Tortellini Soup with Italian Sausage & Spinach is a comforting and hearty dish that warms you up on chilly nights. This delightful soup combines savory Italian sausage, tender cheese tortellini, and fresh spinach in a rich tomato broth. Ideal for weeknight dinners, it’s quick to prepare and packed with flavors that will please the whole family. Whether you serve it as a main course or a starter, this soup brings a taste of Italy right to your table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can have this delicious meal ready in under an hour.
- Flavorful Combination: The blend of Italian sausage, cheese tortellini, and fresh spinach creates a mouthwatering taste experience.
- Versatile Meal: Perfect for cozy dinners or gatherings, this soup is suitable for any occasion.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with nutrients from spinach and tomatoes, this dish is both filling and nourishing.
- One-Pot Wonder: Less cleanup means more time enjoying your meal with loved ones.
Tools and Preparation
To make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable, gather these essential tools before starting.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Essential for simmering the soup ingredients together effectively.
- Chef’s knife: A good knife makes chopping vegetables quick and easy.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements ensure consistent flavor every time you make Tortellini Soup.
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
- 9 ounces refrigerated tortellini
For the Spinach & Serving
- 2 cups packed fresh spinach
- 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
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat.
1. Add the diced onion and cook until soft, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Stir in the minced garlic for another minute until fragrant.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage
Add the ground Italian sausage to the pot.
1. Break it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Broth
Once the sausage is cooked through, pour in the canned crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth.
1. Stir in fresh basil along with salt and pepper to taste.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer for about 10 minutes.
Step 4: Incorporate Tortellini
Add the refrigerated tortellini into the soup.
1. Allow it to cook according to package instructions, usually about 3-5 minutes.
Step 5: Finish with Spinach
Stir in the fresh spinach until wilted.
1. This should take just 2-3 minutes; adjust seasoning if necessary.
Step 6: Serve Hot
While the soup simmers:
1. Toast baguette slices with butter until golden brown.
2. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and top with freshly shredded Parmesan cheese before serving alongside toasted baguette slices.
Enjoy your homemade Tortellini Soup with Italian Sausage & Spinach!
How to Serve Tortellini Soup with Italian Sausage & Spinach
Tortellini soup with Italian sausage and spinach is not just a meal; it’s an experience. Serving this delightful soup can enhance its flavors and create a cozy atmosphere for your dinner table.
With Crusty Bread
- Fresh Baguette: Serve warm baguette slices alongside the soup for dipping.
- Garlic Bread: Add a buttery, garlicky twist to complement the flavors.
With a Fresh Salad
- Caesar Salad: The creamy dressing and crunchy croutons balance the soup’s richness.
- Spinach Salad: A light spinach salad with a lemon vinaigrette can refresh the palate.
With Cheese Toppings
- Freshly Grated Parmesan: Sprinkle on top for added flavor.
- Mozzarella Balls: Add for creaminess that melts beautifully in the warm soup.
As a Family Meal
- Serve in large bowls for a comforting family-style dinner.
- Encourage everyone to share their favorite toppings and sides.
How to Perfect Tortellini Soup with Italian Sausage & Spinach
Perfecting your tortellini soup will make every bowl memorable. Here are some tips to elevate your dish.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs enhance flavors far better than dried options.
- Cook pasta separately: To prevent overcooking, cook tortellini separately and add them just before serving.
- Adjust seasonings: Taste as you go! Add salt, pepper, or more garlic according to your preference.
- Let it simmer: Allowing the soup to simmer melds the flavors beautifully. Aim for at least 20 minutes.
- Store properly: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stove.
Best Side Dishes for Tortellini Soup with Italian Sausage & Spinach
Pairing side dishes with tortellini soup enhances your dining experience. Here are some delicious options:
- Garlic Bread: This classic side adds a savory crunch that pairs perfectly with the soup.
- Caprese Salad: Fresh tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella bring a bright flavor contrast.
- Antipasto Platter: A variety of cured meats, cheeses, and olives offer a delightful appetizer option.
- Vegetable Stir-Fry: A light stir-fry can add freshness and crunch to your meal.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned roasted veggies provide a nutrient-rich side that complements the soup well.
- Stuffed Mushrooms: These savory bites add elegance and flavor to your meal spread.
- Cheese Toasts: Quick to prepare, they offer cheesy goodness perfect for dipping into the soup.
- Mixed Greens Salad: A simple salad with vinaigrette offers freshness without overpowering the main dish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many people make simple mistakes when preparing Tortellini Soup with Italian Sausage & Spinach. Here are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them:
- Skipping the sautéing step: Not cooking the sausage and onion before adding other ingredients can lead to uneven flavors. Always start by sautéing these for a richer taste.
- Overcooking the tortellini: If you cook the tortellini for too long, they can become mushy. Follow package instructions closely and add them at the right moment.
- Ignoring seasoning: Failing to season your soup properly can result in bland flavors. Taste as you go and adjust salt and pepper accordingly.
- Using low-quality broth: The broth is the base of your soup. Using a low-quality broth can negatively affect the overall taste. Opt for a good-quality vegetable or chicken broth.
- Not adding spinach last: Adding spinach too early may cause it to wilt excessively. Incorporate it just before serving for a fresh touch.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Tortellini Soup with Italian Sausage & Spinach in an airtight container.
- It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing Tortellini Soup with Italian Sausage & Spinach
- You can freeze the soup in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
- It’s best used within 2-3 months for optimal flavor.
Reheating Tortellini Soup with Italian Sausage & Spinach
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the soup in an oven-safe dish, covering it with foil to prevent drying out.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl on high for 2-4 minutes, stirring halfway through until hot.
- Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a saucepan, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Tortellini Soup with Italian Sausage & Spinach that might help you:
Can I use frozen tortellini in this soup?
Yes, you can use frozen tortellini! Just add them directly to the soup; they may take a minute or two longer to cook.
How can I make this soup vegetarian?
To create a vegetarian version, substitute ground Italian sausage with plant-based sausage or mushrooms and use vegetable broth.
What should I serve with Tortellini Soup with Italian Sausage & Spinach?
This delicious soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like carrots or zucchini for extra nutrition and texture.
Final Thoughts
Tortellini Soup with Italian Sausage & Spinach is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for any weeknight dinner. Its rich tomato broth combined with cheesy tortellini and savory sausage makes it truly irresistible. Don’t hesitate to customize it by adding your favorite veggies or spices!
Tortellini Soup with Italian Sausage & Spinach
Tortellini Soup with Italian Sausage & Spinach is the ultimate comfort food for chilly nights. This hearty soup features savory Italian sausage, tender cheese tortellini, and fresh spinach swimming in a rich tomato broth. With its vibrant flavors and nourishing ingredients, this dish is not only quick to prepare but also perfect for family dinners or gatherings. In less than an hour, you can serve a warm bowl of Italian-inspired goodness that everyone will love. Whether enjoyed as a main course or a starter, this soup will bring the taste of Italy straight to your table.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- 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
- 2 tablespoons fresh chopped basil
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 9 ounces refrigerated tortellini
- 2 cups packed fresh spinach
- 6 baguette slices
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 tablespoons freshly shredded Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté diced onion until soft, then add minced garlic.
- Incorporate ground Italian sausage and cook until browned.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth; season with basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add tortellini and cook according to package instructions (about 3-5 minutes).
- Stir in fresh spinach until wilted (2-3 minutes).
- Serve hot with toasted baguette slices and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
