Description
Warming Italian Tortellini Soup brings comfort and richness to winter dinner tables with its robust cheese-filled pasta and aromatic herbs. Packed with tender vegetables and savory broth, this soul-satisfying meal will delight you from first spoonful to last.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 1 package (9 ounces) refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 1 (15-ounce) can white beans, drained and rinsed (optional)
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups fresh spinach or kale, chopped
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
Liquids, Seasonings, and Finishing Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cups chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream (optional, for a creamy version)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Sear the sausage in a large pot with heated olive oil, methodically breaking it into crumbly pieces until achieving a rich golden-brown color and releasing aromatic flavors.
- Introduce diced onions to the pot, sautéing until translucent and tender, then incorporate garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes, stirring briefly to awaken their intense aromatics.
- Create the soup’s foundation by pouring crushed tomatoes and chicken broth into the pot, allowing the liquid to simmer and meld flavors for approximately 10 minutes.
- Integrate white beans and leafy greens into the simmering mixture, gently cooking until the vegetables soften and wilt, infusing the broth with additional nutrients and texture.
- Carefully drop tortellini into the bubbling liquid, letting them cook according to package recommendations until they become plump and tender.
- For enhanced richness, swirl heavy cream into the soup, transforming the broth into a velvety, luxurious consistency.
- Conduct a final seasoning assessment, adjusting salt and pepper to personal preference, then ladle the steaming soup into serving bowls and garnish with freshly grated Parmesan and delicate herbs like basil or parsley.
Notes
- Sausage Selection: Choose lean Italian sausage to reduce excess grease and keep the soup lighter without compromising flavor.
- Vegetarian Twist: Swap sausage with plant-based crumbles or mushrooms for a meat-free version that maintains the soup’s hearty texture.
- Cream Consistency: Add cream gradually and simmer gently to prevent separation and achieve a smooth, velvety soup base.
- Tortellini Tips: Use fresh or frozen tortellini and add them last to prevent overcooking and maintain their delicate texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg