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To make Italian sausage tortellini soup, gather these ingredients: - 1 lb Italian sausage (sweet or spicy) - 1 medium onion, chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 2 carrots, diced - 2 celery stalks, diced - 6 cups chicken broth - 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried basil - 1 package (9 oz) cheese tortellini - 2 cups fresh spinach - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Grated Parmesan cheese for serving - Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional) You can swap some ingredients based on what you have. Here are a few ideas: - Use ground turkey or chicken instead of Italian sausage for a lighter option. - If you don’t have fresh spinach, use kale or Swiss chard. - Swap chicken broth for vegetable broth for a vegetarian twist. - Canned diced tomatoes can be replaced with fresh tomatoes if you prefer. - You can also use gluten-free tortellini if you need a gluten-free option. Keep your ingredients fresh for the best flavor. Here are some tips: - Store fresh veggies in the fridge in a moisture-controlled bag. - Use fresh herbs like basil within a few days to enjoy their full taste. - Keep your cheese tortellini sealed and in the fridge until you’re ready to use it. - If using fresh spinach, wash and dry it just before adding it to the soup. - Try to use fresh sausage rather than pre-packaged ones for a better taste. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Start by gathering your ingredients. You need Italian sausage, onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. 2. Chop one medium onion and mince three cloves of garlic. 3. Dice two carrots and two celery stalks into small pieces. 4. Open your can of diced tomatoes. You’ll use these later. 1. In a large pot, heat one tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. 2. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes. The onion should look clear. 3. Add the minced garlic, diced carrots, and celery. Stir and cook for 5 more minutes. 4. Remove the casing from one pound of Italian sausage. Add it to the pot. 5. Break the sausage into smaller pieces. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until brown. 6. Pour in 6 cups of chicken broth and the can of diced tomatoes. 7. Add one teaspoon of dried oregano and one teaspoon of dried basil. Stir everything well. 8. Bring the soup to a simmer. Let it cook for 10 minutes. This helps the flavors blend. 9. Add one package of cheese tortellini. Cook according to the package, usually 3 to 5 minutes. 10. Stir in 2 cups of fresh spinach until it wilts. Season with salt and pepper to taste. 1. Serve the soup hot in bowls. 2. Top with grated Parmesan cheese for a tasty finish. 3. Add fresh basil leaves if you like a pop of color and flavor. To boost flavor, use quality sausage. Sweet or spicy, both work well. Fresh herbs can add a bright note. Try using fresh basil instead of dried. A splash of lemon juice can add zest too. For a richer taste, sauté the garlic until golden. This caramelizes it and draws out the sweetness. Adding a dash of red pepper flakes can bring a nice heat. Prep your veggies ahead of time. Chop and store them in the fridge. This cuts down on cooking time. Use pre-packaged tortellini. They cook fast and are easy to find. You can also make this soup in a slow cooker. Just brown the sausage first, then add everything else. Let it cook on low for a few hours. This gives the flavors time to deepen. Don’t skip the seasoning! Without salt and pepper, the soup can taste flat. Avoid overcrowding the pot with too many ingredients. This can lead to uneven cooking. Make sure to follow the cooking times for tortellini. Overcooked pasta can become mushy and lose texture. Lastly, don’t add spinach too early. Stir it in just before serving for the best flavor and color. Pro Tips Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil and oregano can elevate the flavor of your soup. Add them towards the end of cooking for a vibrant taste. Cook Tortellini Separately: For a firmer texture, consider cooking the tortellini separately and adding it to the soup just before serving. Add a Kick: If you like it spicy, consider adding red pepper flakes when browning the sausage for an extra layer of heat. Store Wisely: If you have leftovers, store the tortellini separately from the broth to prevent it from becoming mushy in the fridge. {{image_2}} You can easily make a vegetarian version of this soup. Use plant-based sausage instead of Italian sausage. You can find many great brands at the store. Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth for a rich base. Add more veggies like mushrooms or zucchini for extra flavor. This makes the soup hearty and delicious. To make a low-carb version, skip the tortellini. Instead, use cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. These options keep the soup filling without the carbs. You can also add more leafy greens, like kale or Swiss chard, for bulk. This way, you enjoy a tasty soup while sticking to your diet goals. You can change the soup's flavor by adding different herbs and spices. Try fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for a different taste. For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes. Experimenting with lemon juice or vinegar can brighten the flavors too. Don't hesitate to adjust the recipe to fit your taste buds! To store your Italian sausage tortellini soup, let it cool first. Transfer it to an airtight container. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you plan to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, pour the soup into a pot. Heat it over medium heat until it warms through. You can also use the microwave. Just place it in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between. If you want to freeze the soup, do so before adding the tortellini and spinach. This will keep the textures nice. Pour the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or bags. Make sure to leave some space for expansion. It can last in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight, then reheat as mentioned above. Yes, you can use frozen tortellini. Just add them to the soup during the last few minutes of cooking. This allows them to cook right in the broth. Frozen tortellini cooks well and saves time. You can use vegetable broth for a vegetarian option. Water will work too, but it may lack flavor. You might also try beef broth for a richer taste. Adjust seasonings as needed to balance the flavors. To store the soup, let it cool completely. Place it in an airtight container. It can last up to four days in the fridge. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it. Absolutely! Adding more vegetables is a great way to boost nutrition. Consider using zucchini, bell peppers, or green beans. Just chop them small so they cook quickly and blend well in the soup. The soup lasts about four days in the fridge. Make sure it’s well-sealed in a container. If you notice any off smells or changes in texture, it’s best to toss it out. We explored the key ingredients and smart substitutions to make your dish shine. I shared easy step-by-step instructions, including tips for freshness and serving suggestions. You learned how to enhance flavor and save time while avoiding common mistakes. Finally, I provided storage tips and answered frequently asked questions. With these insights, you can create a delicious Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup that fits your needs and preferences. Happy cooking!

Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup

A hearty and flavorful soup featuring Italian sausage, cheese tortellini, and fresh vegetables.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb Italian sausage
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 2 stalks celery, diced
  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 package (9 oz) cheese tortellini
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • for serving grated Parmesan cheese
  • optional fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until translucent.
  • Add the minced garlic, carrots, and celery. Stir and cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften.
  • Remove the sausage from its casing and add it to the pot. Break the sausage into smaller pieces as it cooks. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Pour in the chicken broth and add the diced tomatoes, oregano, and basil. Stir to combine.
  • Bring the soup to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
  • Add the cheese tortellini to the pot and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 3-5 minutes.
  • Finally, stir in the fresh spinach until wilted, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Serve the soup hot in bowls, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves if desired.

Notes

Feel free to adjust the spice level by choosing sweet or spicy sausage.
Keyword comfort food, Italian sausage, soup, tortellini