by-step instructions to guide you through cooking. Tips helped you choose the right sausage and avoid common mistakes. We also looked at delicious variations and storage tips for leftovers. Now, grab your ingredients and get cooking! Enjoy your warm bowl of soup.$

A rich and hearty soup featuring Italian sausage, cheese tortellini, and fresh spinach in a creamy broth.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 6

Ingredients

1 pound Italian sausage
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups chicken broth
2 cups fresh spinach
1 package (9 oz) cheese tortellini
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
to taste salt
to taste pepper
for garnish grated Parmesan cheese
for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

In a large pot over medium heat, add the Italian sausage, breaking it up as it cooks. Sauté until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Add the diced onion to the pot and continue to cook for about 3-4 minutes until the onion is softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Add the tortellini and Italian seasoning to the pot. Cook according to package instructions, usually about 3-5 minutes.
Once the tortellini is tender, stir in the fresh spinach and heavy cream. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts, and the soup is heated through.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.

Notes

Adjust the spiciness of the sausage based on preference.

Keyword creamy, Italian, sausage, soup, tortellini