Tortellini Soup with Italian Sausage & Spinach is a comforting dish perfect for any occasion. This hearty soup combines flavorful Italian sausage, tender cheese tortellini, and fresh spinach in a rich tomato broth. It’s an ideal choice for cozy weeknight dinners or gatherings with friends and family. The balance of ingredients creates a delightful meal that warms the soul, making it a standout recipe in your collection.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This tortellini soup can be prepared in just 45 minutes, making it a fantastic option for busy evenings.
- Flavorful Comfort: The combination of Italian sausage and fresh herbs ensures every spoonful bursts with flavor.
- Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with spinach and tomatoes, this soup offers essential vitamins while being delicious.
- Versatile Meal: Perfect as a main dish or a side, this soup fits various dining occasions, from casual family dinners to special gatherings.
- Perfectly Cozy: The warming nature of this soup makes it ideal for chilly nights or when you need a little comfort food.
Tools and Preparation
To make Tortellini Soup with Italian Sausage & Spinach, gather your tools and prepare your space. Having the right equipment will make the cooking process smooth and efficient.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board
- Knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Essential for cooking the soup evenly and allowing all ingredients to meld together.
- Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring without scratching your cookware, ensuring even mixing of flavors.
Ingredients
For the Soup Base
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 pound ground Italian Sausage
- 1/2 cup diced onion (about 1/2 medium sized onion)
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
- 32 ounces vegetable broth (chicken works too)
- 2 tablespoons fresh chopped basil
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
For the Tortellini and Greens
- 9 ounces refrigerated tortellini
- 2 cups packed fresh spinach
For Serving
- 6 Baguette slices (about 1/3 of a baguette)
- 1 tablespoon Butter
- 2 tablespoons Freshly shredded Parmesan Cheese
How to Make Tortellini Soup with Italian Sausage & Spinach
Step 1: Sauté the Base
- In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
- Add the ground Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon.
- Stir in the diced onion and minced garlic; cook until the onion becomes translucent.
Step 2: Build the Broth
- Pour in the canned crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth.
- Add fresh chopped basil along with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil.
Step 3: Cook the Tortellini
- Reduce heat to low once boiling. Add the refrigerated tortellini to the pot.
- Let simmer for about 5 minutes until tortellini is cooked through.
Step 4: Add Spinach
- Stir in the fresh spinach until wilted, which should take about 2 minutes.
Step 5: Prepare for Serving
- While simmering, toast baguette slices with butter until golden brown.
- Ladle soup into bowls, sprinkle with freshly shredded Parmesan cheese, and serve hot alongside toasted baguette slices.
How to Serve Tortellini Soup with Italian Sausage & Spinach
Serving Tortellini Soup with Italian Sausage & Spinach is all about enhancing the cozy experience. This hearty soup pairs well with various toppings and sides that complement its rich flavors.
Top with Fresh Ingredients
- Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top for a savory finish.
- Fresh Basil: Add a few basil leaves for a burst of freshness.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: For those who enjoy some heat, a pinch of crushed red pepper can elevate the dish.
Pair with Bread
- Baguette Slices: Serve warm baguette slices to soak up the delicious broth.
- Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread adds flavor and crunch alongside your soup.
Create a Salad Combo
- Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad offers crisp romaine and creamy dressing, balancing the warmth of the soup.
- Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil provide a refreshing side that complements the Italian theme.
How to Perfect Tortellini Soup with Italian Sausage & Spinach
Perfecting your Tortellini Soup with Italian Sausage & Spinach is easy with a few helpful tips. These suggestions will help enhance the flavors and textures of your dish.
- Use High-Quality Sausage: Select fresh, flavorful Italian sausage for the best taste in your soup.
- Fresh Herbs Matter: Incorporating fresh basil instead of dried enhances the aroma and flavor significantly.
- Don’t Overcook Tortellini: Add tortellini in the last few minutes of cooking to prevent them from becoming mushy.
- Adjust Seasoning Carefully: Taste before adding salt; broth may already contain enough sodium.
- Experiment with Greens: While spinach works great, you can also try kale or Swiss chard for added nutrition.
- Add Lemon Juice: A splash of lemon juice at serving brightens up the flavors beautifully.
Best Side Dishes for Tortellini Soup with Italian Sausage & Spinach
Pairing side dishes with your Tortellini Soup can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some delightful options to consider.
- Garlic Bread: Crunchy and flavorful, perfect for dipping into the soup.
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine and creamy dressing make this classic salad a great complement.
- Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella and tomatoes add brightness that balances Richness in the soup.
- Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes, garlic, and basil enhances the Italian flavors.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add color and nutrients to your meal.
- Antipasto Platter: A mix of olives, cheeses, and cured meats pairs wonderfully with this hearty soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Tortellini Soup with Italian Sausage & Spinach can be delightful, but there are common pitfalls that can hinder your cooking experience.
- Using the wrong sausage: Selecting a low-quality or overly greasy sausage can affect the flavor of your soup. Choose high-quality Italian sausage for the best results.
- Overcooking the tortellini: If you cook the tortellini too long, they can become mushy. Follow package instructions closely and add them in the last few minutes of cooking.
- Neglecting seasoning: A bland soup can ruin your dish. Always taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper before serving to enhance flavors.
- Skipping fresh ingredients: Relying solely on dried herbs instead of fresh basil can lead to a less vibrant taste. Opt for fresh herbs whenever possible.
- Forgetting about garnishes: Skipping the Parmesan cheese or fresh basil as a garnish means missing out on extra flavor. Always finish your soup with a sprinkle of cheese or herbs.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing Tortellini Soup with Italian Sausage & Spinach
- Use freezer-safe containers to prevent freezer burn.
- Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
Reheating Tortellini Soup with Italian Sausage & Spinach
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F, place soup in an oven-safe dish covered with foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Place soup in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat in a pot, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about making Tortellini Soup with Italian Sausage & Spinach.
Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes, frozen tortellini works perfectly! Just add them directly to the soup without thawing.
How do I make Tortellini Soup vegetarian?
To make Tortellini Soup with Italian Sausage & Spinach vegetarian, substitute the sausage with plant-based sausage and use vegetable broth.
Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to include veggies like carrots or bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor.
What goes well with this soup?
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a light salad for a complete meal.
Final Thoughts
This Tortellini Soup with Italian Sausage & Spinach is a cozy dish perfect for any weeknight dinner. Its rich flavors and comforting ingredients make it versatile enough to suit various tastes. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or spices. We hope you enjoy making this delightful recipe!
Tortellini Soup with Italian Sausage & Spinach
Tortellini Soup with Italian Sausage & Spinach is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends and family. This hearty soup features flavorful Italian sausage, tender cheese tortellini, and vibrant spinach, all simmered in a rich tomato broth. With its satisfying blend of ingredients, every bowl warms the soul and delights the taste buds. In just 45 minutes, you can whip up this nourishing dish that not only tastes amazing but also fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
- 32 ounces vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
- 9 ounces refrigerated tortellini
- 2 cups packed fresh spinach
- Freshly shredded Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Add ground Italian sausage, cooking until browned while breaking it apart.
- Stir in diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion is translucent.
- Pour in crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth; add salt, pepper, and fresh basil. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low and add tortellini. Simmer for about 5 minutes until cooked through.
- Stir in fresh spinach until wilted (about 2 minutes). Serve hot with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
